Your DOL October 2026 Newsletter

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October 2026

Important Information on Unemployment Insurance Benefits

We heard you, New York. We're making unemployment insurance easier.

If you are receiving unemployment benefits in New York State, be aware that payments will be delayed due to a system upgrade starting Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.  

Upgrade Timeline 

The New York State Department of Labor expects the upgrade to take 9 – 12 days. During that time, all unemployment services, including online and phone services, will be unavailable. Career Centers will be available by virtual appointment only and will not be able to assist with unemployment insurance.  

Filing and Certification Deadlines 

The deadline to file or certify for the benefit week ending November 1, 2026, is November 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. If you miss this deadline, you can claim for that week in the upgraded system when it is available. 

How to Get Delayed Payments 

Customers will not be able to file or certify during the upgrade period. As a result, payments will be delayed. Customers must file or certify for benefits in the upgraded system to receive all payments due to them.  

Current customers will log in to the upgraded system with their existing username and password. They should not create a new account.  

Half of NY Households Eligible for Energy Affordability Program

Energy Affordability Program infographic

If you pay for electricity or natural gas through one of the state's utility companies, you may qualify for savings!

Half of all New York households are now eligible for relief through the Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which provides customers with utility bill discounts they can count on each month.  

Don’t leave money on the table – you could receive recurring discounts directly on your monthly bill. 

Paid Time Off to Vote

Early voting in New York State is October 24 to November 1, and election day is November 3

Early voting starts this month, but if you are unable to vote early, you may be eligible for two hours of paid time off on Election Day (November 2) through New York State's Voting Leave. 

New York State employees are eligible for up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they do not have "sufficient time to vote." An employee is deemed to have "sufficient time to vote" if: 

  • They have four consecutive hours to vote from when polls open to the start of their work shift, or; 
  • They have four consecutive hours to vote between the end of their shift and the closing of polls.  

Election Day is November 3, and early voting is happening from October 24 through November 1. Make sure your voice is heard. Talk to your employer and know your rights.

Paid time off to vote promotional image

Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month

DREAM symposium flyer

October is New York State Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month (DREAM). On October 14 and 15, the New York State DREAM Symposium will bring together people with disabilities, their families, the provider community, policy and research professionals, state representatives from around the country, vendors and business leaders to celebrate and promote Employment First. 

At the NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL), we believe all workers deserve equal access to employment opportunities, including those with disabilities. Our wide range of career services are here to assist people with disabilities connect to employment statewide. Learn more about Career Center services for persons with disabilities.  

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence impacts over 80,000 New Yorkers per year

Individuals may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits if a job is lost or they were forced to leave their job due to domestic violence.  

Those who have been abused by an intimate partner or a family or household member, should call the 24-hour New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. The hotline helps with crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals to local domestic violence help. 

  • Call the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at: 1-800-942-6906.
  • In New York City, call 1-800-621-4673 (TDD: 1-800-810-7444). 

We're Hiring!

If you're ready for a new career, New York is looking to hire! NYSDOL is now hiring for positions open to the general public.

Become a NYSDOL Newsletter Subscriber

NYSDOL publishes a variety of newsletters covering a broad range of topics related to the world of work. Become a subscriber today and stay informed about union news, worker protections, business advocacy, job seeker resources, and more!

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Apprenticeship Connection - Quarterly newsletter focusing on news and updates about the New York State Registered Apprenticeship program. 

Youth Worker Guardian - Seasonal publication focusing on seasonal jobs and workforce news as it relates to youth workers.