NYSDOL: How to extend unemployment benefits after regular UI runs out?

I found a way to solve unemployment benefit extension issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gqMJV6CH6k

I just went through this last month. First, check your benefit year end date on your online account. If it's coming up, you might need to file a new claim. If not, you might be eligible for an extension, but it depends on current programs. Best bet is to call and speak with a rep directly.

Extending benefits can be tricky. Here's what you need to know: • Regular UI benefits last up to 26 weeks in NY • After that, you might be eligible for extended benefits, but it depends on the state's unemployment rate • Check for any federal extension programs currently active • If you've exhausted all benefits, you may need to wait until your benefit year ends to reapply • Always report any part-time work or income while claiming Your best bet is to log into your account on the NYSDOL website and check your claim status. It should tell you if you're eligible for any extensions.

ugh im in the same boat. been on hold for HOURS trying to get answers. this system is so broken 😫

Have you tried reaching out on Twitter? Sometimes they respond faster there. @NYSLabor is their handle.

PSA: If anyone's struggling to get through on the phone, I used this service called claimyr.com. It dials the number, navigates the menu, waits on hold, and then calls you when a real person picks up. Costs $20 but saved me a ton of time and headache. Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Anyone know if theres a way to check your remaining balance online? I can never get a straight answer from the automated system 🙃

Pro tip: call right when they open at 8am. I usually get through within 15-20 minutes that way.

Anybody else feel like they need a law degree to understand all these unemployment rules? 🤯 I swear they make it complicated on purpose

@Lindsey Fry - I just went through this exact situation a few weeks ago! Here's what I learned: First, check if you've hit your 26-week limit or if your benefit year is ending (these are two different things). If you still have weeks left but your benefit year is ending, you'll need to file a new claim. If you've used all 26 weeks but your benefit year hasn't ended, you might qualify for extended benefits - but honestly, NY doesn't always have extended programs running. The easiest way to check is to log into your ny.gov account and look at your claim summary. It'll show your benefit year dates and remaining balance. If you're still confused after checking online, definitely try calling early morning (like 8am sharp) or the Twitter suggestion others mentioned actually works! Good luck! 🤞

Just wanted to share my recent experience - I was in the same situation last month and it was so confusing at first! What really helped me was creating a little checklist: 1. Log into ny.gov and screenshot your claim summary (benefit year dates, weeks used, remaining balance) 2. Check if any federal extension programs are currently active (they come and go) 3. If you're close to your benefit year end date, start gathering your employment docs for a potential new claim 4. Try the early morning call strategy - 8am sharp really does work better The whole process took me about 2 weeks to sort out, but once I understood the difference between regular UI exhaustion vs benefit year ending, it clicked. The system will usually tell you if you're eligible for extensions, but sometimes you have to dig into the details. Don't give up - there are definitely people here who've figured it out! 💪

I'm dealing with this same issue right now and honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the different rules and timelines. Reading through everyone's responses has been really eye-opening though! I had no idea about the difference between exhausting your 26 weeks vs your benefit year ending - that's crucial info that I wish was explained better on the actual website. @Douglas Foster your checklist approach is brilliant, I'm definitely going to follow those steps. And @Omar Farouk thanks for breaking down the two different scenarios so clearly! Has anyone had experience with what happens if you don't qualify for extensions AND your benefit year hasn't ended yet? Like, are you just stuck waiting until the benefit year ends to file a new claim? That seems like it could leave people in a really tough spot financially. Also seeing multiple people mention the claimyr service - while I hate that we have to pay extra just to access our own benefits, it might be worth it given how impossible the phone lines are. The system really needs to be fixed but in the meantime we gotta do what we gotta do I guess 😕

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who recently navigated this mess successfully! I was in the exact same boat as @Lindsey Fry about 6 weeks ago and here's what I wish someone had told me: The key thing to understand is that NY has basically NO extended benefit programs running right now (unlike during COVID when there were multiple federal programs). So if you've hit your 26 weeks, your only option is usually waiting for your benefit year to end and filing a new claim - which sucks but that's the reality. However, before you panic, double-check these things: • Your actual weeks used vs weeks remaining (sometimes the system glitches) • Whether you have any "partial weeks" that might not have counted fully • If you had any overpayment issues that reduced your balance I ended up finding out I had 3 weeks left that weren't showing up properly due to a system error. Only discovered this after finally getting through to a rep (took the 8am strategy + calling on a Tuesday). One more tip - if you do end up having to wait for your benefit year to end, start gathering ALL your employment documents now. Pay stubs, W-2s, separation notices, etc. The new claim process goes much smoother when you have everything ready. Good luck everyone! 🍀