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I'm about 4 weeks into my unemployment claim and this entire thread has been a wake-up call! I've been casually applying to jobs but definitely not keeping the kind of detailed records everyone is describing. Starting tomorrow I'm implementing the spreadsheet system with weekly folders for screenshots and confirmations. One thing I'm wondering about - has anyone had success counting professional development activities like online courses or certifications as work search activities? I've been taking some LinkedIn Learning courses to update my skills but wasn't sure if NYS DOL would accept those. Also, for those who've been audited, how far back did they ask you to provide documentation? I'm hoping I can start fresh with better record-keeping without being penalized for my earlier weeks of poor documentation. This community has been so much more helpful than any official resources I've found!
@Zainab Ibrahim Yes, professional development activities like LinkedIn Learning courses can definitely count as work search activities! I ve'successfully used online certifications and skill-building courses in my documentation. The key is to show how they re'relevant to your job search - for example, I documented a Google Analytics course I took and explained how it would make me more competitive for marketing roles I was applying for. As for how far back audits go, from what I ve'experienced and heard from others, they typically focus on recent weeks but can ask for documentation going back to the start of your claim. Don t'stress too much about your earlier weeks - just start keeping meticulous records now and if questioned later, honestly explain that you were learning the requirements and have since improved your documentation. The fact that you re'being proactive now shows good faith effort. Save certificates of completion for any courses and keep notes on how they relate to your job search goals!
I've been on unemployment for about 8 weeks now and honestly wish I had found this thread earlier! Reading everyone's experiences has made me realize I need to completely overhaul my documentation system. I've been keeping a basic list of where I applied but nothing nearly as detailed as what you all are describing. Starting this week I'm implementing the spreadsheet approach with separate folders for each week's documentation. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - does anyone know if attending virtual job fairs counts as a work search activity? I've been to a few but wasn't sure if they qualified since I didn't apply to specific jobs on the spot, just collected information and made some connections. Also, for those using spreadsheets, do you include a column for follow-up actions? I'm trying to figure out if following up on applications I submitted weeks ago counts as additional work search activities or if it's just part of the original application. Thanks to everyone sharing their real experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical advice I needed!
@Monique Byrd Virtual job fairs absolutely count as work search activities! I ve'documented several and they were accepted during my audit. The key is to keep detailed records - save the event registration confirmation, take notes on companies you spoke with even (if just at their virtual booths ,)and document any follow-up actions like connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn or requesting information about future openings. For follow-ups on previous applications, I treat those as separate activities if there s'genuine new contact - like calling to check on application status or sending a follow-up email after 2-3 weeks. Just make sure to document what specific action you took and when. Your spreadsheet should definitely include a follow-up column! I also add a notes "column" where I track things like attended "Company X presentation at virtual fair, collected recruiter contact info or" followed "up on 2-week-old application via phone call with HR. The" more detail you can provide about meaningful job search efforts, the better protected you ll'be if audited.
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I'm dealing with this exact situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I just started a paid training program that's 26 hours per week and was completely panicked about how to handle the certification. Reading everyone's experiences and advice has really helped calm my nerves. What I found most helpful was learning that NY unemployment actually WANTS people to take these training opportunities - they're not trying to trap you or penalize you for working toward full employment. The partial benefit system seems fair once you understand how it works. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about keeping meticulous daily records. Already downloaded a time-tracking app on my phone so I can log exact start/stop times. The last thing I want is to have discrepancies later during an audit. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences here - it's so much better than trying to decode the official government language on their website!
I'm so glad this thread helped ease your worries! I was in the exact same boat a few months ago - that panic about potentially messing up your benefits while trying to do the right thing is so real. You're absolutely right that the official government language can be really hard to interpret, which is why these real-world experiences are so valuable. The time-tracking app is a smart move - I wish I had thought of that when I was going through this! It's great that you're being so proactive about documentation. You've got this!
I'm new to this community but just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I'm starting a part-time training program next week (about 27 hours) and was totally lost on how to handle the unemployment certification. Reading through everyone's real experiences has made this so much clearer than trying to figure it out from the official NYSDOL website alone. The biggest takeaway for me is that I need to be completely honest and report everything accurately - it sounds like the system is actually designed to support people transitioning back to work through training programs like this. I love all the practical tips about keeping detailed daily records and using time-tracking apps. One thing that really stood out is how many people mentioned the importance of reporting based on when work was performed rather than when paid. That's definitely something I wouldn't have known to clarify without this discussion. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences - this community is amazing for providing real-world guidance that you just can't get anywhere else!
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ugh this whole system is such a nightmare. why cant they just make the forms clearer instead of setting people up to fail?? ive been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and its like they WANT to make it impossible
I feel you on the frustration but the form isn't that bad once you understand what they're looking for
One tip that helped me with the work history section - if you worked multiple jobs during any period, list them all even if they overlapped. The system needs to see your complete earnings picture to calculate benefits correctly. Also, for the "reason for separation" with reduced hours, you can usually select "lack of work" or "reduction in force" - both indicate it wasn't your fault. Keep all your documentation handy in case they need to verify anything during the review process.
This is really helpful advice! I'm in a similar situation and was wondering - when you say "keep all your documentation handy," what specific documents should I have ready? I have my last few pay stubs but I'm not sure what else they might ask for during the review.
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I'm 63 and actually just went through this process successfully about 3 months ago when my company downsized. Can definitely confirm what everyone else is saying - social security retirement benefits absolutely do NOT affect your unemployment benefits in New York! The NYS Department of Labor treats them as completely separate income sources. When I filed my initial claim, there wasn't even a question about social security income on the application. The weekly certifications never ask about it either because it's not considered "wages" that would reduce your benefits. The hardest part for me was actually getting through to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor to confirm this initially - their phone lines are constantly busy. But once I did connect with a representative, they were very clear that social security retirement is totally separate from unemployment insurance. Just make sure you're prepared to document your job search activities thoroughly and stay committed to finding new employment. At our age, we bring valuable experience to the table, so don't get discouraged! File that claim with confidence - you're entitled to both benefits simultaneously.
Dylan, this is incredibly reassuring to hear from someone who just went through the process so recently! Your experience matches exactly what I was hoping to hear. I'm feeling much more confident about filing my claim now. You mentioned that the hardest part was getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone - did you eventually need to speak with them for other questions during your claim period, or was that initial confirmation call the main contact you needed? I'm wondering if I should try to get through to them proactively before filing, or if I can just proceed with the online application knowing that the social security won't be an issue. Also, when you mention documenting job search activities thoroughly, did you use any particular system or just keep a simple log? I want to make sure I'm organized from the start!
Dylan, thanks for the confirmation! I'm really relieved to hear from someone who just went through this successfully. I think I'll go ahead and file the claim online without calling first, since it sounds like the social security issue is pretty straightforward. For job search documentation, I'm planning to create a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position, how I applied, and any follow-up actions. That way I'll have everything organized if they ever ask for it. It's really encouraging to hear that you view our experience as valuable - sometimes it feels like being in your 60s is a disadvantage in the job market, but you're right that we bring a lot to the table. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm 65 and just went through this exact situation 4 months ago when my construction company laid off several senior workers. Everyone here is absolutely correct - your social security retirement benefits will NOT affect your unemployment benefits in New York. The NYS Department of Labor confirmed this to me directly when I had questions about my claim. They're treated as completely separate programs. However, I want to emphasize something that helped me tremendously: when you file your weekly certifications, be very thorough in documenting your work search activities. I kept a detailed spreadsheet with every job I applied to, including the date, company name, position, and method of application. I also included networking activities like reaching out to former colleagues and attending virtual job fairs. The NYS Department of Labor never actually asked to see my documentation, but having it organized gave me confidence during the certification process. One practical tip - I found that many employers actually value the reliability and experience that comes with workers our age, especially in industries facing labor shortages. Don't let age discourage you from applying broadly. You've got 15 years of warehouse experience which is incredibly valuable right now. File that claim with confidence!
Lydia Santiago
I'm dealing with a similar back issue from my job at a fulfillment center. One thing my worker's comp attorney mentioned is that you might also want to look into whether you qualify for temporary disability benefits through your state disability insurance (SDI) - it's different from Social Security disability and can sometimes bridge the gap. The payments are usually less than unemployment but the approval process is faster than SSDI. Also, if your injury is work-related, make sure you've filed a worker's comp claim too - those benefits can sometimes run alongside other programs. The whole system is definitely confusing, but documenting everything with your doctors is key regardless of which path you choose.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Wait, there's a difference between state disability insurance and Social Security disability? I had no idea there were multiple types of disability benefits! And I definitely should look into worker's comp since my back injury happened at the warehouse. I've been so focused on just the unemployment vs SSDI question that I didn't even think about these other options. This is getting complicated but at least now I know there might be more paths to explore. Thanks for mentioning the SDI option - do you know if New York has that program or is it only certain states?
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Leslie Parker
I just went through this exact situation last year with a rotator cuff injury from my delivery job. Here's what I learned the hard way - New York actually does NOT have state disability insurance (SDI) like California or New Jersey. We only have the federal SSDI option which takes forever. However, you absolutely should file for worker's comp if your back injury happened at work - that's completely separate and you can potentially collect worker's comp while on unemployment in certain situations. The key is getting proper medical documentation NOW. I made the mistake of waiting too long to see specialists and it hurt both my unemployment case (when I couldn't meet work search requirements) and my eventual disability claim. Get an MRI and physical therapy evaluations ASAP. Also, keep detailed records of how your pain affects daily activities - this documentation will be crucial for any disability application later. My advice? Stick with unemployment as long as you can honestly say you're able to work some jobs, but start building your medical case now in case you need to transition to disability benefits down the road.
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Abigail Patel
•This is incredibly helpful information! Thank you for clarifying that NY doesn't have SDI - I was getting confused by all the different disability programs mentioned. I definitely need to prioritize getting that MRI done. My primary care doctor has been suggesting it for weeks but I kept putting it off because of the cost. It sounds like having proper documentation could make or break any future disability claim. I'm also kicking myself for not filing worker's comp initially - I thought since I was already getting unemployment I didn't need to worry about it. Better late than never though. Did you find that having worker's comp affected your unemployment benefits at all, or were you able to keep both going simultaneously?
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