What is a benefit year for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?
I keep seeing references to 'benefit year' in my NYS Department of Labor correspondence but I'm honestly confused about what this actually means. I filed my initial claim back in March and now it's October - does that mean my benefit year is almost up? What happens when it ends? Do I need to reapply or does it automatically renew? I'm worried because I'm still receiving benefits and don't want them to suddenly stop without warning.
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Yuki Kobayashi
A benefit year is basically a 52-week period that starts when you first file your unemployment claim with NYS Department of Labor. So if you filed in March, your benefit year runs from that date through the following March. During this time, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits (assuming you remain eligible). When your benefit year expires, you'll need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed.
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AstroAce
•So I still have about 5 months left in my benefit year? That's a relief. Do I get another 26 weeks when I file the new claim or does it depend on my work history again?
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Carmen Vega
wait i thought it was 52 weeks total not 26 weeks?? im so confused about all this stuff
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Yuki Kobayashi
•No, you can collect UP TO 26 weeks of benefits WITHIN the 52-week benefit year period. So you have a full year to use those 26 weeks if needed. Some people use all 26 weeks quickly, others might have gaps between jobs and use them spread out over the year.
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Andre Rousseau
The benefit year concept is crucial for understanding your eligibility timeline. When your current benefit year ends, NYS Department of Labor will look at your recent work history (typically the past 18 months) to determine if you qualify for a new claim. You'll need sufficient wages and work quarters to establish a new benefit year. If you've been on unemployment for most of the current benefit year, you might not have enough recent work to qualify immediately.
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AstroAce
•That's exactly what I was worried about. I've been collecting for about 20 weeks now, so I definitely won't have enough recent work history. What are my options if I can't establish a new benefit year?
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Andre Rousseau
•If you can't establish a new regular unemployment claim, you might need to look into other programs or focus intensively on job searching. Sometimes there are extended benefit programs during high unemployment periods, but those aren't always available.
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Zoe Stavros
I had this same situation last year when I couldn't get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my benefit year ending. Spent weeks calling and getting nowhere. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person who explained everything about benefit years and helped me understand my options. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Definitely worth checking out if you need to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor about your specific situation.
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Jamal Harris
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford expensive services right now.
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Zoe Stavros
•It's really affordable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Way better than spending hours trying to get through on your own and getting nowhere.
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GalaxyGlider
The whole benefit year system is just another way for them to make it harder for people to get help. Why can't they just let you collect as long as you need it if you're still looking for work?? The 26 week limit is ridiculous when some industries have been struggling for years.
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Mei Wong
•I feel you on this. It's so stressful watching that benefit year countdown knowing you might not qualify for another one.
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ApolloJackson
Just wanted to add that it's really important to start planning ahead if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks within your benefit year. I learned the hard way that you should start ramping up your job search efforts and maybe consider temporary or part-time work to build up some recent work history before your benefit year ends. Also, keep all your documentation from your current claim - you'll need it when you file a new one. The transition between benefit years can be stressful, but understanding the timeline helps you prepare better.
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Astrid Bergström
•This is really helpful advice about planning ahead! I'm curious though - if someone does part-time work while collecting benefits, doesn't that affect their weekly benefit amount? I've been hesitant to take any temporary work because I'm worried it might mess up my claim or reduce what I get each week. How do you balance earning some income while still maintaining your unemployment benefits?
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Henry Delgado
•@Astrid Bergström Yes, part-time work does affect your weekly benefit amount, but it might still be worth it strategically! NYS has a partial benefit system where they deduct a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit. Generally, you can earn up to a certain amount I (think it s'around 25% of your benefit rate without) any reduction, and then they start reducing your benefits dollar-for-dollar after that. But the key thing @ApolloJackson mentioned is building work history for your next benefit year - even part-time work counts toward those wage requirements. So while you might get less money week-to-week, you re'setting yourself up to qualify for a new claim when your current benefit year ends. It s'definitely a balancing act though!
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