One-time $2,750 NY unemployment payment for hospitality workers - eligibility questions

Yes, this is the New York Hospitality Worker Recovery Payment (HWRP) that Governor Westfield announced last week. It's a one-time payment of $2,750 for hospitality and tourism workers who are either still unemployed or working reduced hours compared to their pre-2023 employment. The official criteria are: - Must have received extended unemployment benefits at some point during 2023-2024 - Currently employed at 75% or less of previous hours in the hospitality/tourism sector OR still unemployed - Must have worked in qualifying hospitality businesses for at least 6 months before reduction - Must apply through the NY.gov ID system with proof of previous and current employment Applications aren't open yet - they said mid-June 2025. Your son would likely qualify based on what you've described, but he'll need to document his previous 40+ hour schedule and current reduced hours.

I herd about this 2 but my freind who works at olive garden got some email about it alredy. she said it wasnt from NY.gov tho it was some other website asking for her to pay $50 to "fast track" her application

I'm in the exact same boat as your son! I work at a hotel near JFK and was getting 50+ hours with overtime before, now I'm lucky to get 30 hours. The whole industry is still struggling. I called the NYSDOL about this yesterday but couldn't get through to anyone. Tried for THREE HOURS hitting redial. RIDICULOUS!!! The system is designed to keep us from getting help we deserve. Why announce something if no one can even get basic information about it?!?!

After multiple failed attempts calling NYSDOL about this same program, I finally got through to someone yesterday using Claimyr (claimyr.com). Instead of spending days redialing, they got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent confirmed all the information that was shared above, and also mentioned that you'll need to upload proof of previous employment hours (paystubs from before) and current reduced hours. They're still finalizing the application system, but it should be ready by mid-June as mentioned.

wait i'm confused. i work at a restaurant and our hours got cut too but I was on regular unemployment not the extended one. would i still qualify for this?

When I was trying to figure out this payment thing for myself (I worked at a tourism company before), I found the official press release. The ACTUAL payment will be $2,475 after taxes, not $2,750. They're automatically withholding federal and state taxes. Just wanted everyone to know so you're not surprised when it's less than expected. Also, they mentioned that anyone who switched industries completely won't qualify - you need to either still be in hospitality/tourism with reduced hours OR be unemployed after losing a hospitality/tourism job. If your son switched to a completely different industry, he probably wouldn't qualify.

My boss at the restaurant where I work part-time told us all about this yesterday. He said we should all apply even if we're not sure we qualify. Apparently the state doesn't have a good way to verify everyone's previous hours easily so they might just approve most applications that look reasonable. Not sure if that's true but worth a shot I guess?

UPDATE: My son just got an email from his HR department about this program! They said they'll be providing all current employees who had hour reductions with the documentation they need for the application. So at least for larger hotel chains, it seems like they're being proactive about helping employees apply. His HR said applications should open June 15th and they expect high demand, so be ready to apply early!

ANOTHER UPDATE: I just saw on the news that they're now saying it might be delayed until July because they're "finalizing the application system" which is just code for THEY MESSED SOMETHING UP AGAIN!! I'm so sick of these constant delays. People are struggling NOW. The hospitality industry has been hit so hard and they keep dangling help in front of us only to pull it away at the last minute. This is the third "assistance program" they've announced for our industry that ends up delayed or so restrictive hardly anyone qualifies.