NYS Department of Labor supplemental unemployment benefits - who funds these payments?

Supplemental unemployment benefits typically come from a few different sources depending on what type you're talking about. In NY, your regular UI benefits are funded through employer payroll taxes that go into the state unemployment trust fund. But supplemental benefits can be funded by unions (if you're in a union with SUB benefits), private companies (some offer supplemental payments), or sometimes federal programs during emergencies. The NYS Department of Labor only administers the regular state UI program - they wouldn't handle union or employer-funded supplements.

yeah i was confused about this too when i first filed. turns out my old job had some kind of supplemental benefit program but i had to apply separately through HR, not through the NYS Department of Labor system. most people dont even know about these programs

I spent MONTHS trying to figure this out when I first got laid off last year. The whole system is so confusing - you have regular unemployment from NYS Department of Labor, then potentially SUB from your union, maybe severance packages that affect your benefits, and sometimes companies have their own programs. Nobody explains how they all work together or against each other.

omg thank you for posting this!! ive been so confused

The funding structure is pretty straightforward once you understand the different types. Regular unemployment insurance (what you get through NYS Department of Labor) is funded by employer taxes collected by the state. Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUBs) are usually funded by collective bargaining agreements - so union dues and employer contributions under union contracts. Private company supplemental programs are funded directly by the employer. Federal supplemental programs (like we had during COVID) come from federal appropriations. Each has different eligibility rules and payment structures.

Just wanted to add that if you're looking for supplemental benefits, it's worth checking if your former employer participates in any state-specific programs too. New York has some lesser-known workforce development programs that can provide additional support beyond regular UI from NYS Department of Labor. Also, if you worked for a company with multiple locations across states, they might have different supplemental benefit policies depending on where you worked. I'd suggest calling your former employer's benefits department directly and asking specifically about "supplemental unemployment benefits" or "SUB plans" - use those exact terms because HR will know what you mean.

This is super helpful info! I had no idea there were so many different types of supplemental programs. I've been getting my regular NYS Department of Labor benefits but never thought to check with my old employer about their own programs. My company was pretty big so they might have had something like this. Does anyone know if there's a time limit on applying for employer-funded supplemental benefits? Like, if I've already been collecting regular UI for 6 weeks, is it too late to apply for company supplements?