Lost my NY unemployment benefits - how to survive while finding work in 2025?

I was in your position about 4 months ago when my NY benefits expired. It's tough but there ARE options. First, immediately apply for SNAP benefits and emergency rental assistance through OTDA. Those can help bridge the gap. Second, look into rapid training programs - NY has several free ones that can get you job-ready for better-paying fields in 4-6 weeks. I did one for medical billing and had 3 job offers within a month. The pay isn't amazing but it's stable and has growth potential. Also check out workforce development centers - they often have connections with employers willing to train. Don't give up!

just wana say we all going thru it right now in NY. unemployment system is broken af and they dont care about regular ppl. my cousin had same thing happen and ended up working at amazon warehouse. not great but they hire anybody with a pulse.

I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!! Been there & STILL struggling after 6 months w/no benefits!!! NY unemployment system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and they don't care AT ALL about us!!! I applied for 87 jobs (YES I COUNTED) before getting even ONE interview!!! The whole system is RIGGED against regular working people!!! My advice - take ANYTHING to get some income flowing, even if it's below what you need, and keep looking for something better. At least you'll have SOME money coming in while you search. GOOD LUCK - WE'RE ALL GONNA NEED IT IN THIS ECONOMY!!!

One thing that saved me when I was desperate after my NY unemployment ran out was calling the NYSDOL directly to see if there were any extensions or programs I qualified for. BUT getting through on the phone is nearly impossible the normal way. I spent three days trying before a friend told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com). They connect you directly to an unemployment agent without the wait. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. Within an hour of using their service, I was talking to someone who helped me access an additional training benefit I didn't know I qualified for. It bought me enough time to find a new job. Worth looking into!

Here are some practical steps for immediate action: 1. Visit your local NY Career Center ASAP - they often have job listings that aren't posted elsewhere 2. Apply for emergency assistance programs (SNAP, HEAP for utilities, etc) 3. Consider temporary work agencies - they can place you quickly while you look for permanent work 4. Look into industries with current worker shortages - healthcare support, logistics, certain trades 5. If you have a vehicle, delivery gigs can provide immediate income For longer-term solutions, the NY state workforce development grants might be worth looking into - they can cover training for in-demand fields. The application process is a bit involved but worth it for free training that leads to good jobs.

When my unemployment ran out last month, I was in the same boat with two kids to support. I had to swallow my pride and piece together multiple streams of income. I do morning shifts at a café (6am-10am), then gig work deliveries during lunch rush, and I picked up weekend banquet server shifts at a hotel. It's exhausting but brings in about $3900/month combined. Not what I made before, but it keeps the bills paid while I continue applying for better jobs. The key is to be super organized with your time and willing to hustle in multiple places rather than waiting for one perfect job.

have u tried the call center jobs? there hiring like crazy right now and u can work from home with most of them. my sister got hired at $19/hr just last week and they trained her online

Since your benefits have expired, you should also check if you qualify for the NY Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP). If you have any skills that could translate to freelance work or starting a small business, this program allows you to work on building that while receiving some financial support and training. It's not immediate income but could be a path forward. You mentioned food service experience - some people have had success with catering, meal prep services, or specialty food businesses started through this program.

GUYS, I'M TELLING YOU THE TRUTH - THE JOB MARKET IS RIGGED!!! These companies post jobs but ALREADY KNOW who they're hiring!!! I've been on 12 interviews and NOTHING!!! They just interview us to meet their quotas!!! The whole system is BROKEN!!! Anyone else notice how they ALL use those STUPID online personality tests now??? That's how they FILTER OUT good workers they don't want to pay properly!!! NY unemployment is IN ON IT - they cut us off and force us to take POVERTY WAGES!!!

One more thought - with summer approaching, see if your local parks department is hiring seasonal staff. NY state and city parks hire thousands of seasonal workers each spring, and the pay has improved significantly - many positions start at $18-20/hour now. The work is usually straightforward, the environments are pleasant, and they often prioritize parents for positions with family-friendly hours. My neighbor did this last year and they were very accommodating with her schedule as a single parent.

Update for you: I just checked, and NY is currently offering several free training programs specifically for people transitioning from service industry jobs as part of their economic recovery initiatives. The programs range from 4-12 weeks and include healthcare support, logistics coordination, administrative services, and IT support. Here's where to find them: visit dol.ny.gov/training-opportunities and filter by "Service Industry Transition" programs. These are fully funded and many include job placement assistance afterwards.

anybody else notice how they make everything so complicated on purpose? like why cant they just help people who need it without making us jump thru 500 hoops? the whole system is designed to make you give up

One often overlooked resource is your local library. Many NY libraries now have career counselors and job search assistance programs. They can help with resume writing, interview preparation, and often have partnerships with local employers. They also typically offer free computer access and printing services for job applications. When I was job hunting, the library career center helped me completely revamp my resume, which started getting much better responses afterward.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I can't imagine how stressful it must be with three kids depending on you. I've been following this thread and wanted to add a few immediate resources that might help. First, if you haven't already, call 211 (dial 2-1-1) for emergency assistance programs in your area - they can connect you to local food banks, rent assistance, and utility help programs that can buy you some breathing room. Also, check if your kids qualify for free school meals if they don't already have them. For quick income, I'd second the delivery app suggestion - DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart are all hiring in most NY areas and you can start earning within a few days of approval. The pay varies but it's immediate cash flow. Hang in there - from reading all these responses, it's clear there are paths forward, even if it feels overwhelming right now.

I went through something similar about 8 months ago when my benefits ran out. The key thing that helped me was thinking of it as a multi-pronged approach rather than searching for just one perfect job. I ended up doing a combination of things: signed up for a temp agency that got me immediate work (even if it was just a few days a week), started doing grocery delivery through Instacart on weekends, and applied for every training program I could find. The temp work led to a permanent position after about 6 weeks. It wasn't my dream job, but it was stable income with benefits. Don't underestimate temp agencies - a lot of companies use them to test out workers before hiring them full-time. Also, with your restaurant experience, you might want to look into corporate cafeterias or hospital food service - they often pay better than regular restaurants and have more predictable hours. You've got this - it's just about surviving the gap until something better comes along.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits expired 3 weeks ago and it's terrifying. Reading through all these responses is actually giving me some hope though! I had no idea about half of these resources. One thing I wanted to add that helped me this week: I reached out to local churches and community centers even though I'm not particularly religious. A lot of them have emergency assistance programs or know about local resources that aren't well advertised. The Methodist church near me connected me with a program that helps with utility bills, and the community center had info about a job fair specifically for people transitioning out of unemployment. Also, don't be afraid to tell people you know that you're looking - I was embarrassed at first, but when I finally swallowed my pride and posted on Facebook, three different people reached out with job leads. One of them might actually turn into something. We're all in this together and there's no shame in needing help. Sending you strength!

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - you're not alone in this struggle! I've been there and it's absolutely terrifying, but there really are more options than it seems at first. One thing that worked for me was checking with local unions - even if you're not a member, some have job placement services or know about employers who are actively hiring. The hotel workers union in my area had connections that helped me get into banquet work pretty quickly. Also, if you have any certifications from your restaurant work (like food safety or alcohol service), make sure to highlight those - they transfer to a lot of different industries like grocery stores, event venues, even some retail positions. I'm rooting for you and your family - based on all the great advice in this thread, it sounds like you have a solid action plan forming. Take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to take that first temporary job while you keep looking for something better. You've got this!

I'm jumping in here because I just went through this exact same situation 2 months ago - NY benefits expired, three kids, former restaurant worker, the whole thing. It's absolutely terrifying but you WILL get through this. Here's what actually worked for me: I applied for emergency SNAP and HEAP the same day my benefits ended (don't wait - the approval process takes time). Then I hit up every single temp agency in my area in one day - brought copies of my resume and was working within 48 hours doing warehouse shifts. Not glamorous but it kept food on the table. The game changer was when I found out about NY's Rapid Response services - they're specifically for people who've exhausted unemployment. They connected me with a 6-week customer service training program that was completely free and included job placement help. I'm now working full-time at a credit union making $22/hour with full benefits. The key is to take ANY income while you build toward something better. Also, hit up local food pantries immediately - there's no shame in feeding your kids. You're a good parent doing whatever it takes. This community has given you amazing advice - now just pick 2-3 things and start tomorrow. You've got this!

I'm reading through all these responses and just wanted to add something that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year - don't overlook your local Workforce1 Career Centers. They have services specifically for parents like emergency childcare assistance while you're job hunting or in interviews, which was a huge help for me. They also have partnerships with employers who understand that people coming off unemployment need flexible start dates and are willing to work with your situation. The center near me had a "rapid hire" event every Friday where local employers would do on-the-spot interviews for immediate openings. I know it feels impossible right now, but you're clearly a hard worker (6 years at the same restaurant shows loyalty and reliability) and employers need people like that. Also, with all your restaurant experience, don't forget about catering companies - they often pay better than restaurants and the work can be more predictable. Some even offer benefits if you work a certain number of events per month. Keep pushing forward - from everything I'm reading here, you're building a solid plan and you're going to make it through this!