NY unemployment benefits suddenly ending - can we file new claims after 18 months?

This is unfortunately how the benefit year works in NY. After your benefit year expires (usually 12-18 months from when you first filed), you need to have worked and earned enough wages in the interim to qualify for a new claim. The system is designed with the expectation that people find work within a year. The recent extension was unusual due to economic conditions, but now they're reverting to standard policies.

same thing happened to me last month. they dont care about us at all. i went from getting benifits to NOTHING overnight. system is broken!!!

You need to look for transitional assistance programs immediately. There are several options: 1. SNAP benefits (food stamps) - apply at your local DSS office 2. Emergency rental assistance through OTDA 3. HEAP for utility bills 4. Local food pantries for immediate needs Also, check if you qualify for any workforce development programs through the NY Career Centers. They sometimes have stipends for retraining programs.

I went through this EXACT same situation last year. I called NYSDOL every day for two weeks straight and could NEVER get through to anyone!! I was literally choosing between buying food and paying my electric bill. Then a friend told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me bypass the phone queue. They got me connected to an actual agent in about 20 minutes. The agent explained I could potentially qualify for another program based on my specific situation. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of getting automated messages.

This happens every time benefits expire. The system assumes everyone has found a job within the benefit year. The problem is the notification system - they should warn people at least a month in advance that their benefits will be ending so they can make arrangements. One week notice is cruel. If you haven't worked in 18 months, you unfortunately won't qualify for a new UI claim. You need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. Your best options now are: 1. Apply for emergency assistance programs (already mentioned) 2. Look into extended benefits programs if they're currently available 3. Contact your local Department of Social Services for temporary assistance 4. See if you qualify for disability if that applies to your situation

my brother got the same notice but his benefits didnt actually stop? he got paid again this week even tho the notice said they were ending last friday. system is glitchy AF

Yes, I got the same notice. I tried calling and got nowhere. Went to the career center and waited 4 hours just to be told they can't help with ongoing claims and I need to talk to someone on the phone. It's ridiculous! Why tell people to file a new claim when they know most won't qualify?

they do this on purpose so less people get money. make it impossible to get help then say nobody needs the programs anymore. its all politics

One thing to check is if you might qualify for PFL (Paid Family Leave) or TDI (Temporary Disability Insurance) if you have medical circumstances or are caring for a family member. These are separate from unemployment but can provide some income in specific situations. You can find info on these programs on the NY State website.

After reading through this thread, I want to clarify something important: When your benefit year ends, your claim ends - this is standard procedure and has been part of UI for decades. The notices being sent now are not unusual, though the timing (only one week notice) is problematic. What IS different now compared to previous years is that there are fewer extended benefit programs available. For those who've exhausted regular UI and haven't found work, this creates a significant hardship that wasn't as common in recent years when more safety nets were in place. For immediate help, 211 is a resource hotline that can connect you to local emergency assistance programs.

After you've addressed your immediate needs through the emergency programs others have suggested, I strongly recommend connecting with your local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) office. They offer job training, resume assistance, and sometimes can help with direct placement into positions that match your skills. Sometimes they have grants for people in your exact situation.