Zero benefits remaining but NY unemployment claim still 'processing' - what does this mean?

When did ur original benefits run out? The same thing happened to me a few weeks ago and after 3 days it switched to 'denied - maximum benefits paid' but then I got a letter about applying for an extended benefits program. Apparently the system has to process your regular UI claim first before it considers u for anything else.

This is actually normal procedure. The NY system needs to formally process and deny your regular UI claim when you have 0 benefits remaining before it can evaluate you for any extension programs you might qualify for. The "processing" status typically means: 1. The system is confirming you've exhausted your regular benefits 2. It's checking if you meet eligibility criteria for any current extension programs 3. It's verifying your overall claim status NYSDOL will likely send you correspondence within 3-5 business days with instructions about what to do next. In the meantime, continue certifying weekly as normal even with 0 benefits showing. If you qualify for an extension, those certifications may be applied retroactively.

i think it depends on whether theres any extension programs running right now. in 2025 there's the NYS Extended Benefits (EB) program that kicks in when unemployment rates hit certain levels. but you only qualify if you used up your regular UI and meet other requirements about how long youve worked etc

My cousin had this happen and she got denied after it processed for like 4 days. The whole unemployment system is designed to confuse people and make it hard to get benefits you actually deserve!!! They want people to give up.

When I was in your situation last month, I couldn't get any answers from the website and kept getting hung up on when I called. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual NYSDOL agent who explained everything. They have this system where they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial hell. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Anyway, the agent told me that the "processing" status was because they were checking if I qualified for the Extended Benefits program that started in January 2025. Turned out I did qualify and started getting payments again after about 10 days.

I BET WHAT HAPPENS is you'll get a message in your account inbox in a few days telling you if you qualify for extended benefits. Thats what happened to me last month! Check your message inbox on the unemployment website every day!!!

anyone else notice that the new NY labor website is actually WORSE than the old one?? it looks prettier but half the functions don't work right

UPDATE: You guys were right! My account updated today (3 days later) and I got a message saying I qualified for the Extended Benefits program. It says I'm eligible for 13 additional weeks at the same weekly amount as before. So glad I asked here instead of just giving up when I saw 0 benefits remaining. Thanks everyone for your help!