As you may know, on September 5, 2021, several Federal unemployment benefit programs will be expiring across the country, per Federal law. On July 21, 2021, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) will step up our campaign reminding claimants of the September 5 cutoff, as well as providing some options moving forward.
The Federal benefit programs that will be expiring are:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
- Extended Benefits (EB)
- $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
Please know that “regular” Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits will continue be paid to eligible claimants even though these four Federal programs are ending. To be considered eligible for UI after September 5, 2021, a claimant would need to be unemployed AND be in the first 26 weeks (or 104 effective days) of benefits. Claimants can find their effective days remaining for UI benefits in their online Payment History. Because FPUC is ending, any weeks a claimant is eligible to receive UI benefits after September 5, 2021 will no longer include the additional $300.
USDOL has recently asked States to accept new PUA claims for a period of 30-days after September 5, 2021. NYSDOL will accept those claims, evaluate for eligibility, and backdate where appropriate, as required by USDOL.
While the EB program will fully end on September 5, 2021, New York State has recently fallen below the rate established by the federal government in order for the state to qualify for the highest level of EB. Effective August 9, 2021, EB will be available for a maximum of 13 weeks. Claimants who have received 13+ weeks of EB will no longer be eligible for EB on their existing claim after the benefit week of August 9, 2021, but may eligible for PEUC or PUA benefits through September 5, 2021.
Claimants will be contacted through emails and text messages to inform them of which program they are currently in and whether they will be eligible to continue receiving benefits after the federal benefit expiration date. Those who will be impacted by the EB change will also be contacted.
Reapplication Options
Claimants may reapply for UI benefits when they reach the end of their current benefit year. To be eligible for a new UI claim, claimants must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment. Claimants who received no wages from covered employment during the past five quarters, including many PUA recipients, will not be eligible for a new UI claim.
New Yorkers can use the benefit rate calculator to estimate their weekly UI rate based on earnings. This figure is an estimate.
Job Search Resources
As a reminder, NYS DOL has several free resources and partnerships available to assist New Yorkers in their job search:
- Career Services: NYSDOL’s online resources include resume writing tools, interview tips, job postings, and specialized services. Stay tuned for more information about our Virtual Career Center.
- JobZone: NYSDOL currently has more than 180,000 jobs posted from all regions of the state, and across all industries on JobZone. New Yorkers can utilize job search resources and tools, while searching for jobs.
- Coursera: Unemployed New Yorkers can take thousands of free, online programs and certificate courses through NYSDOL’s partnership with Coursera.
- SUNY For All: Free skill-building, college prep, and employment certification programs with one-on-one career coaching to help New Yorkers train up.
- Career Fairs & Workshops: NYSDOL continues to hold no-cost virtual workshops and job fairs.
Continued Assistance
New York’s myBenefits resource highlights available assistance provided by other State programs and services, including food programs, temporary assistance, health insurance programs, and more. New Yorkers can access these services at mybenefits.ny.gov.
Please note: During the next 8+ weeks, NYSDOL expects an increase in call volume and social media volume. We are prepared to do everything we can to keep New Yorkers informed and aware of their options after September 5, 2021.
Additional Resources
For additional information and resources, please click to access our:
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