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Will NY unemployment benefits be extended? Running out soon and panicking

I lost my job at a financial services firm back in September when they downsized our department. Been collecting unemployment since October and my benefit period ends in early April. I've been applying to at least 5-6 jobs every week, had some interviews but nothing solid yet. The job market in my field seems completely frozen right now. Does anyone know if New York is planning to extend unemployment benefits? My savings are almost gone and I'm getting really worried about making rent next month. I've heard rumors about some kind of extension but nothing official. Anyone have actual info about this? What happens when regular UI runs out?

as far as i know, there's no extension program currently available in NY. when your regular UI runs out after 26 weeks, thats it unless theres a new bill or something. i went thru this last year and had to take a job WAY below my experience level just to pay rent. the system is brutal rn.

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That's what I was afraid of hearing... Did you try calling the office to see if there were any exceptions or additional programs? I've got 2 kids to support.

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I tried calling them like 50 times but could never get thru. Always busy signal or it would hang up. The whole system is messed up.

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You might qualify for SNAP benefits or emergency assistance. Worth checking into if you have kids. The income requirements are different from UI.

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After struggling for weeks trying to get through to someone at ny unemployment about my extension questions, I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it changed everything! You can actually get a callback from a real agent without spending hours on hold. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. They answered all my questions about extensions and helped me explore other options when my benefits were running out. Best thing I found during this whole unemployment nightmare. Check out their how-to video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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sounds like one of those ads that pops up everywhere. anyone ACTUALLY try this? seems too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone there

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100% used it myself. I was skeptical too but after trying to get through for 3 weeks straight I was desperate. They literally just wait on hold for you then connect you with an actual agent. Saved me days of frustration.

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wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just the usual BS? I've been calling for WEEKS and can't get through

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Yes it works! They basically call repeatedly for you, stay on hold so you don't have to, then when a real person answers they connect you. Saved me from throwing my phone out the window after trying for days 🤣

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hmm I've been burned by so many of these 'services' before... what makes this different? my benefits are about to expire too and i need answers fast

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no extensions currently available. After your 26 weeks are up, you're done until you qualify for a new benefit year (which means working again and earning enough wages). It's not like during covid when they had all those federal extensions. Your best bet is to apply for other assistance programs - SNAP, rental assistance, etc. while you keep job hunting.

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I just exhausted my benefits last month. No extensions available right now unless theres some new legislation. Your best bet is food stamps, cash assistance, and any local programs in your county/city. Also call 211 - they can connect you with emergency resources. The system totally abandons people after benefits run out 😡

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Thanks for the 211 tip, I'll definitely try that. Did you apply for anything else that actually helped?

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Yeah the HEAP program helped with my utilities and I got on SNAP pretty quick. Also check with local churches and community orgs - some have rent assistance funds.

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Remember to keep certifying even if your benefit year isn't over! Even if you've used all 26 weeks, you should keep certifying while looking for work. If they DO pass an extension, you'll already be in the system. Also make sure your work search records are up to date in case you get audited.

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This is good advice. My buddy lost out on retroactive payments during the last extension because he stopped certifying when his regular benefits ran out.

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The problem with ny unemployment is you can never get ANYONE on the phone to answer these questions. I spent 4 months trying to reach them about extension possibilities. FOUR MONTHS. The system is designed to make you give up.

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So true! I think they do it on purpose to discourage people from getting benefits they're entitled to.

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I finally got through using claimyr.com - they call for you and connect you when an agent picks up. Only way I could ever talk to a human there.

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Let me lay out what happens when UI runs out and what your options are: When your 26 weeks of regular UI ends, normally there would be extended benefits during times of high unemployment, but those programs aren't active right now. Your options are: 1) Keep applying for jobs - Make sure you're using all resources (LinkedIn, Indeed, industry-specific sites, networking) 2) Apply for other assistance: - SNAP benefits (food stamps) - HEAP (heating assistance) - Rental assistance programs - Medicaid if you don't have healthcare 3) Consider gig work or temporary jobs to bridge the gap 4) Contact NY unemployment directly about your specific situation - they sometimes have special programs for certain industries or situations that aren't widely advertised I was in your exact situation last year and finally got help by reaching an actual person through claimyr.com - they got me connected to an agent who explained my options clearly. Sometimes getting the right info makes all the difference. Don't give up! The job market has seasonal patterns and things might pick up soon.

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Thank you for such a detailed response. This is really helpful. I'll check out that site to reach someone - been impossible to get through on my own.

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I'd add that you should also check if your city has specific assistance programs. NYC has different options than upstate.

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have u checked if ur eligible for partial benefits? sometimes if u get a part time job that pays less than ur weekly benefit amount, u can still collect some ui. might help stretch things out while u find something better.

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This is why the unemployment system is a JOKE. They expect people to find jobs in impossible markets and then cut you off when you need help most. Meanwhile the rich get bailouts and tax cuts. The whole system needs to be torn down and rebuilt.

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PREACH 👏👏👏

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for real. I worked for 15 years, paid into the system, then got 26 weeks of garbage benefits that didn't even cover my rent. make it make sense 🤡

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I heard a rumor that they might introduce a new extension because employment numbers haven't been good, but haven't seen anything official. Anybody else hear this?

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Pretty sure that's just a rumor. Nothing in the works that I've seen in the news.

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My friend who works at DOL says there's been talk but nothing close to being approved. Don't count on it happening anytime soon.

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Pro tip: if you're desperate to talk to someone at unemployment about extensions or anything else, try calling right when they open (7:30am) or try the callback request system on the website (though it rarely works). I spent WEEKS trying before I finally got someone on the line.

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the callback system is a joke! I requested one 2 months ago and still waiting 😂

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I got through using claimyr.com - saved me hours of frustration and got an agent who actually helped resolve my benefits issue.

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Check if you're eligible for 599 training program. If you enroll in approved training/education, you might qualify for additional benefits. Not an extension exactly but it can help if you're looking to develop new skills while job hunting.

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I was in ur exact situation back in november. what I did was take ANY job i could find (ended up at target) while continuing to look for something in my field. It sucked but at least kept some money coming in. The system is broken - they don't care if people become homeless when benefits run out.

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Did you have any luck with part-time work while still collecting some benefits? Or did you have to take full time?

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i took full time cuz i was desperate, but in retrospect part time + partial benefits would've been smarter. would've given me more time for interviews in my actual field.

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what part of NY r u in? different regions have different resources. i'm in buffalo and there's a special program here that helps ppl whose UI ran out with rent assistance and job placement.

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I'm in Brooklyn. If anyone knows about NYC-specific resources I'd really appreciate it!

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NYC has HomeBase centers that can help prevent homelessness. They sometimes have emergency rent funds. Google 'HomeBase NYC' and find one near you.

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Just want to say hang in there. I was in your position 6 months ago and it was terrifying. Ended up finding a job literally the week my benefits ended. The market is tough but not impossible.

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I'm going through the exact same thing right now - my benefits run out in March and I'm terrified. Been looking for work since December with no luck. The financial services sector is absolutely brutal right now. I've been considering taking any temporary work I can find just to have some income coming in while I keep searching. Has anyone had success with temp agencies or contract work in finance? Even if it's not ideal, it might help bridge the gap until something permanent opens up. Also wondering if anyone knows about emergency rental assistance programs that don't require you to be completely broke first - most seem to want you to be already behind on rent before they'll help.

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I feel you on this - the financial services job market is absolutely frozen right now. For temp work, I've had some luck with Robert Half and Aerotek for finance roles, even if they're short-term contracts. At least it's something on the resume and keeps some money coming in. For rental assistance, try reaching out to local churches and community organizations - they often have emergency funds that aren't as bureaucratic as the official programs. Also, don't wait until you're behind on rent to apply - some programs will help if you can show you're at risk of falling behind due to job loss. The whole situation sucks but you're not alone in this struggle.

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I'm in a similar boat - my benefits are ending next month and I've been applying everywhere with no luck. One thing that's helped a little is signing up for gig work (Uber Eats, DoorDash) just to have some cash flow while job hunting. It's not much but at least covers groceries. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're registered with your local workforce development center - they sometimes have job leads that aren't posted publicly and can help with resume reviews. The whole situation is incredibly stressful but we just have to keep pushing through. Sending solidarity your way! 💪

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Thanks for sharing your experience! The gig work idea is really smart - I hadn't thought about that as a way to keep some income flowing while still having flexibility for interviews. How has the pay been with delivery apps? I'm wondering if it's worth the gas and wear on my car. Also, great point about the workforce development center - I completely forgot those existed. Do you know if they help with networking events or just job placement? At this point I'm willing to try anything to avoid the panic of having zero income when benefits run out.

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