What is the maximum time you can collect unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
I've been on unemployment for about 4 months now and I'm starting to worry about how much longer I can receive benefits. I know there used to be extensions during covid but I'm not sure what the current rules are. Does anyone know what is the maximum time you can collect unemployment in New York? I'm getting nervous because my job search is taking longer than expected and I don't want to suddenly lose my benefits without warning.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Connor Murphy
In New York, regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. This is the standard maximum for most claimants. The amount depends on your base period wages, but the time limit is pretty much set at 26 weeks unless there are special federal extensions in place, which there currently aren't.
0 coins
Zainab Omar
•So I have about 22 weeks left then? That's actually more time than I thought. Thanks for clarifying!
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
yeah 26 weeks is the max but make sure you're doing your job search requirements or they'll cut you off early. you need to do 3 job contacts per week and keep a log
0 coins
Zainab Omar
•I've been keeping track but sometimes it's hard to find 3 legitimate jobs to apply for in my field each week.
0 coins
NebulaNova
The 26-week limit applies to your benefit year, which starts when you first file your claim. After you exhaust those 26 weeks, you'd need to requalify with sufficient work and earnings to start a new claim. If you can't requalify, that's when your benefits end completely. Make sure you're using your time wisely to find work.
0 coins
Keisha Williams
•Wait, so if I worked part-time for like 2 months before going back on unemployment, would that reset my 26 weeks?
0 coins
NebulaNova
•Not necessarily. You'd need to earn enough wages in covered employment to establish a new benefit year. The NYS Department of Labor has specific wage requirements that must be met.
0 coins
Paolo Conti
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my benefit duration. Spent hours on hold just to get basic information. Recently found out about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.
0 coins
Amina Diallo
•Never heard of that but honestly anything is better than trying to call the regular NYS Department of Labor number. Takes forever to get through.
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
Just remember that even within those 26 weeks, NYS Department of Labor can stop your benefits if you're not meeting the work search requirements or if there are any issues with your claim. I know someone who got cut off at week 15 because they missed filing their weekly claim one time.
0 coins
Zainab Omar
•That's scary! I've been really careful about filing every week but good to know they can cut you off for missing even one week.
0 coins