NY unemployment benefits at zero days but benefit year not expired - can't claim or reapply

This happens when you've used all 26 weeks of regular UI benefits but your benefit year hasn't expired yet. What you need to do is apply for an extension. In NY, after exhausting regular UI, you might qualify for Extended Benefits (EB) depending on the state's unemployment rate. There should be a link on your dashboard that says something like 'Apply for Extended Benefits' or 'File a new claim.' If you don't see that, you might need to call and speak to an agent to have them manually check your eligibility for an extension.

Its totally normal for the system to be confusing lol. Try logging out and logging back in, then check under "Messages" in ur account. sometimes the link to apply for extensions shows up there instead of on the main dashboard. if that doesnt work try going to the application section and look for a button that says "file a new claim" - it sounds like ur trying to reapply but actually u need an extension which is different

The EXACT same thing happened to me in January!!! The system is completely broken and nobody answers the phones. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through to someone. The social media team gives generic replies but they can't actually fix anything on your account. You NEED to talk to a claims specialist directly.

I keep hearing ppl say theres a semiconductor shortage but idk if thats real or just what companies tell employees when they do layoffs... my cousin works in tech and says its mostly an excuse. have u tried applying at amazon? they hire like everyone

You need to understand how the NY unemployment system actually works. Your benefit year (May 2024-May 2025) is the period during which you can collect your entitled weeks. The standard entitlement is 26 weeks (104 days). When you reach zero days/weeks, you've exhausted your regular benefits. The system won't automatically let you claim more. Depending on current economic conditions, NY may or may not have active extension programs. As of 2025, NY has the following potential extensions: 1. Extended Benefits (EB) - only active when state unemployment rate is high enough 2. Vocational Training extensions - if you're in approved training You MUST call and speak to a claims specialist who can: a) Check if you qualify for any extensions b) Manually update your account to allow you to apply c) Reset your portal if there's a technical issue I recommend calling right when they open at 8:00am for the best chance of getting through.

I had this same issue but mine was because I worked part time for 3 weeks in December which made my weekly claims go all weird. Make sure you reported any work correctly or they might have flagged your account. Just saying it MIGHT be something else than what everyone is telling you.

Update: I tried calling right at 8am but still couldn't get through. I was on hold for 2 hours before getting disconnected. This is so stressful! I'm going to try that Claimyr service that @user6 mentioned. Has anyone else used it before? I'm desperate at this point.

Just to be clear for anyone else reading this thread: When your benefit days reach zero but your benefit year is still active, you need to: 1. Determine if you qualify for any extensions (based on current economic indicators and your situation) 2. Speak directly with a claims specialist who can check your eligibility 3. Have them manually add the extension application to your portal if you qualify 4. Complete the extension application 5. Wait for approval (usually 1-2 weeks) The system won't automatically show extension options to everyone because eligibility varies based on multiple factors. And yes, getting through on the phone is unfortunately the most challenging part of this process.

Final update: I used Claimyr and finally got through to someone! The agent said my account needed a manual override because I qualified for Extended Benefits but the system hadn't triggered it properly due to a glitch. They fixed it and now I can see the extension application in my portal. Just submitted it and they said it should be processed within 5-7 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!