Training/599 Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Are you attending or interested in attending a school or training program? There is a provision in the Unemployment Insurance Law that makes it possible for unemployment recipients to receive benefits while attending a training course/program. The training, however, must be approved by the Department of Labor. When training has been approved under this provision, unemployment recipients are excused from the requirement to look for work, and may be eligible for additional weeks of benefits when funding is available. In order for the training to be approved certain requirements must be met, including but not limited to the following basic requirements. The training must:
If when you filed your claim you indicated you are attending or have been accepted to a training program, you will be contacted by the Department of Labor in order to review your course or program for approval. Delays in notifying the Department of Labor about training acceptance or attendance may result in a reduction of additional benefits available to you. Failure to disclose attendance in training while receiving benefits may result in penalties and forfeiture of future benefits. If you are interested in attending training, you should contact your local One-Stop Center as soon as possible in order to be eligible to receive the maximum benefit allowed under this program. Trained counselors at the One Stop Center can assist you with your training needs and provide information about approvable training programs in your area. You should ask for information about the 599 Training Program. Click here for the office locations. If your training cannot be approved, it is possible that you may be eligible to collect Unemployment benefits while in training provided you are able to seek and accept employment. |top| If I am still in training when my regular benefits end, can I receive additional unemployment benefits? If approved for training, you may be eligible for up to a maximum of 26 weeks of additional Unemployment benefits. However, since funding for additional benefits is not always available, approval of your training does not guarantee that you will receive additional benefits or that your additional benefits will cover the entire period that you are in training. |top| What is the current approval date? The current approval date for approved trainees on the waiting list is 11/14/08. (UPDATED 11/21/08) If you have received a notice informing you that you have been approved for training under Section 599 of the New York State Unemployment Insurance Law, your approval date will appear under the heading, “Important notice”. |top| What if I am in the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program? Participants in a New York State Registered Apprenticeship program who are attending related instruction while claiming unemployment insurance benefits must inform the Telephone Claim Center. The TCC staff must be informed that the related instruction is a requirement of your agreement (AT401) for the Registered Apprenticeship program. |top| |
