Long-term unemployment from plant closure - what benefits am I eligible for through NYS Department of Labor?
My factory shut down permanently 8 months ago and I'm still unemployed despite applying everywhere. This is the type of unemployment most likely to result hardship for the people who are unemployed and I'm really feeling it. I've been getting regular UI benefits but they're running out soon. Are there any extended benefits or retraining programs through NYS Department of Labor for people in my situation? The job market in my area is terrible and most openings pay half what I used to make. I have a family to support and I'm getting desperate.
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Zainab Ibrahim
You might qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your plant closure was due to foreign competition. This provides extended benefits beyond regular UI and funding for retraining programs. Contact your local One-Stop Career Center or check the NYS Department of Labor website for TAA applications. Also look into the WIOA program for additional training funds.
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Miguel Castro
•Thank you! I think foreign competition was definitely a factor in the closure. How do I prove that for the TAA application?
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Connor O'Neill
man this hits close to home, been there myself when the auto parts plant closed 3 years ago. took me almost a year to find steady work again
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Miguel Castro
•How did you survive financially during that time? Did your benefits last the whole year?
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LunarEclipse
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor agents about extended benefits, try Claimyr at claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual people instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me time when I needed to ask about my claim extensions.
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Yara Khalil
•Never heard of this service but anything is better than calling the regular number and getting hung up on after 2 hours
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Keisha Brown
THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! They expect you to live on $500/week when rent alone is $1200. Meanwhile politicians get their full salaries. Makes me sick how they treat working people in this state.
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Paolo Esposito
•I feel your frustration but focusing on available programs is more helpful right now
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Amina Toure
Have you looked into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs? They sometimes offer income support during training for in-demand careers. Also check if your county has any emergency assistance programs for displaced workers.
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Miguel Castro
•I'll call my county social services office tomorrow. Didn't know they might have programs for displaced workers specifically.
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