NY unemployment claim update - fully unemployed after partial benefits, continue or file new?
I've been receiving partial unemployment since December 2024 while working part-time. Starting this week, I lost my job completely and now have 0 work days. Do I need to file a new unemployment claim or just keep certifying weekly but report 0 days worked? I'm worried about doing something wrong and delaying my benefits during this transition. Anyone been through this?
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Lilly Curtis
You don't need to file a new claim! Just keep certifying weekly and report 0 days worked. Your benefit amount will automatically adjust to the full amount since you're reporting no income. Make sure you answer all the questions honestly during certification, especially about why you're no longer working part-time. Your benefit year lasts for 12 months from when you first applied, so if you're still within that year, you continue with the same claim.
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Ryder Everingham
•Thank you so much! That's such a relief. I was stressing about having to start the whole application process over again. So I'll just continue certifying on my regular day but indicate 0 days worked. Appreciate the help!
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Leo Simmons
i did this exact thing last yr. just keep certifying and put 0 days worked. system updates automatically. dont mess with filing new claim!!
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Ryder Everingham
•Thanks for sharing your experience! Good to hear from someone who's been through this exact situation.
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Lindsey Fry
BE CAREFUL about how you answer the "reason for separation" question when you certify!! When I went from partial to full unemployment, I answered wrong and got my payments held up for 3 WEEKS while they "reviewed" my case. Make sure you select the correct reason why you're now fully unemployed (laid off, hours reduced to zero, position eliminated, etc). Not trying to scare you but the system is SUPER picky about these transitions!!!!
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Ryder Everingham
•Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about that! Do you remember which option you selected that caused problems? My employer basically said they don't have enough work for me right now but might call me back eventually.
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Lindsey Fry
•I think I put "quit" because technically my part-time position ended, but I should have put "lack of work" since the employer didn't have hours for me. ANYTHING that sounds like you might have voluntarily left will trigger a review. If they said they might call you back, that's definitely a "lack of work" situation!
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Saleem Vaziri
My sister had this happen and she just kept certifying with 0 days. But then like 3 months later they sent her a letter saying she should have filed a new claim because her base period would have given her a higher benefit amount. So maybe check if your original claim was based on lower earnings than your recent work?
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Kayla Morgan
•This is partially correct but needs clarification. You only file a new claim if your benefit year has ended (12 months from initial claim) OR if you've earned enough in a new base period to qualify for a higher benefit rate. If you're still in your benefit year and your recent work wouldn't increase your benefit, then just continue certifying with 0 days worked as others have said.
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James Maki
I had this exact situation in January. Keep certifying your existing claim but report 0 days. HOWEVER - one important tip: call the NYSDOL to notify them about your change in employment status. This prevents potential issues down the line. I tried calling for days and couldn't get through until I used Claimyr (claimyr.com). They get you through to an agent usually within an hour instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE When I finally spoke with an agent, they noted my account and gave me specific instructions for my situation. Worth the call to avoid problems!
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Ryder Everingham
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've been worried about potential issues too. Did the agent give you any special instructions beyond just reporting 0 days?
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James Maki
•Yes! The agent confirmed I should continue with my existing claim, but also made notes in my file about my status change. They told me exactly which separation reason to select based on my specific situation, and advised me to upload a letter from my employer confirming the reduction to zero hours. This prevented any payment delays. Definitely worth talking to an actual person instead of trying to figure it out from the website.
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Jasmine Hancock
back in nov my hours got cut to nothing but manager kept saying "temporary" for 8 weeks before i was officially laid off. i just put 0 days worked each week and it was fine. ny system actually works ok for this specific situation i think
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Lindsey Fry
Does anyone know if going from partial to full unemployment affects the total number of weeks you can collect???? I've been on partial for like 9 weeks and I'm worried I'm using up all my weeks even though I wasn't getting the full amount!!!!
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Lilly Curtis
•Great question! In NY, you get 26 weeks of benefits in your benefit year regardless of whether they're partial or full. Each week you certify counts as 1 week of benefits, even if you received a reduced amount due to part-time work. So yes, those 9 weeks of partial benefits count against your total 26 weeks.
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Ryder Everingham
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Just to confirm my understanding: I'll continue with my existing claim (since I'm only 2 months into my benefit year), certify weekly reporting 0 days worked, make sure I select "lack of work" as my separation reason, and consider calling NYSDOL to have them note the change in my file. Does that sound right?
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Lilly Curtis
•That's exactly right! And just remember to keep your job search records up to date since you'll now need to be applying to more jobs each week as a fully unemployed person. The requirements increase when you go from partial to full unemployment.
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