NYS Department of Labor

Dear New Yorker:

This is a reminder that per federal law, federal unemployment benefits and extensions are scheduled to expire on September 5, 2021. This includes benefits in the following programs:

  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
  • $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement
  • $100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) supplement
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
  • Extended Benefits (EB)

Our records indicate that you are currently receiving or eligible for PUA benefits. If you are still out of work, the last week to certify for full or partial benefits through this program is September 5, 2021 through September 11, 2021.

Individuals receiving PUA may apply for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, however, NYSDOL will have to review your eligibility for UI, which has different eligibility requirements than PUA. To be eligible for UI, you must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment (generally employment where a W-2 should be issued, but see here for additional details). You also must have lost employment due to no fault of your own and be ready, willing, and able to seek and accept work. Your reason for unemployment for PUA may or may not affect your eligibility for UI. Finally, any claimants who are found eligible for benefits under a new claim will also be required to serve an unpaid waiting week.

The benefit rate calculator provides an estimate of what your weekly UI benefit amount would be based on your earnings. To avoid overlapping claims if deemed eligible for a UI claim, please do not file a UI claim until Thursday, September 9, 2021 or later.

Please note: For a limited period of time, NYS DOL will still review eligibility for federal benefits for weeks of unemployment on or before September 5, 2021 once these programs expire.

As a reminder, NYS DOL has several free resources and partnerships available to assist you in your job search:  

  • Career Services: NYS DOL’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: NYS DOL currently has more than 200,000 jobs posted from all regions of the state, and across all industries on JobZone. Access job search resources and tools, while you search for a job near you.
  • Coursera: Unemployed New Yorkers can take thousands of free, online programs and certificate courses through NYS DOL’s partnership with Coursera. 
  • SUNY For All: Access free skill-building, college prep, and employment certification programs with one-on-one career coaching to help you to train up and move up.
  • Career Fairs & Workshops: Attend virtual workshops to increase your employability and skillset. Put those skills to the test and meet employers near you at our Virtual Career Fairs.

Visit the myBenefits resource to find out if you are eligible for assistance provided by other New York State programs and services, including food programs, temporary assistance, health insurance programs, and more. To access myBenefits or to create an account, you must use a username and password created specifically for myBenefits. You cannot use an account created for another NY.gov application, including benefits through NYS DOL.

New Yorkers who owe back rent or utilities arrears may qualify for emergency rental assistance through the ERAP program. More information can be found at otda.ny.gov/erap.

Thank you. 

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NYS DOL