Is NY unemployment extending benefits in 2025? Need to know ASAP

they havnt announced any extension for 2025 yet.. i think ur cousin might be confusing it with that bill they were talking about in march but it didnt pass

The only extension currently available is for NY residents in certain counties affected by the severe winter storms from February 2025. If you're in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, or Warren counties, you might qualify for the 13-week Disaster Unemployment Assistance extension. For everyone else, standard UI benefits are still capped at 26 weeks in New York State. What you should do now is check if you qualify for the Extended Benefits (EB) program. This automatically activates when the state unemployment rate reaches certain thresholds. Last I checked, NY hasn't triggered EB, but you should verify on your online account or with an agent. Also look into other assistance programs like SNAP benefits or emergency rental assistance while you continue your job search.

What if you THINK you qualify but the system doesn't automatically enroll you?? I had a similar situation last year where I should have gotten an extension but the system never updated my account! I kept checking online every day hoping to see something change but nothing did and then my benefits just stopped?? I ended up having to call like 45 times before finally getting through to someone who manually fixed it for me. The whole system is BROKEN and they make it SO HARD to get help!!

I had the same panic last month when my benefits were about to run out. After struggling to get through on the phone for days, I used Claimyr.com to connect with an agent right away. They have this service that calls NYSDOL for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of redial hell. Their video shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent I spoke with confirmed there's no general extension for 2025 yet, but they did check my account for any other programs I might qualify for. Turns out I was eligible for some training benefits I didn't know about that gave me 13 more weeks while I take an approved online course. Definitely worth asking a live agent about ALL your options because the website doesn't show everything.

To directly answer your question: No, New York State has not announced any general extension of UI benefits for 2025 as of today. Currently, these are your options after regular UI expires: 1. 599 Training Program: If you enroll in approved training/education, you might qualify for up to 26 additional weeks of benefits through the 599 program. 2. Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Only for residents in those 5 counties mentioned above affected by the February storms. 3. Extended Benefits (EB): This automatically triggers based on state unemployment rates, but NYS has not hit the threshold to activate it yet in 2025. 4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA): If you lost your job due to foreign trade impacts, you might qualify. You absolutely should speak with a claims specialist directly. They can review your specific case and check for programs you might qualify for that aren't visible on your online account. The system doesn't always automatically identify eligibility for specialized programs. In the meantime, make sure you're still certifying weekly even after you exhaust benefits. This maintains your claim in the system in case extensions are approved later.

My neighbor's son got something called "career services unemployment extension" just last month. I don't know all the details but apparently if you work with their career counselors on their special job search program you can get more weeks. Maybe ask about that specifically when you call?

One more important thing to check - make sure you've actually used all 26 weeks of your regular benefits. Sometimes people miscalculate how many weeks they've claimed, especially if there were weeks you didn't certify or weren't eligible. Log into your account and check your payment history to confirm exactly how many weeks of benefits you've actually received and how many you have left. Also, if you worked at all during your claim (even part-time), you may have effectively "stretched out" your benefit year. For example, if you worked part-time for several weeks and received partial UI payments, those partial payments may have used less than a full week of your benefits for each calendar week that passed.

I'm actually FURIOUS that NY hasn't extended benefits with the economy being the way it is!! My brother in California got an automatic 13-week extension when his regular UI ran out in March. WHY isn't New York doing the same thing?!? The cost of living is just as high here! Has anyone heard about any bills in the state legislature about this? Maybe we should all be calling our state representatives instead of just NYSDOL!!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I've got a clearer picture now - no general extension available but possibly some options with the 599 training program. I'm going to: 1. Use Claimyr to get through to an agent this week 2. Ask specifically about the 599 Training Program 3. Continue certifying even after benefits end 4. Look into SNAP and rental assistance as backup I really appreciate all the advice. This community has been more helpful than the official website honestly.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to NYSDOL by phone, you can also try reaching out through their secure messaging system in your online account. I've had better luck getting responses that way sometimes - it takes 1-2 business days but at least you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Also, make sure you're calling right at 8am when the phone lines open, that's when you have the best chance of getting through. I know it's stressful when benefits are about to run out but hang in there and explore all your options!

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are running out next month and I'm really worried. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. I had no idea about the 599 Training Program or that you should keep certifying even after benefits end. Does anyone know if there are specific types of training that qualify for the 599 program? Like does it have to be job-related or can it be general education? I'm wondering if I could enroll in some online courses while I continue job hunting. Also, for those who have used Claimyr, is there a cost for their service?

I'm in Nassau County and just went through this exact situation last month. My regular UI benefits expired in February and I was panicking just like you are now. Here's what I learned after finally getting through to an agent: 1. The 599 Training Program is real but you need to apply BEFORE your benefits run out, not after. They won't backdate it. 2. There's also something called "Shared Work" if your previous employer offers it - basically if they're willing to reduce your hours instead of laying you off completely, you can get partial UI to make up the difference. 3. Make sure you've exhausted ALL 26 weeks. I thought I had but turns out I miscounted because of some weeks where I had partial earnings that didn't use up full benefit weeks. The key thing is to get on the phone with them ASAP. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it was worth every penny - got connected in like 20 minutes instead of calling for days. When you talk to them, ask specifically about EVERY program you might qualify for because they won't volunteer information. Also start applying for other assistance programs NOW while you still have some income coming in. It's easier to get approved when you're not completely broke yet. Good luck!

Just want to echo what others have said about getting professional help with this - I was in almost the exact same situation back in December and the stress was overwhelming. What really helped me was creating a backup plan while pursuing the official options. Here's what I'd suggest based on my experience: First, definitely try Claimyr or the secure messaging system that Nia mentioned to get through to an agent. When you do speak with someone, ask them to walk through your entire payment history with you on the call - sometimes there are partial weeks or adjustments that aren't obvious when you're looking at it yourself. Second, while you're waiting to hear back about the 599 Training Program or other options, start researching local food banks and emergency assistance programs in Queens. Many have no waiting period and can help bridge the gap if there's any delay in getting additional benefits approved. Third, consider reaching out to local workforce development centers - they sometimes have resources or grant programs that aren't widely advertised but can provide temporary assistance while you're job hunting. The uncertainty is the worst part, but you're being proactive by asking these questions now instead of waiting until the last minute. Keep us posted on what you find out!

I'm going through the same situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in Brooklyn and my benefits expire in about 2 weeks. Based on everyone's advice here, I called NYSDOL first thing this morning at 8am and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The agent confirmed what Debra and others said - no general extension for 2025, but she walked me through my payment history and found that I actually have 4 more weeks left than I thought because of some partial benefit weeks from when I did gig work in February. She also told me about a program I hadn't heard mentioned here yet - if you're over 50, there's a "Senior Community Service Employment Program" that can provide income while you do community service work and continue job searching. Might not apply to most people here but thought I'd share. For anyone still trying to get through by phone - persistence really does pay off. The agent was actually super helpful once I reached her and took time to explain all my options. Don't give up!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm in a very similar situation - my benefits are scheduled to end in about 10 days and I've been losing sleep over it. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me a much clearer roadmap of what I need to do. I'm definitely going to try calling at 8am tomorrow and also send a secure message through my online account like Nia suggested. It sounds like the key is to ask specifically about ALL available programs, not just assume they'll tell you about everything you might qualify for. One question I have after reading all of this - for those who got approved for the 599 Training Program, did you have to already be enrolled in an approved training course when you applied, or can you apply first and then find a program? I want to make sure I understand the process correctly before I speak with an agent. Also, has anyone had any luck with the workforce development centers that Melina mentioned? I'm curious what kinds of resources they actually have available. Thank you all for being so helpful and detailed with your responses - this community really is more informative than the official website!

I just went through this exact situation a few weeks ago and want to share what worked for me. Like many of you, I was panicking when my benefits were about to expire, but I managed to get some relief through the 599 Training Program. Here's my step-by-step experience: I used Claimyr (yes, it costs about $25 but totally worth it) and got connected to an agent within 30 minutes. The agent reviewed my account and confirmed I was eligible for the training program. She sent me the approved provider list via secure message the same day. I enrolled in a Google Career Certificate program through Coursera (it was on their approved list) and got approved for 26 additional weeks of benefits while completing the certification. The whole process took about 5 days from application to approval. Key tips: 1) Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your benefits expire, 2) Have 2-3 backup training options ready when you call, 3) Make sure the program leads to a recognized certificate or credential, 4) Keep all your documentation organized. The training requirement is actually pretty flexible - I'm doing the program part-time while still actively job searching. It's been a huge stress relief knowing I have income stability while building new skills. For those still waiting to get through - don't give up! The agents are generally very helpful once you reach them. And definitely start researching the approved training programs now so you're ready when you do connect with someone.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation - my benefits run out in about 2 weeks and I've been stressed out of my mind about it. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to try the Claimyr service to get through to an agent ASAP and ask specifically about the 599 Training Program. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I called my local OneStop Career Center yesterday and they actually have staff who specialize in helping people navigate UI benefits and extensions. They couldn't give me benefits directly but they walked me through all the programs people have mentioned here and even helped me identify some approved training programs that would work with my schedule. They also mentioned that some community colleges have "emergency enrollment" options for people in exactly our situation. Also, for anyone else in NYC - I found out that the city has an emergency cash assistance program that can help with rent while you're waiting for benefit decisions. You have to apply through HRA but it could be a lifeline if there's any gap in income. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - knowing I'm not alone in this and that there are actual solutions makes this so much less overwhelming!

I'm reading through all these responses and feeling so much more hopeful! I've been absolutely panicking about my benefits ending, but now I have a clear action plan. I'm going to try Claimyr first thing tomorrow morning to get through to an agent and ask specifically about the 599 Training Program. One thing that really stood out to me from everyone's advice is to keep certifying even after benefits end - I had no idea that was important and probably would have stopped doing it thinking there was no point. Also the tip about checking your payment history carefully to make sure you've actually used all 26 weeks is brilliant - I'm going to double-check that tonight. For anyone else in this situation, this thread has shown me that there are way more options and resources available than what's obvious on the NYSDOL website. The OneStop Career Centers, emergency assistance programs, workforce development centers - I'm making a list of all these backup options while I pursue the training program route. Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your experiences and knowledge. This community has been more helpful than hours of trying to navigate the official website. I'll definitely update everyone once I hear back from an agent about what options might be available to me. Fingers crossed!

I'm in a very similar boat - my benefits are set to expire in about 4 weeks and I've been frantically searching for information about extensions. This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I had no idea about the 599 Training Program or that you need to keep certifying even after regular benefits end. Based on everyone's advice, I'm planning to: 1. Try Claimyr tomorrow morning to get through to an agent quickly 2. Ask specifically about the 599 Training Program and get the approved provider list 3. Research backup options like OneStop Career Centers and emergency assistance programs 4. Double-check my payment history to make sure I understand exactly how many weeks I have left The stress of not knowing what comes next has been overwhelming, but reading about everyone's successful experiences with getting help through the system gives me real hope. It's clear that the key is being proactive and asking specifically about ALL available programs since they don't automatically tell you about everything you might qualify for. I'll definitely report back on what I learn from the agent - this community sharing real experiences is so much more helpful than trying to decode the official website alone. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge and time!