NY unemployment benefits stopped 4 months before end date - can't reach anyone

This happened to me too! The system sometimes cuts people off early if you've reached your maximum benefit amount. Even though you have an end date, there's also a maximum dollar amount you can receive. Check your payment history - at the top it should show your maximum benefit amount and how much you've received so far. If those numbers are close or equal, that's your issue.

omg same thing happened to me last month!!! the system is SO messed up - they never explain anything clearly when u first apply. i kept getting those messages and thought it was a glitch. tried calling 50+ times and couldnt get thru either. eventually found out i hit my max benefit amount even tho my end date wasnt for 3 more months. totally unfair how they do this!!!!

Unfortunately, once you've hit your maximum benefit amount, regular UI benefits are done. But you do have options: 1. Apply for extended benefits if NY has them available (depends on state unemployment rate) 2. Look into the 599 Training Program if you want to go back to school 3. Check if you qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP or rental assistance Most importantly, you NEED to speak with someone at NYSDOL to understand your specific situation and options.

I had this exact problem back in January and was desperate to talk to someone. After wasting days trying to get through the regular phone lines, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They basically keep dialing for you and get you in the call queue. Saved me so much frustration! Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I finally got through to someone, they explained I'd hit my maximum benefit amount but they helped me understand my options for extended benefits and other assistance programs. Getting to an actual human made all the difference.

Yes, the agent I spoke with explained that once you hit your maximum benefit amount, you can only get more if: 1) NY has triggered extended benefits due to high unemployment (they didn't when I called), 2) you qualify for a new benefit year (but you need to have worked enough quarters since your last claim), or 3) you enroll in approved training through the 599 program. They also helped me apply for emergency assistance through HRA for my rent situation.

The 599 Training Program allows you to collect additional benefits while attending approved training/education. Here's what you need to know: - You must apply BEFORE your benefits run out (ideally at least 4 weeks before) - Training must be in a high-demand field - Programs must be on the state's approved list - If approved, you can receive up to 26 additional weeks of benefits - You're excused from work search requirements while training Go to dol.ny.gov/599-program for the application and approved training list. But be warned - approval is not guaranteed and the process can take several weeks.

The exact same thing happened to me, but turns out my former employer contested my claim 4 months after I started receiving benefits! No notice, nothing - payments just stopped. Could be worth checking if something similar happened to you? When I FINALLY got thru to someone (took 3 days of nonstop calling), they told me there was a flag on my account from my employer. Totally different from the benefits exhaustion issue everyone's talking about here, but worth considering.

In my case, there was nothing showing online either! The only way I found out was by finally reaching someone on the phone. The system is seriously broken - they don't even notify you when there's a problem with your claim. That's why talking to a real person is so important.

I really appreciate everyone's advice. I'm going to try reaching someone using that Claimyr service, and I'll also look into the 599 program since I've been considering going back to school anyway. It's so frustrating that none of this was explained clearly when I first applied. I just assumed the end date meant I'd receive benefits until then. I'll update once I manage to speak with someone.

this is why i HATE the unemployment system... they make it confusing ON PURPOSE so people don't get their full benefits. and then make it impossible to talk to anyone when there's a problem. my brother had the same thing happen and he ended up having to move back with our parents at 35!!! system is rigged against us regular people.

UPDATE: I finally spoke with someone at NYSDOL! Used that Claimyr service and got through in about 25 minutes. Turns out I did hit my maximum benefit amount, but the agent helped me apply for extended benefits and walked me through the 599 program application since I'm interested in a coding bootcamp. She also pointed me to rental assistance resources. Such a relief to finally talk to someone who could help! If anyone else is stuck trying to reach NYSDOL, seriously consider using Claimyr - worth every penny for the stress it saved me.

They said 599 approval typically takes 3-5 weeks, but can be longer if they need additional information. Unfortunately, I won't receive any benefits while waiting for approval, which is tough. But the agent did help me apply for emergency rental assistance to cover next month while I sort everything out. She recommended applying for SNAP benefits too, which I'm doing today.