What does exhausted mean for unemployment benefits in NYS Department of Labor system?
I've been collecting unemployment for about 6 months now and just logged into my.ny.gov account today. My claim status changed to 'exhausted' but I have no idea what this means. Does this mean I can't get any more benefits? I still haven't found a job and really need the income. Can someone explain what exhausted status means and if there's anything I can do about it?
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Giovanni Marino
Exhausted means you've used up all your available unemployment benefits for your benefit year. In New York, regular UI benefits last up to 26 weeks. Once you've collected for 26 weeks, your benefits are considered exhausted and your claim ends. You can't extend regular unemployment benefits beyond the 26-week limit.
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Amara Okonkwo
•So there's absolutely nothing I can do? I've been looking for work this whole time but the job market is really tough right now.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
You'll need to file a new claim if it's been over a year since your original claim started. If it hasn't been a full year yet, you're stuck waiting until your benefit year ends to file fresh. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't have extended benefits right now like they did during covid.
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Amara Okonkwo
•My original claim was filed in May 2024, so I guess I have to wait until May 2025 to file again? That's months away!
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Dylan Hughes
•Yeah that's how it works unfortunately. The benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed. Super frustrating but that's the system.
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NightOwl42
I had this same situation last year and it's really stressful. The only thing you can do is keep looking for work and maybe check if you qualify for other programs like SNAP or temporary assistance. Some people also look into job training programs through the Department of Labor that might have stipends.
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Amara Okonkwo
•Thanks, I'll look into those other programs. Did you end up finding work before your benefit year ended?
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Sofia Rodriguez
This system is so messed up! 26 weeks isn't enough time to find a decent job anymore. I'm in the same boat and it's really scary not knowing how I'm going to pay rent. The NYS Department of Labor needs to extend benefits like other states do.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•I feel you but complaining won't change anything. Focus on the job search and maybe consider taking temp work while you look for something permanent.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to confirm your options, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Amara Okonkwo
•Is that legit? I've been trying to call for weeks but can never get through to talk to anyone.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•Yeah it's real, they basically call for you and get you connected to an agent. Worth trying if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.
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