I'm currently on week 8 of my regular UI benefits and this discussion has been incredibly eye-opening! I had absolutely no idea that Extended Benefits were still available - I thought all unemployment extensions ended years ago with the pandemic programs. The NYSDOL website is completely unhelpful for finding this kind of crucial information. It's really reassuring to read all these real experiences from people who have successfully navigated the EB system. The fact that it provides up to 13 additional weeks after regular UI is exhausted could be a lifesaver if I'm still job hunting when I reach week 26. I'm in the tech industry and the market is still pretty competitive, so having that safety net is incredibly valuable. I'm definitely going to start implementing everyone's advice early - taking screenshots of my account, preparing for the transition around week 24, and planning to use that Claimyr service to speak with an actual NYSDOL agent before my regular benefits run out. The stories about communication gaps and system glitches are concerning, but it's clear that persistence and continuing to certify every single week is the key to success. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and creating this amazing resource. This thread contains more useful, practical information than I could find anywhere on any official government website. It's incredible how community members looking out for each other can provide better guidance than the actual agencies responsible for these programs!

I'm on week 15 of my regular UI benefits and honestly this thread has been more helpful than hours of trying to navigate the NYSDOL website! I had been getting really anxious about what happens after 26 weeks because everywhere I looked online just talked about pandemic programs that ended years ago. Reading everyone's experiences with the Extended Benefits program is such a relief - knowing that there are potentially 13 additional weeks available if you exhaust regular UI is huge. I'm in retail management and the job market has been brutal, so that extra time could make all the difference. I love all the practical tips people have shared here, especially about starting to prepare around week 24 and taking screenshots of everything in your account. The Claimyr service sounds like a game-changer too - I've tried calling NYSDOL a few times already just for other questions and it's impossible to get through. One thing I'm wondering about - has anyone had experience with EB if you've had to move during your unemployment period? I might need to relocate within NY state for family reasons, and I want to make sure that won't complicate the transition from regular UI to extended benefits. I know I'd need to update my address with NYSDOL, but hoping it wouldn't affect eligibility for the 13-week extension. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - you're helping way more people than you probably realize!

I thought aflac covered everything!! this is disappointing to learn. I've been paying them forever and now when I actually need help they don't cover unemployment? seems like a rip off

I went through something similar when I got laid off earlier this year. Aflac doesn't cover unemployment, but don't overlook other benefits you might have. Check if your former employer offers any severance, COBRA health insurance continuation, or if you have any unused vacation/sick time that gets paid out. Also look into local food banks and utility assistance programs while you're between jobs - every little bit helps stretch your unemployment benefits further.

I'm in a similar boat - my company just announced layoffs for next month and I'm trying to figure out the best approach. From reading everyone's responses, it sounds like taking the severance is definitely the way to go. I'm curious though - does anyone know if there are any tax implications I should be aware of when receiving both severance and unemployment benefits? I want to make sure I'm setting aside enough for taxes since this will probably put me in a weird income situation for the year. Also, has anyone had experience with how this affects health insurance coverage? My COBRA will kick in but I'm wondering if the severance payment timeline impacts when I might qualify for marketplace subsidies.

I went through a similar layoff situation about a year ago and can confirm what others have said - definitely take the severance! The key thing to understand is that NYS Department of Labor considers severance as "deductible income" which means it reduces your weekly benefit amount dollar-for-dollar during the period it covers, but it doesn't disqualify you from unemployment entirely. So if your severance equals your normal weekly pay for 8 weeks, you'll likely get $0 in UI benefits for those 8 weeks, but then your full benefits will kick in after that. File your claim immediately after your last day of work though - don't wait for the severance period to end. This way you'll already be in the system and your benefit year will have started. Also, make sure you accurately report the severance amount each week when you do your certifications. The whole process was actually more straightforward than I expected once I understood how it worked.

I went through something really similar last year - got fired for attendance issues after some genuine emergencies. The key thing I learned is that NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between "misconduct" (intentional wrongdoing) and just not meeting expectations. Car trouble and trying to find coverage shows good faith effort on your part. Definitely apply right away and be detailed about your circumstances in the application. Even if you get an initial denial, don't give up - the appeal process gave me a chance to explain my situation properly and I ended up getting benefits. Document everything you can about your attempts to be responsible about attendance.

I actually just went through the unemployment application process myself after being terminated for what my employer called "misconduct" (attendance issues due to childcare problems). The online application was pretty straightforward, and they ask specific questions about the circumstances of your termination. Make sure to be honest but also detailed about your efforts to resolve the issues - like you trying to find coverage when your car broke down. The initial review took about 2-3 weeks in my case. Even though I was nervous about it, I'm glad I applied because they ultimately approved my claim. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but then you still have the appeal option. Don't let the "misconduct" label scare you away from applying - let the experts at NYS Department of Labor make that determination.

Just wanted to add that if you're looking for supplemental benefits, it's worth checking if your former employer participates in any state-specific programs too. New York has some lesser-known workforce development programs that can provide additional support beyond regular UI from NYS Department of Labor. Also, if you worked for a company with multiple locations across states, they might have different supplemental benefit policies depending on where you worked. I'd suggest calling your former employer's benefits department directly and asking specifically about "supplemental unemployment benefits" or "SUB plans" - use those exact terms because HR will know what you mean.

This is super helpful info! I had no idea there were so many different types of supplemental programs. I've been getting my regular NYS Department of Labor benefits but never thought to check with my old employer about their own programs. My company was pretty big so they might have had something like this. Does anyone know if there's a time limit on applying for employer-funded supplemental benefits? Like, if I've already been collecting regular UI for 6 weeks, is it too late to apply for company supplements?