Need to know if it's too late to extend my NY unemployment benefits for another 26 weeks

You're probably referring to Extended Benefits (EB). As of March 2025, NY is not in an 'on' period for EB since the state unemployment rate has dropped below the threshold. However, you might qualify for what's called the UI Extension Program if you've exhausted your regular UI benefits and meet certain criteria. You should log into your NY.gov account and check your 'Remaining Benefits' status. If you're eligible for an extension, you'll see a prompt to apply for the UI Extension Program. There's no separate deadline beyond your benefit year ending date, but you should apply as soon as possible. Make sure you've been actively searching for work and documenting it - that's a requirement for the extension program.

you're supposed to file for the extension BEFORE your benefits run out actually, i waited too long last year & had to reapply for everything, was a huge pain

I went through this EXACT situation in January! The whole extension system changed in 2025 and it's super confusing now. The new UI Extension Program replaced the old system but it has different eligibility requirements. You need to have earned at least 5x your weekly benefit amount during your original benefit year to qualify. If you're close to running out, definitely don't wait - there's a specific section in your online account called "File for UI Extension" that should appear 7-10 days before your benefits end. If you don't see it, that might mean you don't qualify based on your earnings or work search records. Do you see that option in your account yet?

This was driving me CRAZY last month when my benefits were about to expire. I spent days trying to call NYSDOL to ask about extensions and couldn't get through to anyone. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They explained that the extension program has a hidden requirement - you need to have completed at least one quarterly review during your benefit year to qualify. Check your message center to see if you completed yours. If not, you might have trouble getting approved. You can see how the call-back service works in this video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - totally worth it when you're dealing with something time-sensitive like this.

I think everyone here is making it more complicated than it needs to be. When your benefits run out, you just keep certifying like normal and the system automatically evaluates you for extensions. That's what happened with my roommate anyway.

Update on this: I just helped my brother apply for the extension yesterday, and there's a new requirement they added in February 2025. You now need to upload a PDF of your job search activities for the past 4 weeks as part of the extension application. Make sure you have documentation ready showing dates, company names, position titles, and application methods.

i got denied twice for extensions befor i got approved. just keep trying and make sure u answer all the questions right. they looking for any reason to deny u benefits these days smh

I'd recommend starting the extension application process immediately. From what the agent told me when I called using Claimyr, there's a processing time of 7-10 business days for extensions now. If you wait until your benefits actually run out, you could have a gap in payments. Also, make sure all your work search records are up to date in the system. They're doing random audits on extension applications in 2025, and if your records aren't complete, you'll be denied automatically.

One last important thing to know: if you do qualify for the UI Extension Program, your weekly benefit amount will be recalculated and might be lower than what you're currently receiving. The new calculation is based on 85% of your original benefit amount or the state average, whichever is lower. Make sure to budget accordingly if you're approved.