


Ask the community...
I'm 69 and was in this exact situation two years ago when my part-time retail job ended. You can definitely collect both - I received unemployment benefits for 6 months while continuing to get my full social security. The NYS Department of Labor staff I spoke with confirmed there's no federal or state law preventing this combination. Just make sure you're completely honest on your weekly certifications about your social security income and keep detailed records of your job search activities. One tip: when you're doing your required 3 weekly job searches, don't limit yourself to just younger-worker jobs - there are employers specifically looking for experienced workers. I ended up finding a new part-time position through indeed.com that valued my experience. The whole process was much smoother than I expected once I got past the initial anxiety about applying.
This is really encouraging to hear from someone who's been through the whole process! I appreciate you mentioning the tip about not limiting job searches to "younger-worker jobs" - I hadn't thought about that but it makes sense. I've been worried that my age might work against me in the job search, but focusing on employers who value experience sounds like a much better approach. Did you find that most employers were understanding about your situation of being on both social security and looking for work? I'm hoping to find something part-time like you did.
I'm 65 and currently collecting social security, and I was just laid off from my part-time administrative assistant position last week. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea you could collect both benefits simultaneously! I was actually afraid to apply for unemployment because I thought it might somehow affect my social security payments. It's reassuring to hear from so many people who have successfully navigated this situation. I'm planning to file my claim online this week since it sounds like that's much more reliable than trying to call. One question though - for the work search requirements, are there any age-friendly job search resources that people have found particularly helpful? I want to make sure I'm meeting the 3 weekly activities requirement effectively.
@Cole Roush I m'glad you found everyone s'responses helpful! For age-friendly job search resources, I d'definitely recommend checking out AARP s'job board at aarpjobboard.org - they specifically focus on opportunities for workers 50+. Also, many local libraries have job search programs and computer access if you need it. For your weekly activities, you can count things like applying to jobs online, attending virtual job fairs, networking events, or even calling employers directly. The NYS Department of Labor website has a list of acceptable activities. Don t'forget that updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can also count as a search activity. Best of luck with your application - you ve'got this!
I'm in almost the exact same situation! My benefit year ends next month and I'm also working part-time. I'm super nervous about having to start over with a new claim... Did you end up filing yet? How did it go? I'm worried they'll calculate my benefits differently and I'll get less money.
I'm going to file tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm worried about the same thing.
Quick update based on the 2025 rules: When filing a new claim after expiration while working part-time, make sure to have the following ready: 1. Accurate records of all part-time earnings (weekly breakdown) 2. Documentation of your work search activities (even while working part-time) 3. Your current employer's information 4. Any separation documents from previous employers The new monetary determination will be based on your earnings during the base period, so your weekly benefit amount may change depending on how much you've been earning at your part-time job.
UPDATE: I filed my new claim yesterday and it was actually pretty straightforward! The system recognized I had an expired claim and guided me through the process. It asked for details about my part-time work and calculated a new weekly benefit amount - it's about $15 less than before, but not terrible. They said there might be a 1-2 week processing period, but everything looks good so far. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Welcome to the group, Michael! Your experience with the multi-state wage issue is really valuable for others here. I'm so glad you were persistent and finally got through to someone who could actually explain what was happening with your claim. I've been helping people navigate the NY unemployment system for a while now, and the interstate wage verification delays are becoming increasingly common. It's frustrating that the system doesn't give claimants any visibility into what's causing the delay - you shouldn't have to wait 2 months just to find out there's a paperwork holdup between state agencies. For anyone else reading this who might have worked in multiple states, Michael's story shows how important it is to mention that specific detail when you finally reach an agent. The representatives can put notes in your file to expedite the interstate coordination process, but they need to know to look for that issue first. Thanks for taking the time to update us with your resolution - these success stories really help keep everyone's spirits up while they're dealing with their own claims!
Thanks Daryl! I totally agree that the lack of transparency in the system is one of the most frustrating parts. When your claim just says "pending" with no other information, you have no idea if it's a simple paperwork issue that could be resolved quickly, or something more complex that might take months. I really hope NYSDOL considers adding more detailed status updates to their online system so people don't have to go through what I went through - constantly calling, reaching out to elected officials, and burning through savings while waiting for answers. Even something as simple as "pending - interstate wage verification in progress" would save claimants so much stress and uncertainty. Hopefully sharing these experiences here can at least help people understand what questions to ask when they do finally get through to someone!
Hi Michael! Welcome to the group and congratulations on finally getting your claim resolved! Your story is so encouraging for those of us still waiting. I'm in week 6 of pending status and have been getting increasingly worried about how long this might drag on. Reading that you had worked in multiple states and that was the root cause of your delay is really helpful - I actually worked in NY and PA last year, so this might explain what's happening with my claim too. I've been trying to get through by phone for weeks with no luck. Did you end up reaching them directly, or did your Assemblyman's office ultimately connect you with someone? I'm debating whether to contact my representative or keep trying on my own. Also, when you finally got your back payments, did they include the $300 federal supplement that was available during some weeks, or just the regular state benefit amount? Thanks again for sharing your experience and keeping us updated. It really helps to see that there's light at the end of the tunnel!
you might be able to file anyway and see what happens? sometimes they approve things that seem like they shouldn't qualify. worth a shot right?
I wouldn't recommend filing a claim you know doesn't qualify. If you receive benefits you're not entitled to, you'll have to pay them back with penalties. It's better to be certain about eligibility first.
Have you considered asking your current employer if they'd be willing to let you use any accrued vacation or personal time during your notice period to extend your employment a bit longer? Or maybe see if they have any project work you could do as a contractor during the gap? Some employers are pretty flexible when they know you're leaving on good terms and not going to a competitor. It might help bridge at least part of that 3-week period without having to deal with the unemployment system at all.
Eli Wang
Check your email too sometimes they send updates there instead of the website messages. Also call your local career center they might have more info about appeal timelines in your area.
0 coins
Norah Quay
I feel for you - the waiting is brutal when you're running low on funds. One thing that helped me was calling the Appeals Bureau directly at (518) 402-0205 rather than the main unemployment line. They're usually less busy and can at least confirm they received your appeal and give you a rough timeline. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're continuing to certify for benefits each week even while your appeal is pending - if you win, you'll get backpay for those weeks. Hang in there, 6 weeks is still within the normal timeframe even though it feels like forever.
0 coins
Freya Thomsen
•Thank you so much for that direct number! I've been calling the main line and getting nowhere. Just to clarify - when you say continue certifying for benefits, do you mean I should keep doing the weekly certification even though my claim shows as disqualified? I stopped doing it because I thought there was no point since I'm not getting paid anyway.
0 coins