Ran out of NY unemployment days - what options do I have until new job starts?

When your regular UI benefits are exhausted, you should automatically be considered for Extended Benefits (EB) if they're currently available in NY. Check your online account for a notification about this, or call NYSDOL to specifically ask about EB eligibility. Also look into applying for emergency assistance through your local Department of Social Services - they can sometimes help with one-time emergency payments for rent or utilities when you're between income sources.

im in the same boat, my benefits ran out last week and my new job dosnt start till June. applied for emergency assistance but havent heard back yet.

You need to check if NY is currently offering Extended Benefits - this changes based on the state unemployment rate. As of April 2025, NY isn't offering EB because the unemployment rate dropped below the threshold last quarter. Your options are: 1. Apply for emergency assistance through DSS (they can help with rent/utilities) 2. Check if you qualify for SNAP benefits (food assistance) 3. Contact local charities and non-profits (many have temporary assistance programs) 4. If you have a job offer letter, some landlords will work with you if you explain the situation Definitely call NYSDOL directly to confirm there aren't other programs you might qualify for. Getting through to them can be challenging though.

After my benefits ran out last year I applied for SNAP. It's not much but it helps with food at least so you can put more money toward rent. The application process was pretty quick - I applied online and got approved in about 10 days.

I was TOTALLY stressed when this happened to me in January!! I had almost 5 weeks between my benefits ending and starting my new job. I called NYSDOL like 50 TIMES and couldn't get through to ask if I had any other options!!! It was RIDICULOUS!! Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent told me I didn't qualify for extended benefits but helped me apply for emergency assistance through DSS. It actually worked out and I got help with my rent for that month. Definitely worth talking to an actual person instead of just trying to figure it out online!

when i ran out i just used credit cards till my job started lol not ideal but it worked

The whole system is DESIGNED to leave people hanging when they need help the most! I exhausted my benefits in February and was told there were NO extensions available despite the fact that I'd been looking for work constantly. They expect us to just magically survive until we find something new. The emergency assistance program is a joke too - they made me provide so much documentation and then only covered a FRACTION of my rent. This system is BROKEN.

To answer your earlier question - Extended Benefits should be automatic if you qualify and if they're available in NY right now (which as another commenter noted, they may not be currently). As for calling NYSDOL, their lines are typically least busy right when they open at 8:00 AM or later in the afternoon around 3:30-4:00 PM. Avoid calling on Mondays as those are their busiest days. If you keep having trouble getting through, consider the Claimyr service someone mentioned above - I've heard good things from people who've used it.

One additional option I didn't mention - if your new job has an HR department, you might want to ask if they offer any advance payment options for new employees in hardship situations. Some larger companies have programs for this, though it's not extremely common. Worth asking though!

Just make sure when you apply for emergency assistance you bring ALL the documentation they ask for the first time. I made the mistake of missing a couple items and it delayed my application by 2 weeks. They usually want ID, proof of address, bank statements, proof your benefits ended, and your job offer letter showing your start date.

forgot to answer ur question from before, i applied for emergency assistance 9 days ago and still waiting. they said it takes 10-14 days to process so hopefully will hear something this week

My cousin had the same problem last month and ended up taking a quick gig job doing food delivery for a few weeks until his new job started. Not ideal but it was enough to cover his essential bills. Might be worth considering as a stopgap.

OMG I forgot to mention - check with your utility companies too! When I called ConEd and explained my situation they put me on their hardship program which gave me an extension on my bill payments with no late fees. Most utility companies have programs like this but don't advertise them!