


Ask the community...
The whole benefit year system is just another way for them to make it harder for people to get help. Why can't they just let you collect as long as you need it if you're still looking for work?? The 26 week limit is ridiculous when some industries have been struggling for years.
Just wanted to add that it's really important to start planning ahead if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks within your benefit year. I learned the hard way that you should start ramping up your job search efforts and maybe consider temporary or part-time work to build up some recent work history before your benefit year ends. Also, keep all your documentation from your current claim - you'll need it when you file a new one. The transition between benefit years can be stressful, but understanding the timeline helps you prepare better.
This is really helpful advice about planning ahead! I'm curious though - if someone does part-time work while collecting benefits, doesn't that affect their weekly benefit amount? I've been hesitant to take any temporary work because I'm worried it might mess up my claim or reduce what I get each week. How do you balance earning some income while still maintaining your unemployment benefits?
@Astrid Bergström Yes, part-time work does affect your weekly benefit amount, but it might still be worth it strategically! NYS has a partial benefit system where they deduct a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit. Generally, you can earn up to a certain amount I (think it s'around 25% of your benefit rate without) any reduction, and then they start reducing your benefits dollar-for-dollar after that. But the key thing @ApolloJackson mentioned is building work history for your next benefit year - even part-time work counts toward those wage requirements. So while you might get less money week-to-week, you re'setting yourself up to qualify for a new claim when your current benefit year ends. It s'definitely a balancing act though!
I went through this exact same stress when I was approaching my 26 week limit! What really saved me was getting organized early - I made a simple chart tracking my claim weeks and discovered I had 4 weeks left when I thought I was almost out. That gave me time to breathe and plan. Since you're in manufacturing, definitely look into those workforce development programs others mentioned. I ended up finding work in week 24, but having that backup plan researched made all the difference for my peace of mind. The NY system is confusing but the 26 week standard limit is solid info to plan around. You've got this!
That's such a relief to hear that you found work before your benefits ran out! @Holly Lascelles I m'definitely going to follow your advice and make that tracking chart this weekend - it sounds like getting organized is key to reducing the stress. It s'reassuring to know that even when it feels like time is running out, there might be more weeks left than I think. I ve'been so worried about the timing that I haven t'been thinking clearly about my actual situation. Thanks for the encouragement - sometimes you just need to hear you "ve'got this from" someone who s'been through the same thing!
I'm going through the same thing right now and all this info is super helpful! Started my claim around the same time as you and have been stressed about the timeline. One thing I learned from calling the DOL (after many attempts) is that if you do hit your 26 week limit, you can't just file a new claim right away - you have to wait until your benefit year ends or have enough new wages to qualify for a new claim. So definitely worth looking into those training programs everyone mentioned as a backup. Also, make sure you're documenting all your job search activities really well because they've been auditing those more strictly lately. The whole process is nerve-wracking but sounds like you're on the right track asking these questions now rather than waiting until the last minute!
This is really good to know about not being able to file a new claim right away after hitting the 26 week limit! @Cedric Chung I hadn t'realized there was that waiting period or wage requirement - that makes those backup training programs even more important to look into early. The auditing of job search activities is something I need to pay more attention to too. I ve'been keeping basic records but sounds like I should be more detailed about documenting everything. It s'helpful to connect with someone going through the same timeline - makes me feel less alone in this stressful situation. Have you started looking into any of those WIOA or TAA programs people mentioned, or are you focusing mainly on job searching right now?
I'm a travel nurse and had to file for unemployment between assignments last year when my contract ended early due to hospital budget issues. The process was actually smoother than I expected! I filed online through the NYS DOL website and got approved within about 10 days. The key is being clear that your separation was involuntary - budget cuts definitely qualify. One thing to note is that if you have any upcoming contracts or job offers, you'll need to report those when you file your weekly claims. But being a nurse absolutely does NOT disqualify you from benefits. Your coworkers might be thinking of workers' compensation or some other program. File as soon as you can!
That's really encouraging to hear from someone who's actually been through the process as a travel nurse! The 10-day approval timeline gives me hope. I was worried it might take forever. Your point about reporting upcoming contracts is really important - I hadn't thought about that. I don't have any lined up yet, but good to know for when I do start interviewing. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm a respiratory therapist and just went through this exact situation! Got laid off in December due to staffing cuts and was able to get unemployment benefits no problem. The whole "healthcare workers can't get UI" thing is definitely a myth - we're employees just like everyone else. I filed online and it took about 2 weeks to get my first payment. Make sure you have your last few pay stubs and employment dates ready when you file. The NYS DOL system walks you through everything step by step. Don't let anyone convince you that being in healthcare disqualifies you - that's just not true!
Thanks for sharing your experience as a respiratory therapist! It's really reassuring to hear from someone in a similar situation who successfully got benefits. I was starting to second-guess myself after hearing conflicting information from coworkers. Having my pay stubs and employment dates ready is great advice - I'll gather all that documentation before I start the application. It sounds like the online system is pretty user-friendly, which is a relief. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and clear up the confusion!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their experiences here! As someone going through this exact situation right now, reading all these detailed accounts has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. It's clear that business sales with facility closures are handled pretty routinely by NYS DOL, and the consistent advice about documentation (especially getting that HR letter mentioning both the sale and closure) gives me a clear action plan. I'm feeling much more confident about filing my claim now. This community is amazing for providing real-world insights that you just can't get from official websites. Thanks again everyone!
I completely agree - this thread has been such a goldmine of practical advice! I'm actually new to this community but stumbled across this discussion while researching my own potential unemployment situation. It's incredible how generous everyone has been with sharing their specific experiences and timelines. The consistent message about proper documentation and the reassurance that NYS DOL handles these business sale situations routinely really takes the stress out of what could be a very anxiety-inducing process. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive and informative discussion!
I'm really glad I found this thread! I'm actually facing a very similar situation - my employer just announced they're selling to a larger corporation and our entire division is being eliminated. Reading everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring, especially knowing that NYS DOL handles these business sale situations as routine "lack of work" separations. The consistent advice about getting proper documentation from HR (mentioning both the sale AND position elimination) is something I definitely wouldn't have thought of on my own. It's also helpful to see the actual timelines people experienced - most seem to get approved within 1-2 weeks with minimal complications. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed and practical advice. This community is incredibly valuable for navigating these stressful employment transitions!
Welcome to the thread! It's really reassuring to see how many of us are going through similar situations and how helpful everyone has been sharing their experiences. Your situation with the division elimination sounds very similar to what others have described here. The advice about getting that documentation from HR really seems to be the key - I'm definitely going to make sure I get something in writing that clearly states both the business sale and my position being eliminated. It's also comforting to know that these timelines are typically pretty quick (1-2 weeks) when the situation is straightforward like ours. Best of luck with your claim when the time comes!
Isabella Brown
Just want to add that even if you don't receive the 1099-G, you're still required to report all unemployment income. Keep track of your weekly benefit amounts if you can't get the form. The IRS gets copies of these forms so they'll know if you don't report the income.
0 coins
Rebecca Johnston
One more thing to keep in mind - if you moved or changed addresses during 2024, make sure NYS Department of Labor has your current mailing address on file. I almost missed my 1099-G last year because it went to my old apartment. You can update your address in the my.ny.gov portal under personal information. Also, if you're filing early, the 1099-G might not be available until mid-January, so don't panic if it's not there yet!
0 coins