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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Hey Zoe, I'm in a similar situation - my benefits ran out in August and I'm still searching. One thing that's helped me is signing up for multiple temp agencies at once. Even if the work isn't permanent, it brings in some income and sometimes leads to permanent offers. I've been doing warehouse work through Adecco and office temp work through Robert Half. Also, don't overlook gig work while you're searching - I've been doing DoorDash and Instacart on weekends to help with expenses. It's not ideal but every little bit helps when you're in survival mode. The mental health aspect is real too - consider reaching out to 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources including mental health support. They have a database of all assistance programs in your area that you might not know about. Hang in there - this job market is brutal but it's not a reflection of your worth or abilities.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the anxiety and stress of being unemployed for months is really overwhelming. I went through something similar earlier this year when my benefits expired and I felt completely lost about what to do next. One resource that really helped me was contacting my local Community Action Agency. They offer emergency assistance programs that most people don't know about - things like rental assistance, utility help, and even small grants for job search expenses like gas or interview clothes. You can find your local office at communityactionpartnership.com. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're signed up with all the major job boards AND their email alerts. Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, ZipRecruiter, etc. Set up very specific alerts for your field and location - I was getting 10-15 relevant job notifications per day which helped me apply to positions within hours of them being posted. The other thing that made a difference for me was volunteering with local nonprofits in my field. It kept my skills sharp, expanded my network, and actually led to a contract position that turned permanent. Plus it helped with the mental health aspect of feeling productive and valuable again. Hang in there - this job market is brutal but you're not alone in this struggle.

I'm in almost the exact same situation - my NY benefits ran out in late August and I'm still struggling to find work despite applying everywhere. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening and honestly the first time I've felt hopeful in weeks. I had no idea about so many of these programs like the 599 Training Program, Individual Training Accounts, or even that libraries have career centers. I've been doing the same thing as everyone else - just endlessly applying online and getting nowhere. What really resonates with me is the advice about changing strategies completely. I think I've been stuck in the "spray and pray" approach of just submitting applications, but the networking and direct outreach suggestions make so much sense. I'm definitely going to start with my local Career Center this week and look into the Claimyr service to actually get through to someone at NYSDOL. The temp agency strategy also seems smart - I've been holding out for permanent positions but some income is definitely better than none at this point. Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences and resources. It's both comforting and motivating to know others have navigated this successfully. The mental health aspect is so real - some days I barely want to get out of bed, but this thread gives me a concrete action plan to work with. Zoe, I hope some of these resources work out for you. Please keep us posted on how it goes!