NY unemployment request for more funds process - anyone gone through this?

I went through this in January 2025. The "request for more funds" is basically you applying for an extension after your regular UI benefits are exhausted. The agent is correct - you absolutely need to keep certifying every week without interruption, even if you don't immediately see payments coming through. In my case, I had to wait about 3 weeks before the additional funds were approved and started flowing again. There's usually a form you'll need to fill out confirming you're still actively seeking work and meet eligibility requirements. Watch your mail and your online account messages closely!

yeah i had this happen too. keep certifying like they said. i think mine took like 2 weeks? dont remember exactly. u should get backpay for the weeks u certify during the wait

This is what's called an UI extension request. When your regular benefits are almost exhausted, you can qualify for extended benefits depending on your work history and the current unemployment rate in NY. The key points you need to know: 1. KEEP CERTIFYING every week without fail 2. Check your online message center AND your mail daily 3. You may receive a questionnaire about your job search activities 4. Once approved, you'll be paid retroactively for weeks properly certified The timeline varies but typically takes 2-4 weeks for processing. During this time, your weekly certifications might show as "pending" in the system.

I just went through this last month! The "request for more funds" is just bureaucratic language for extending your benefits period. The agent submitting paperwork on your behalf means they've initiated the extension process. But here's what they DON'T tell you - you need to be super vigilant about checking your online account AND your mail. I nearly missed an important form they sent that required my signature within 7 days. My experience was frustrating because I kept getting conflicting information when I called. One agent would say everything was fine, another would say I was missing documents. It was a nightmare trying to get accurate information.

THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO ME!!!! The NYSDOL is completely BROKEN!!! I was told to "request more funds" in February and I'm STILL waiting for resolution!!! They keep giving me different answers every time I call (when I can even get through). One rep said it was approved, then the next said they had no record of it. I've certified for 7 weeks with NO PAYMENTS!!!! The system is designed to make you give up.

After spending WEEKS trying to get a straight answer about my extension, I finally found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual human at NYSDOL. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Basically, they call unemployment for you and when they reach an agent, they connect you. I was skeptical but desperate after being on hold for hours over multiple days. The agent I finally spoke with was able to see my extension was stuck in their system and fixed it on the spot. Saved me weeks of stress.

my cousins bff had this happen and she said it took like almost a month. the unemployment system is always slow af

To follow up on my earlier comment, I want to clarify an important point: the extension process is different from requesting a new claim. The agent sending paperwork on your behalf is actually initiating what's officially called an "Extended Benefits" determination. This happens automatically in the system when you're near the end of your regular benefits, but sometimes agents will proactively start it if you speak with them. During this process, NYSDOL reviews your eligibility for any additional benefit programs you might qualify for. As others have said, continue certifying weekly without interruption, as any eligible weeks will be paid retroactively once approved.

i think they sent me a form in my message inbox when this happened to me. had to fill it out n upload some job search proof. check ur inbox on the site.

Quick update for those following this thread: I completed my extension process successfully, but I learned that the requirements became more strict in 2025. Now they require documentation of at least 5 job applications per week (used to be 3), and they're actually verifying them more frequently. Pro tip: Take screenshots of every job application confirmation page and save emails from employers. NYSDOL randomly selected me for a job search audit during my extension process, and I had to provide evidence for every week I certified.

When I went through this last summer, I had a similar experience where they told me to keep certifying while they processed additional funds. I was worried because I have kids and bills, so I totally understand your panic! In my case, I received a notice in my online message center about 10 days later asking me to verify some information about my previous employment. After I responded to that, it took another week before the extension was approved. So about 2.5 weeks total, and yes, they did backpay for the weeks I certified during the wait period.