What are training benefits unemployment options through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits and heard there might be training programs available that let you keep collecting while you learn new skills. Does anyone know what training benefits unemployment programs NYS Department of Labor offers? I've been out of work for 6 weeks and thinking maybe this is a good time to get certified in something new. My industry (retail management) isn't exactly booming right now. Are there specific requirements to qualify for training while on UI? And do they pay for the actual training or just let you skip the job search requirements?
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Zainab Ismail
Yes, NYS Department of Labor has several training benefit options! The main one is called Training Extension Benefits (TEB) which lets you extend your unemployment while in approved training programs. You can also get Section 599 approval which waives your job search requirements while you're in training. The key is getting pre-approval from NYS Department of Labor before you start any program. Not all training qualifies - it has to be for skills that are in demand in your area.
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Miguel Silva
•That sounds exactly like what I need! Do you know how long the approval process takes? I found a medical coding program that starts next month.
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Connor O'Neill
i think you can get training benefits but the programs fill up fast. my cousin tried to get into one last year and was waitlisted for months. make sure you apply early
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Yara Nassar
You'll want to contact your local One-Stop Career Center first. They can help you figure out what training programs are available and which ones NYS Department of Labor will approve for training benefits. Some programs are funded through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) which can actually pay for your tuition too, not just extend your unemployment. I went through a welding program this way two years ago and it was completely covered.
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Keisha Robinson
•Wait, they actually pay for the training itself? I thought it was just about keeping your unemployment going while you're in school.
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Yara Nassar
•Depends on the program and your eligibility. WIOA funding can cover tuition, books, sometimes even transportation. But you have to qualify based on income and other factors. The training benefits through regular UI are different - that's more about extending your benefit period.
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GalaxyGuardian
The whole system is so confusing honestly. I tried to get info about training benefits last month and got transferred between like 5 different people at NYS Department of Labor. Nobody seemed to know exactly what programs were available or how to apply. Ended up just giving up and sticking with regular job search.
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Paolo Ricci
•I had the same problem trying to reach someone who actually knew about training programs! If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor about training benefits, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get connected to an agent who actually understood the training extension process. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of being on hold.
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Amina Toure
Just to add - make sure whatever training you're considering is on NYS Department of Labor's approved list. I made the mistake of starting an online course thinking it would qualify for training benefits and then found out it wasn't an approved provider. Had to drop out and lost the money I already paid.
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Connor O'Neill
medical coding is probably a good choice right now, lots of healthcare jobs. but definitely get the approval first like everyone is saying
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Isabella Ferreira
I went through the training benefits process last year and wanted to share some tips that might help. First, the approval process Miguel asked about typically takes 2-3 weeks, so definitely apply before your program starts. Second, there are actually two main pathways - the Training Extension Benefits (TEB) that Zainab mentioned, and also Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was due to foreign trade impact. For medical coding specifically, that's usually approved since healthcare is a high-demand field. The key is to have all your paperwork ready - enrollment letter from the training provider, course curriculum, and evidence that it leads to employment in your area. Also, keep copies of everything because you'll need to submit progress reports to maintain your benefits.
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Vincent Bimbach
•This is really helpful info! I'm also considering a career change while on unemployment. When you mention keeping copies of everything and submitting progress reports, how often do those reports need to be submitted? And did you find the 2-3 week approval timeline was accurate in your experience? I'm looking at a cybersecurity program that starts in about a month, so timing is pretty crucial for me.
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