When will NY unemployment extended benefits kick in after my 26 weeks end?

Extended Benefits in NY are indeed triggered by the state unemployment rate. Currently, EB is NOT active in New York because the unemployment rate hasn't hit the threshold (which is usually around 6.5% for a 3-month average). You can check the current status on the NYSDOL website under 'Extended Benefits Status.' When your regular UI benefits exhaust, you'll get a notification from NYSDOL about your options. If EB becomes available before your benefit year ends, they'll automatically review your eligibility - you don't need to submit a new application. Keep certifying weekly even after your 26 weeks end, as this keeps your claim active in the system.

i went thru this last year. when ur regular benefits run out they'll send u a message in ur inbox about what to do next. dont stress too much. just keep certifying every week no matter what.

To answer your question about the current unemployment rate in NY, it's hovering around 4.3% as of last month (which is why EB isn't triggered right now - it needs to be much higher). As for other options after your 26 weeks: 1. Check if you qualify for any specialized programs like the 599 Training Program if you're in approved vocational training 2. If your industry was affected by trade agreements, look into Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) 3. Consider applying for other assistance programs like SNAP benefits to help during the gap 4. Keep an eye on your inbox for any legislative changes that might extend benefits Also worth noting - your benefit year ending in March doesn't necessarily mean you'll get all 26 weeks of benefits. You only receive the number of weeks you qualify for based on your work history and earnings.

The whole unemployment system is DESIGNED to be confusing on purpose!!! I went through the exact same thing last year and spent WEEKS trying to get a straight answer about EB. The website says one thing, then you call and they tell you something else. It's MADDENING. The truth is they don't want to pay you more benefits so they make it as complicated as possible. When my 26 weeks ran out, I called literally 47 times before getting through to someone who actually knew what they were talking about. The system is broken!!

After my regular benefits ran out last month, I was in the same boat - calling constantly but couldn't get through to NYSDOL. I was getting desperate since I have kids to feed. I tried for days until someone recommended Claimyr.com to me. It's this service that gets you through to an actual NYSDOL agent without the endless redials. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - basically saved my sanity. I got through to an agent who explained my specific situation and told me exactly what to do about the extended benefits question. They confirmed I needed to keep certifying weekly even though my payments were paused temporarily. Way better than guessing based on the website!

btw u should also start looking for work if ur not already. unemployment benefits r only temp and with the job market how it is now u might find something before ur benefits run out anyway

UPDATE: I finally got some answers! I managed to speak with a NYSDOL rep (after many attempts). She confirmed that Extended Benefits are not currently active in NY state, but said I should continue to certify weekly after my 26 weeks just in case something changes. She also mentioned that my benefit year ending in March just means I have until then to collect my 26 weeks - it doesn't automatically mean I get more weeks. She recommended I look into the 599 Training program since I mentioned I was considering taking some courses to improve my job prospects. Apparently, this could potentially extend my benefits if I enroll in an approved training program. Thank you all for your help! This has been really stressful, but at least I have a clearer picture now.

My sister went thru something similar back in January. She said when her regular benefits ended there was actually an option right in her online account about applying for extended benefits. Check under the "Messages" tab or maybe under "Payment History" when you get closer to the end. The system might give you instructions automatically.

Just to clarify a technical point about EB: New York follows a specific formula to determine when it's triggered. The state needs to have a 3-month average unemployment rate that's either: 1. At least 6.5% AND 110% of the rate during the same period in either of the two previous years, OR 2. At least 8.0% regardless of previous years This is why EB isn't currently active despite some areas of NY having high unemployment. It's based on the statewide average, not regional numbers. The NYSDOL will announce if/when EB becomes available, and they'll automatically review your eligibility if you've exhausted regular UI benefits within your benefit year.