What is considered long term unemployment for NYS Department of Labor benefits?
I've been collecting unemployment for about 22 weeks now and I'm starting to worry about what happens next. Does NYS Department of Labor consider me a long-term unemployed person at this point? I know regular UI benefits only last 26 weeks, but I'm not sure if there are different requirements or programs once you hit a certain timeframe. My job search hasn't been going well despite following all the work search requirements. Should I be doing something different or preparing for when my benefits run out?
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Mateo Hernandez
In New York, long-term unemployment is typically defined as being unemployed for 27 weeks or more. Since you're at 22 weeks, you're getting close but not quite there yet. The good news is that NYS Department of Labor has extended benefits programs that may kick in if you exhaust your regular 26 weeks. You should also look into workforce development programs through your local One-Stop center - they often have special resources for people approaching long-term status.
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NebulaNova
•Thanks for the info! Should I contact my local One-Stop center now or wait until I'm closer to week 26?
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Aisha Khan
ugh im at week 31 and its been a nightmare. once you hit that 27 week mark everything changes. more paperwork, more requirements, and they start pushing you into training programs even if you dont want them
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Ethan Taylor
•The training programs are actually pretty helpful though. I got into a certification course through WIOA funding when I hit long-term status and it definitely helped my job prospects. NYS Department of Labor covers the cost too.
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Yuki Ito
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about long-term programs, I had success using Claimyr.com. They helped me reach an actual agent who explained all the extended benefit options. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Carmen Lopez
•Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you a lot to help make the call?
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Yuki Ito
•They focus on getting you connected rather than charging high fees. Worth it when you need actual answers about your benefits timeline.
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AstroAdventurer
Just to add to what others said - at 27 weeks you might qualify for Extended Benefits if the unemployment rate is high enough in NY. But that's not guaranteed and depends on economic conditions. The 26 week regular UI is pretty standard though.
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Mason Stone
I'm in a similar situation - been on unemployment for about 20 weeks now and getting anxious about what comes next. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor does have some transition services that start around week 20-24 to help prepare people who might be approaching long-term status. They call it "reemployment services" and it includes things like resume workshops and job search assistance. You might want to check your NY.gov account to see if you've been selected for any of these programs - they're supposed to help improve your chances of finding work before you hit that 27-week mark.
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Aiden Rodríguez
•That's really helpful to know about the reemployment services starting around week 20-24! I had no idea NYS Department of Labor had transition programs that kick in before you actually hit long-term status. I'm going to check my NY.gov account right now to see if I've been selected for anything. It sounds like they're trying to be proactive about helping people avoid becoming long-term unemployed in the first place, which is smart. Have you participated in any of these programs yet, or are you still waiting to hear back?
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