What is training benefits for unemployment through NYS Department of Labor?
I keep hearing about training benefits but I'm confused about what exactly they are. I've been collecting unemployment for 6 weeks now and doing my weekly certifications, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of training program I should be looking into? My job search isn't going great in my field (retail management) and maybe I need to learn new skills. Does NYS Department of Labor offer training benefits and how do they work with regular unemployment? Do I still have to do job searches if I'm in training?
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Jungleboo Soletrain
Training benefits through NYS Department of Labor are additional weeks of unemployment compensation while you're enrolled in approved training programs. You can get up to 52 additional weeks beyond your regular UI benefits if you qualify. The training has to be approved by your local One-Stop Career Center first, and it needs to be for an occupation that's in demand in your area.
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Anna Xian
•That sounds amazing! So I could potentially get almost 2 years of benefits total? How do I find out what training programs are approved?
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Rajan Walker
yeah i did this last year, got approved for a medical coding certificate program. you still have to certify weekly but the job search requirements change - instead of looking for work you just have to maintain satisfactory progress in your training program
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Anna Xian
•Did you have to pay for the training yourself or does NYS Department of Labor help with costs too?
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Rajan Walker
•some programs are free through WIOA funding, mine was covered completely. you have to apply for financial aid first though
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Nadia Zaldivar
The key is getting approval BEFORE you start any training program. You can't just enroll in something and then ask for training benefits after. Contact your local American Job Center or One-Stop and ask about Trade Adjustment Assistance or WIOA programs. They'll assess if you qualify and help you choose an approved program that leads to employment in a high-demand field.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•This is really helpful info. I had no idea you could extend benefits this way!
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Ev Luca
I tried to get training benefits approved but got denied because they said my retail experience was 'transferable' to other jobs. Very frustrating since retail is dying everywhere but apparently I'm supposed to just keep applying to more retail positions that don't exist.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•You can appeal that decision. Sometimes they're too strict about what counts as a declining industry. Gather data about retail job losses in your area and reapply.
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Avery Davis
If you're having trouble getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor about training benefits, I had success using Claimyr to reach an actual agent. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Way easier than trying to get through the regular phone lines to ask about training program eligibility.
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Anna Xian
•Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call for days with no luck.
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Collins Angel
be careful though, not all training programs qualify and you have to be approved for benefits extension before you start. also the training has to be full-time usually, like 20+ hours per week. part-time evening classes don't count
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Samantha Johnson
I'm also interested in training benefits but wondering about the timeline. How long does the approval process usually take? I'm worried about my regular UI benefits running out before I can get into an approved program. Also, does anyone know if there are specific training programs that are easier to get approved for than others? I'm coming from retail too and really need to pivot into something with better job prospects.
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Dmitry Petrov
•From what I've seen, the approval process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on how backed up they are. I'd recommend applying as soon as possible since your regular UI clock keeps ticking during the review period. Healthcare-related programs (like medical assistant, pharmacy tech) and IT certifications seem to get approved more easily since they're considered high-demand fields. Trade programs like HVAC or electrical work also have good approval rates. The key is showing that retail jobs are declining in your area and that your chosen field has actual job openings.
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Donna Cline
Just wanted to add that if you're considering training benefits, make sure to ask about stackable credentials too. Some programs let you earn multiple certifications in related fields, which can make you more competitive. For example, if you're doing medical coding, you might also be able to get certified in medical billing or healthcare administration. This doesn't necessarily extend your benefits longer, but it gives you more job options when you finish. Also, many community colleges have partnerships with the One-Stop centers, so you might be able to use your training benefits for associate degree programs if they're in high-demand fields. The counselors at the American Job Centers are really helpful in explaining all your options - definitely worth scheduling an appointment even if you're just exploring possibilities.
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Sophia Rodriguez
•This is really valuable information about stackable credentials! I hadn't thought about combining multiple certifications. @Donna Cline, do you know if the associate degree programs through community colleges still follow the same 52-week limit for training benefits, or can they be extended longer since degree programs typically take 2 years? I'm wondering if it might be worth pursuing a full degree versus just a certificate program if the benefits timeline allows for it.
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