Just want to say good luck with your job search! The restaurant industry has been tough but things are picking up in my area.

@Sergio Neal - You can find the work search log form on the NYS Department of Labor website under the unemployment section, or they sometimes mail it with your initial paperwork. But honestly, you can just create your own simple log as long as it includes the required info: date, employer name, contact method, position applied for, and result. I keep mine in a simple notebook and it's worked fine for over a year of claims. The key is being consistent and detailed - don't wait until the last minute to catch up on your documentation like I did at first!

I'm also with Chase and have been through this a few times! In my experience, once NY unemployment releases the payment, it usually hits Chase accounts pretty quickly - typically within 24-48 hours. Chase processes ACH transfers overnight, so there's a good chance you'll wake up tomorrow and see it there! I always set my phone to check around 6-7 AM because that's when most overnight deposits post. The fact that you got the release notification today is a great sign - the system is working as it should. Just try to stay patient (I know it's hard when you need the money!). If for some reason it doesn't show up by Thursday, that's when I'd start making calls, but honestly I'd bet you'll see it tomorrow morning!

I've been dealing with NY unemployment payments and Chase for a while now, and from my experience, you should definitely see it within 1-2 business days! Chase is actually pretty reliable with these ACH transfers. Since yours was released today, I'd expect to see it hit your account tomorrow morning or Wednesday at the latest. The overnight processing usually happens between 2-6 AM, so check first thing when you wake up. I know the waiting is nerve-wracking when you really need the funds, but once you see that "released" status, you're basically in the clear. The banking system just needs to do its thing. Hang tight - it's coming!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I'm currently 64 and went through this process last year. The NYS Department of Labor eligibility determination really comes down to your specific circumstances and how you present them. In my case, my position was eliminated as part of a company reorganization, even though I was close to retirement age anyway. The key was that I didn't initiate the separation - they did. I was approved for benefits, but I had to genuinely look for work and document my job search activities every week. It's not a retirement bridge - you really do need to be available and actively seeking employment. If you're planning to fully retire and not work again, unemployment benefits aren't the right solution. But if you're open to working and your employment ends involuntarily, age alone won't disqualify you. I'd recommend speaking with an employment attorney if you're unsure about your specific situation, as the nuances can be tricky.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation at 61 and have been researching this extensively. One thing I learned that might help is that NYS Department of Labor also considers whether you're receiving pension benefits when determining eligibility. If you start collecting a pension from your current employer, that can affect your unemployment claim even if the job separation was involuntary. Also, keep in mind that unemployment benefits are taxable income, so factor that into your financial planning. You might want to consult with a financial advisor about strategies for bridging the gap to Social Security - there are options like COBRA continuation, part-time consulting work, or drawing from retirement accounts that might be more suitable than trying to navigate the unemployment system if you're genuinely ready to stop working full-time.

Does anyone know if this 4-hour rule applies to self-employment income too? I do some freelancing on the side and I'm trying to figure out how to properly report my hours.

Just wanted to add that if you're planning to adjust your work hours to stay under the 16-hour threshold, make sure to communicate with your employer about why you need specific hour limits. I had to explain to my manager that working 15 hours vs 16 hours makes a $187 difference in my weekly benefits. Most employers are understanding once you explain the situation, especially if you're a reliable worker. Some even prefer part-time employees who are clear about their availability limits. Also, keep track of EVERY minute you work - including training time, meetings, and even time spent reading work emails at home, as all of this counts toward your total hours reported to NYSDOL.

One thing to watch out for - make sure your employer doesn't contest your unemployment claim. Some companies will argue that you quit by not returning to work even if you physically can't do the job anymore.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - my workers comp ended 3 weeks ago and I'm still dealing with shoulder restrictions from a workplace injury. From what I've learned, the most important thing is to be completely honest about your limitations when you file. NYS Department of Labor actually has a section in their application where you can specify your work restrictions. I'd recommend getting a written statement from your doctor that clearly outlines what type of work you CAN do, not just what you can't do. This helps show you're genuinely available for suitable employment. Also, start keeping a detailed log of your job search activities focused on positions that match your restrictions - customer service, administrative work, etc. The 3 weekly job contacts requirement still applies even with limitations.