What happens when unemployment is high - will NYS Department of Labor extend benefits?
I've been watching the news about rising unemployment rates and I'm worried about what this means for people like me who are already collecting benefits. My regular UI claim has about 8 weeks left and I'm starting to panic about what happens if I can't find work before then. When unemployment rates go up does NYS Department of Labor automatically extend benefits or do we have to apply for something else? I remember hearing about extended benefits during bad economic times but I don't understand how it works. Has anyone been through this before?
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Alexander Zeus
Yes, there are extended benefit programs that can kick in when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. NYS Department of Labor monitors both state and national unemployment data to determine eligibility. Extended Benefits (EB) can provide up to 13 additional weeks beyond your regular 26 weeks of UI. The program activates automatically when the state's unemployment rate exceeds specific triggers - usually when it's 6.5% and at least 110% of the rate from the same period in either of the two previous years.
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Olivia Harris
•Thank you! Do I need to file a separate application for extended benefits or does it happen automatically when my regular claim runs out?
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Alicia Stern
i think you just keep filing your weekly claims like normal and if extended benefits are available they'll automatically start paying when your regular benefits end. at least that's what happened to my brother a few years back
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Gabriel Graham
•That's mostly correct, but you should still check your account status regularly. Sometimes there can be gaps or you might need to confirm your continued eligibility. The job search requirements usually stay the same during extended benefits periods.
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Drake
The system is so confusing though! I've been trying to get clear information from NYS Department of Labor about whether extended benefits are currently active and I can't get through to anyone on the phone. The website doesn't make it clear either. Has anyone found a reliable way to actually talk to someone there recently?
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Sarah Jones
•I had the same problem last month trying to get information about my adjudication status. After weeks of calling and getting nowhere, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to a real NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. It was honestly a relief to finally talk to someone who could explain my situation clearly.
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Olivia Harris
•That sounds too good to be true... how much does something like that cost?
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Sarah Jones
•I was skeptical too but it really worked. The main thing is they handle all the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. For me it was worth it just to get actual answers about my claim.
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Sebastian Scott
The whole unemployment system is broken when rates go up! More people need help but they don't hire more staff to handle the volume. I've been waiting 3 weeks just to get my regular weekly claim processed because of some verification issue. Meanwhile bills keep coming. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops when the economy is already struggling.
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Emily Sanjay
•totally agree the system can't handle volume spikes
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Gabriel Graham
Just to clarify the extended benefits situation - as of now, New York's unemployment rate would need to be significantly higher to trigger the extended benefits program. The standard 26 weeks of regular UI is what most people will get. However, you should definitely start exploring other programs like job training assistance or workforce development programs through your local One-Stop center while you're still collecting benefits. These can help improve your job prospects before your benefits run out.
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Olivia Harris
•Good point about the job training programs. I hadn't thought about starting those while I'm still collecting. Do those programs affect my weekly claim filing requirements?
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Javier Cruz
•Most job training programs actually work with your UI benefits - they often count as approved job search activities. Some programs like Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training can even extend your benefit period while you're enrolled. You'll want to get approval from NYS DOL before starting any training program to make sure it meets their requirements. Your local CareerCenter can help coordinate this so you don't lose any benefits while upgrading your skills.
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