NY unemployment federal benefits ending September 5, 2021 - What options exist after PEUC/EB programs expire?
Just got this letter from NY unemployment saying that federal benefits are ending on September 6, 2021. I'm currently getting the extended benefits after my regular UI ran out in July. They're saying this is the last month I can get payments through these extensions, and I'm still struggling to find work. I've had a few interviews but nothing solid yet. The letter states: "This is a reminder that per federal law, federal unemployment benefits and extensions are scheduled to expire on September 5, 2021." It specifically mentions that this includes benefits in the following programs: - Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) - Extended Benefits (EB) - $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement - $100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) supplement - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) The letter says "Our records indicate that you are currently receiving or eligible for PEUC or EB benefits. If you are still out of work, the last week to certify for full or partial benefits through these programs is September 5, 2021 through September 11, 2021." It also mentions that to be eligible for a new unemployment insurance (UI) claim, I must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment (generally employment where a W-2 is issued). I've been relying on these payments to cover rent and basic bills. Really worried about what happens next month when everything stops. Does anyone know if there are any other options after this runs out? Anyone else in the same situation or know what alternatives might exist once these benefits end?
43 comments
Fernanda Marquez
Unfortunately, those federal extensions are done. Once they're gone, they're gone. If you've used up your regular UI already, you're basically out of options unless Congress passes something new... which isn't happening right now.
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Aidan Percy
•Damn that's what I was afraid of. Been applying to jobs like crazy but the market in my field is still really tight.
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Norman Fraser
•exactly why theyre cutting them off... to force ppl back to work 🙄
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Kendrick Webb
•yep - and the jobs that ARE available are paying garbage wages that won't even cover my rent. this whole system is broken af
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Hattie Carson
After struggling for weeks trying to get answers about my benefits ending, I finally found a way to talk to an actual human at unemployment. Used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a live agent within 30 minutes! Talking to that rep cleared everything up and they even helped me understand what other assistance programs I might qualify for. Honestly was the best money I've spent to finally get answers - they have a video explaining how it works too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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Destiny Bryant
•Does this actually work? I've been trying to get through for 2 weeks straight...
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Hattie Carson
•Yeah it actually does. I was super skeptical at first but was desperate after calling hundreds of times myself. The callback came through just like they said it would.
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Dyllan Nantx
•wait so what do they do exactly? they just call for you?
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Hattie Carson
•Basically yeah - they have some system that calls repeatedly and navigates the phone tree, stays on hold, then connects you when a real person answers. Saved me hours of frustration.
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TillyCombatwarrior
•sounds like another unemployment scam to me 🙄
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Hattie Carson
•Not a scam at all. I was in the same spot as everyone else - desperate and couldn't get through. This actually worked when nothing else did. Just sharing what helped me.
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Anna Xian
Check if ur eligible for SNAP (food stamps), rental assistance, or medicaid. Those programs are still going. Also some counties have emergency assistance funds, but they go fast.
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Norman Fraser
This is such BS!!! They keep ending things when ppl still cant find jobs. I've applied to over 200 positions in the last 3 months and had like 5 interviews but no offers. Now what are we supposed to do??
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•same boat here. it's like they think the pandemic is magically over just because they say it is. employers are still being super picky even for basic jobs.
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Rajan Walker
•I heard theres jobs everywhere tho? My cousin works in retail and says they cant find anybody to hire
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Norman Fraser
•yeah there's plenty of $12/hr part time jobs with no benefits that won't even cover half my bills 🙃
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Destiny Bryant
I'm having the exact same issue. I got that notice last week and have been panicking ever since. Have you tried calling the unemployment office to see if there are any other programs? I can't get through no matter what time I call.
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Aidan Percy
•I tried calling a few times but always get stuck in the automated system hell. I'll keep trying tho - if I learn anything useful I'll update here.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
I went thru this last time they ended extensions. Here's what helped me survive: 1. Apply for SNAP benefits immediately if you haven't already 2. Contact your utility companies - many have hardship programs 3. Check with local churches and community orgs - many have emergency funds 4. Call 211 for local resources 5. If you're a renter, apply for rental assistance programs ASAP 6. Look into temp agencies - not ideal but can bridge the gap 7. Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, etc) if you have a car It's brutal out there but there are some safety nets still available. The most important thing is to be proactive now before the benefits actually end. And if you need to talk to someone at unemployment directly, I found claimyr.com actually works to get through the phone lines - saved me hours of frustration.
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Aidan Percy
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'll definitely look into all of these. Did you end up finding something permanent eventually?
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•Yeah after about 3 months of cobbling together gigs and part-time work. It was rough but survivable. The rental assistance program was what really saved me.
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Nadia Zaldivar
•The 211 tip is underrated. They helped connect me with local orgs I didn't even know existed.
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Kendrick Webb
What kills me is how they just cut everything off all at once. Like boom, done. No gradual reduction or transition period. Just 'good luck surviving!' 🙃
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•classic government move. create a program and then just end it with no plan for people who still need help
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Kendrick Webb
•exactly! Like at least taper it off over a few months rather than this financial cliff
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Dyllan Nantx
My letter was slightly different - it says something about being able to reapply for regular UI if I've worked during the past 18 months. Has anyone successfully done this? Not sure if I have enough work history to qualify again.
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Ev Luca
•I did this! Had a temp job for 3 months last year. Was able to qualify for a new but smaller UI claim. Worth checking into.
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Dyllan Nantx
•good to know, thx! did you apply online or call?
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Ev Luca
•Started online but system kept giving me errors. Finally got through on phone using claimyr.com and agent helped me file the new claim properly.
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Rajan Walker
My coworker got the same letter. One thing you should know is if you exhausted your regular UI and went to the extensions, you might be able to file a new regular UI claim if you've worked at all during the past year. Worth checking if you qualify.
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Nadia Zaldivar
Am I the only one who things the timing of this is sus? Right when delta variant is causing problems they cut all the safety nets... smh
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Avery Davis
•RIGHT?! Make it make sense! 🤦♀️
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Collins Angel
•conspiracy theory much? this end date was set months ago
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Nadia Zaldivar
•yeah and they could have extended it again like they did before, especially with cases rising again
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TillyCombatwarrior
nobody mentioning that you should call your landlord immediately and be honest about the situation. better to work something out now than wait til youre already behind. my landlord actually helped me find a job through his network when i told him about my benefits ending.
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Aidan Percy
•That's actually really good advice, thanks. My landlord has been pretty understanding so far.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
welcome to america where the govt drops u like a hot potato the second they think the crisis is 'over' 🤡
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Ev Luca
Don't want to be that person but... have you considered relocating? I was unemployed for 7 months in NYC, moved to TX and had a job within 2 weeks. Not saying its easy but sometimes a fresh market can make all the difference.
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Norman Fraser
•not everyone can just pick up and move to another state 🙄 some of us have family responsibilities, health issues, etc
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Ev Luca
•Fair point - wasn't suggesting it's for everyone. Just sharing what worked in my situation.
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Avery Davis
idk if this helps but i'm seeing a ton of remote jobs now that weren't available before. worth expanding your search beyond local companies
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Collins Angel
Just wanna say we're all in this together. This pandemic has been brutal on so many of us. Don't give up hope - something will come through. Sending positive vibes to everyone still struggling. 💪
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Aidan Percy
•Thank you for this - honestly needed to hear something positive today!
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