Also make sure you're still doing your job search requirements even though benefits exhausted. I think you have to keep certifying that you're looking for work in case you do qualify for a new claim period. Don't want to mess up any future eligibility.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add that you should also check if there are any state or local assistance programs available while you're figuring out the unemployment situation. Many counties in NY have emergency rental assistance programs that can help with rent if you're facing eviction. Also, make sure to apply for SNAP benefits if you haven't already - the income limits are higher now and it can help stretch your budget while you're looking for work. The process for a new unemployment claim can take a few weeks even if you do qualify, so having other support in place is crucial. Hang in there, this system is really tough to navigate but there are other resources out there.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! why cant they just send the money when they approve you like every other normal system. i've been waiting 5 days and still nothing

I had the exact same confusion when I first got approved! The approval just means you're eligible - you still have to do the weekly certification every Sunday through Wednesday to actually get paid. I'd log into my.ny.gov right now and check if there's a pending weekly claim waiting for you. Once you certify for your first week, the direct deposit should hit within 2-3 business days. The system is definitely not intuitive but once you get into the rhythm it becomes routine.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Just turned 60 and got laid off after 25 years at my company. My pension is $1,650/month and I'm still waiting to hear back from NYS DOL about my claim status. From what I've researched, there might be some differences in how they treat pensions if you were involuntarily separated (like a layoff) versus voluntary retirement. Also, I've heard that if your pension is from a different employer than where you were laid off from, the rules might be different. Has anyone had experience with that scenario? It's so confusing trying to navigate all these regulations when you're already stressed about finding new work at our age.

I'm in a very similar boat - 55 years old, laid off after 18 years, and getting a pension of about $1,400/month. What I learned from my experience is that you definitely need to report the pension upfront when filing your claim, but there are some nuances that might help your situation. First, make sure to clarify with NYS DOL whether your pension is considered "employer-contributory" - if you contributed your own money to it through payroll deductions, that portion might not count against your benefits. Second, if you're actively looking for work (which it sounds like you are), emphasize that you're available and able to work - this isn't a retirement situation. I'd also recommend documenting everything about your layoff and pension details before calling them, because you'll likely need to provide specific information about how the pension is funded and calculated. The system is definitely frustrating, but don't give up - there might be more options than the initial determination suggests.

Just to confirm what others said - $504 is definitely the max weekly in NY right now. I got laid off from finance making $95k and that's exactly what I receive. There's no special high earner program or anything like that.

Just went through this myself after getting laid off from a marketing role in Brooklyn. With your $75k salary, you should definitely qualify for close to the maximum $504/week. One thing to watch out for - make sure you file your claim promptly because the base period calculation can shift if you wait too long. Also, if you had any bonus payments or commission during your highest earning quarter, those count toward your benefit calculation too. The NYS DOL website has a benefit calculator tool that can give you a rough estimate before you file, which might help ease some of the uncertainty while you're waiting for your official determination.

Just make sure you keep track of your hours and earnings! NYS Department of Labor cross-references with employer wage reports so they WILL find out if you don't report correctly. I've seen people get massive overpayment bills because they thought they could hide small jobs.

You're absolutely doing everything right by reporting your earnings! I've been in a similar situation and the anxiety is totally understandable. Just to add to what others have said - the NYS Department of Labor actually encourages part-time work while on unemployment because it helps people transition back to full employment. The partial benefit system is designed specifically for situations like yours. Keep detailed records of your work hours and pay stubs, and continue reporting honestly each week. You're not going to get in trouble for working part-time and reporting it correctly - that's exactly what you're supposed to do!