What to do when unemployment benefits are exhausted - NYS Department of Labor options?
My regular unemployment benefits just ran out last week and I'm really confused about what happens next. I was getting $420 a week for 26 weeks but now my weekly claim certification says $0. I'm still actively looking for work but haven't found anything yet. Does NYS Department of Labor have any extended benefits or do I need to apply for something else? I've been filing my weekly claims but they're showing no payment amount. Really stressed about this situation.
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Natasha Ivanova
Unfortunately, New York doesn't currently have extended benefits available. Regular UI is 26 weeks and that's it unless there's a federal extension program (which there isn't right now). You should continue filing your weekly claims in case any federal programs become available, but you'll need to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or contact your local Department of Social Services for emergency aid options.
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Oliver Fischer
•So there's really nothing else through NYS Department of Labor? I thought there might be some kind of emergency extension or something.
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NebulaNomad
same boat here, benefits ended 3 weeks ago and its been rough. kept filing weekly claims hoping something would show up but nothing. had to apply for food stamps and medicaid to get by
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Javier Garcia
•That's exactly what I did too. The transition from unemployment to other benefits is really hard but you have to do what you have to do.
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Emma Taylor
Keep filing those weekly claims even though they're showing $0! If Congress passes any federal extension programs, they usually make them retroactive. Also check if you're eligible for any workforce development programs through your local One-Stop center - they sometimes have training programs that come with stipends. And definitely apply for SNAP benefits right away since that can help with food costs while you're job hunting.
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Oliver Fischer
•Good point about keeping up with the weekly claims. I didn't think about workforce programs - are those through NYS Department of Labor too?
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Emma Taylor
•Yes, workforce development is coordinated through NYS Department of Labor but administered locally. Check your county's One-Stop employment center website for available programs.
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Malik Robinson
This is exactly why the unemployment system is broken! 26 weeks isn't enough when there are no jobs available. I've been looking for 8 months and still nothing decent. The whole system needs to be overhauled.
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NebulaNomad
•tell me about it, its like they expect everyone to find work in 6 months no matter what the job market looks like
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Isabella Silva
I had this same issue a few months ago and couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to ask about extensions. Spent hours on hold. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that connects you directly to unemployment agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent confirmed there were no extensions available but at least I got a definitive answer instead of wondering.
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Oliver Fischer
•Thanks for the suggestion! How quickly were you able to talk to someone through that service?
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Isabella Silva
•Got connected the same day I used it. Much better than trying to call the regular NYS Department of Labor number where I never got through.
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Ravi Choudhury
Wait, I'm confused - don't they have something called Extended Benefits or Emergency Unemployment Compensation? I thought those were automatic when regular benefits end??
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Natasha Ivanova
•Those are federal programs that only activate during certain economic conditions or when Congress specifically authorizes them. Right now there are no federal extension programs available.
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