NY unemployment effective days reduced without notice - anyone else?

Same exact thing happened to me last week!! My effective days went from 24 to 16 overnight. I thought I was going crazy because there was ZERO communication about it. I tried calling so many times but couldn't get through.

This is likely related to the new 2025 benefits calculation adjustment that rolled out in March. NYSDOL recalculated benefit durations based on the revised base period formula, which affected many claimants' total effective days. The system should have sent notifications through your online account message center, but there have been reported issues with the notification system. You need to check two things: 1. Whether your weekly benefit amount increased (sometimes the trade-off for fewer days) 2. If you have any unresolved identity verification issues pending This doesn't typically happen without cause, so there must be some underlying factor.

theres a glitch in there system right now. my neighbor works for nysdol and told me they know about it but havent fixed it yet. just keep filing your weekly claims and it should correct itself

After dealing with NYSDOL for weeks over a similar issue, I FINALLY got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's the only way I could actually speak to someone instead of getting disconnected. You pay them to hold your place in line and then they call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Here's their demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE When I finally spoke with someone, they explained that my effective days were reduced because they found unreported income in my base period. Not saying that's your issue, but you definitely need to speak with a rep to fix this.

NYSDOL is a JOKE!!!!! This is the 3rd time they've screwed up my claim this year. First they sent me an overpayment notice for $2,760 for no reason, then they randomly stopped my payments for 3 weeks saying I didn't certify (I DID!!!), and now they're probably cutting everyone's days to save $$$$. The whole system is designed to make us give up!!!

Did you check if you received a monetary redetermination? This happened to me and I initially panicked, but then I found a new determination letter in my online account dated March 28, 2025 that I completely missed. It recalculated my base period wages and reduced my total effective days. Check under the 'Documents' section - they don't always send email notifications when they upload new documents.

Based on your update about finding the determination letter, you have 30 days from the date of that determination to request a hearing if you disagree with their findings. You'll need to gather documentation showing that the 'additional wage information' they received is incorrect or was already properly reported. In the meantime, continue certifying weekly as normal. Even with reduced effective days, you'll still receive all payments you're eligible for until those days are exhausted. To request a hearing, go to your online account and select 'Request for Hearing' under the 'Forms' section, or call 888-209-8124 if you can get through.

this happend to my brother in law to. they reduced his days by 8 and he couldnt get anyone on the phone for like 3 weeks. unemployment is such a mess in ny

Update: I finally got through to someone at NYSDOL! After trying that Claimyr service that someone mentioned earlier (which actually worked!), I spoke with an agent who explained everything. Apparently my former employer submitted amended wage reports for Q4 2024 that affected my benefit calculation. The agent said I can dispute this by submitting my W-2 and final paystubs through the document upload section. If anyone else is dealing with this, definitely try to speak with a live person - it made all the difference.