26 weeks is nothing these days with how the job market is. I was unemployed for almost a year and had to figure out other assistance programs after my UI ran out. Tell your cousin to start looking immediately and don't wait around thinking he has plenty of time

One thing to add - make sure your cousin applies as soon as possible after his layoff. There's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get paid for that first week. Also, he'll need to have his employer information ready (like his last day of work, reason for separation, etc.) when he files online at labor.ny.gov. The sooner he gets his claim in, the sooner he can start receiving those 26 weeks of benefits. Construction workers often have good wage histories so he should qualify for a decent weekly benefit amount.

been there! the whole process stressed me out too but its not as bad as it seems. just take it one step at a time and dont overthink it

I went through this exact same situation last year and I totally understand the panic! One thing that really helped me was calling the NYS Department of Labor customer service line (1-888-209-8124) early in the morning around 8am when they open - you're more likely to get through then. Also, don't stress if you can't remember exact dates - they understand that and you can provide approximate dates. The system will ask your former employer to verify the information anyway. Most importantly, try to stay calm - once you get the initial application submitted, the weekly certifications are much easier and become routine. You've got this!

Don't panic! I went through this same process a few months ago and it's really not as complicated as it seems at first. The key thing is to file your claim ASAP - like everyone else mentioned, you want to get that clock started. One tip that helped me: have your bank account information ready too because you'll need to set up direct deposit for your benefits. Also, when you're filling out the application, take your time reading each question carefully. Some of the wording can be a bit confusing but it's better to get it right the first time than have to deal with delays later. You've got this!

I went through this process about 6 months ago and wanted to add a few things that really helped me. First, make sure you have your last few pay stubs handy - they'll ask for your earnings information and it's much easier if you have the exact amounts. Second, the system will ask you to choose between direct deposit and a debit card for receiving benefits. I'd recommend direct deposit if possible since it's faster and more reliable. Also, don't worry if the website seems slow or crashes - it happens a lot, especially on Mondays when everyone is filing their weekly claims. Just keep trying and it will eventually go through. The most important thing is to not delay filing your initial claim even if you're missing some information - you can always update details later, but you can't backdate your claim to an earlier date than when you actually filed.

this whole system is ridiculous they want you to work but then penalize you for working too much its like they dont want people to get back on their feet

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! The "excessive earnings" determination can be really confusing at first. What helped me was calling the NYS DOL appeals line to get clarification on my specific case. They were able to explain that in my situation, I had miscalculated my allowable earnings for that week. Make sure you're also factoring in any deductions they allow - sometimes there are work-related expenses you can subtract from your gross earnings. Also, keep in mind that even if you have excessive earnings one week, it doesn't affect your future eligibility as long as you report everything correctly going forward. The key is being completely transparent about all income sources.

I went through this whole mess last year and it was a nightmare. Uploaded everything three times before it finally worked. The system is just broken honestly

I just went through this process two weeks ago! For the documents, I uploaded my driver's license and Social Security card - both as phone photos worked fine as long as they were clear and well-lit. The key is making sure all edges of the documents are visible in the frame. It took exactly 7 business days from when I submitted to when my claim status updated. Pro tip: take the photos in good lighting and double-check they're not blurry before uploading. The system is pretty picky about image quality but once you get it right, it processes smoothly.