Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #283
Train for a New Career While Your Unemployment Checks Keep Coming
599 Training Program - unemployment while in approved training
Who
New York Unemployment Insurance claimants in, accepted to, or considering qualifying training.
What to do
Start here: Submit a 599 application as soon as you are accepted into training, or contact a NYS Career Center if you are not yet enrolled.
Eligibility: Training must be approved by NYS DOL and meet program requirements; apply while still receiving regular UI.
What you get
The 599 Program can waive the unemployment work-search requirement while an approved claimant attends qualifying full-time training.
Benefit: Continued regular UI while approved training is underway; some people may be eligible for up to 26 additional weeks if funding is available.
Possible value: The program does not pay tuition, and additional weeks are not guaranteed.
Good to know
Important: Apply within the first 13 weeks of the claim for the maximum possible benefit; extra 599.2 funding can have a waitlist.
Availability: Current NYS DOL program.
Why people miss it: It is not tuition aid and is easy to miss because it sits inside the unemployment system.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026