< Back to New York Unemployment

NY unemployment benefits ended - what options now for still unemployed?

It's been several months since my NY unemployment benefits ran out and I'm still struggling to find work. I originally lost my job back in March 2025 and collected benefits until they expired in September. I've applied to literally hundreds of positions but either get no response or they want experience I don't have. Has anyone else been in this situation after your NY unemployment expired? What options have you found? Are there any extensions or other assistance programs available now? Feeling pretty desperate at this point.

QuantumQuest

•

You might be eligible for the Extended Benefits (EB) program if you've exhausted your regular UI and haven't found employment. Check your NY.gov account for potential eligibility. Also look into these resources: 1. SNAP benefits (food assistance) 2. HEAP for utility assistance 3. Workforce1 Career Centers for job placement help 4. The 599 Training Program - allows you to attend approved training while collecting benefits Make sure to keep certifying weekly even if you're not receiving payments - this keeps your claim active in case any extensions are authorized.

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

Thanks for this info! I hadn't heard about the 599 Training Program. Do you know if I'd need to reapply completely or can I check eligibility through my existing NY.gov account?

0 coins

same boat here. been looking since june n still nothing. applied at like 50 places last month alone!!!

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

It's rough out there for sure. Have you had any interviews at all? I've had a few but they always seem to go with someone else.

0 coins

Mei Zhang

•

I was in this EXACT situation last year. After my benefits ran out, I couldn't find anything for almost 4 months. What finally worked was completely changing my job search strategy. Instead of applying to posted jobs, I started: 1) Going to industry networking events (even virtual ones) 2) Reaching out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn 3) Taking a certification course to add skills to my resume Within 3 weeks of changing my approach, I had 2 interviews and eventually got hired. The job market is brutal right now - you need to stand out somehow.

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

That's really helpful advice. I've been stuck in the application cycle and haven't tried direct outreach. Did you use any specific message template when contacting hiring managers?

0 coins

Liam McGuire

•

The whole system is designed to cut you off when you need it most!! My benefits ended in October and I couldn't even get anyone on the phone to tell me if I qualified for anything else. The govt WANTS us desperate so we'll take any low paying job. Meanwhile inflation keeps making everything more expensive. It's all rigged against regular people.

0 coins

Amara Eze

•

yep this is exactly right. they don't care at all once ur benefits run out. i couldn't even get anyone to answer basic questions when i called the unemployment office

0 coins

I went through this last winter. When my UI benefits expired, I found out I was eligible for the Safety Net Assistance program through NY HRA. It's not much money, but it helped cover some basic expenses while I continued looking. The key thing that finally worked for me was calling NYSDOL directly to ask about all available programs. However, I couldn't get through on the phone for weeks - it was incredibly frustrating. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent I spoke with actually reviewed my file and found I was eligible for a different extension program that didn't automatically show up in my portal. Might be worth trying to speak with someone directly about your specific situation.

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

I've been trying to call them for ages with no luck. I'll check out that service - at this point I'm willing to try anything that might help. Did you find the NYSDOL agent was actually helpful once you got through?

0 coins

NeonNomad

•

Have you checked if you qualify for Work Development Program? My cousin just enrolled after his benefits expired and they're paying for him to learn coding skills + giving a small stipend. Also try the NY Career Center - they helped me revamp my resume which got me more interviews. Temp agencies are another option - not ideal but better than nothing while you look for permanent work. Also don't forget about local food banks and community assistance programs. There's no shame in using these resources when you need them. That's literally what they're there for.

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

The Work Development Program sounds interesting. I've been thinking about learning new skills to pivot into a different field since my industry seems to be shrinking. I'll definitely look into that, thanks!

0 coins

Amara Eze

•

i was on ui til sept too. ended up taking a part time retail job that barely covers rent. its awful but better than nothing i guess. have u tried looking outside ur normal job type? sometimes u gotta just take what u can get for now

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

I've started applying to jobs outside my field but haven't had much luck there either. I think employers see my experience and assume I'll leave as soon as something better comes along (which is probably true). How did you find your retail position?

0 coins

After calling NYSDOL using the Claimyr service I mentioned, I learned there are actually several programs that might help you: 1. The 599 Training program allows you to receive benefits while in approved training 2. There's a Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) if you're interested in starting a business 3. The Career Development Initiative provides grants for certain in-demand fields 4. Some displaced workers qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) The key is getting specific information about YOUR situation from an actual representative who can check your claim history and eligibility. That's why getting through on the phone is so important.

0 coins

Liam McGuire

•

I tried calling them 50+ times and never got through!! How do they expect people to access these programs if you can't even talk to someone?? The whole thing is BROKEN BY DESIGN!!!

0 coins

QuantumQuest

•

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: NY does have ongoing support programs but they're not automatic - you have to apply separately for most of them. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. Connect with your local NY Career Center (they help with far more than just job listings) 2. File for SNAP benefits if you haven't already 3. Check eligibility for HEAP if you're struggling with utility bills 4. Consider the 599 Training program if you're willing to learn new skills Remember that the unemployment system is separate from these other assistance programs, so don't assume you're not eligible just because your UI benefits ended.

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

Thanks for the clear breakdown. I'll start with the Career Center first thing tomorrow. Do you happen to know if I need to bring any specific documentation for the initial visit?

0 coins

anyone try the mocrosoft skills thing? i heard they got free tech trainings + job placement help

0 coins

Mei Zhang

•

I believe you're referring to the Microsoft Career Connector program. Yes, it's legitimate and can be helpful for tech-adjacent careers. They offer free training courses and some job placement assistance, though it's competitive to get into the job placement part. Worth checking out if you're interested in tech!

0 coins

Zoe Dimitriou

•

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I've made a list of action items for tomorrow: 1. Contact my local Career Center 2. Look into the 599 Training Program 3. Apply for SNAP benefits 4. Try using Claimyr to actually reach someone at NYSDOL 5. Explore the Microsoft training program It's been really helpful hearing from others in the same situation. Makes me feel less alone in this struggle at least. I'll update once I make some progress with these resources.

0 coins

NeonNomad

•

Good plan! Don't get discouraged if things don't happen quickly. The bureaucracy can be slow, but persistence is key. The Career Center was the most immediately helpful resource for me - ask specifically about their career counseling services, not just the job listings.

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
6,506 users helped today