This is such helpful information! I'm dealing with a very similar situation working at a local bookstore where my hours are all over the place depending on events and seasonal rushes. Some weeks I'm barely getting 12 hours, other weeks they have me working 35+ during big sales. It's reassuring to know that the NY system is actually designed to handle these fluctuations and I don't need to worry about looking suspicious when I go back and forth between claiming and not claiming. I was always stressed about whether there would be some kind of flag on my account, but it sounds like this is exactly what partial unemployment benefits are for. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

I'm new to this whole partial unemployment thing and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just started a part-time job at a retail store where they warned me upfront that hours would vary dramatically based on sales and seasons. Some weeks might be 35+ hours during back-to-school or holidays, other weeks could be as low as 10 hours. I was worried about how to handle the unemployment benefits with such unpredictable scheduling, but reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much better about the process. It's great to know that NY's system is actually built for exactly this kind of situation and that each week truly does stand alone. I'll make sure to keep detailed records of my hours and take screenshots like some of you suggested. Thanks for creating such a supportive community where people can share real experiences with these confusing systems!

I went through something similar a few years ago when I had to leave my retail job due to a knee injury. The most important thing is to be completely honest and consistent in all your applications and weekly certifications. When I filed for unemployment, I clearly stated my physical limitations and the types of work I could still perform. I also made sure to apply for jobs that matched those capabilities - customer service roles, data entry, reception work, etc. Keep detailed records of your job search activities because NYS requires you to make a certain number of job contacts each week. One tip: consider reaching out to temp agencies that specialize in office work - they often have positions that are perfect for people with physical restrictions and it shows you're actively seeking employment within your limitations.

I'm in a similar boat - applied for disability in September and still waiting. From what I've learned through this process, you absolutely can collect unemployment while your disability claim is pending, but documentation is key. I'd suggest getting a written statement from your doctor specifically outlining what types of work activities you CAN do, not just what you can't. This helps when you're filling out your weekly certifications and shows you're being proactive about finding suitable work. Also, when you apply for UI benefits, there's usually a section where you can explain your work limitations - be thorough and honest there. I've been focusing my job search on remote administrative positions and part-time office roles, and I keep a spreadsheet of every application with dates, company names, and position details. It's tedious but gives me peace of mind that I'm following all the rules. The waiting is stressful but having that UI income while the disability claim processes has been a lifesaver.

Your manager was absolutely trying to manipulate you - this is unfortunately super common. Employers know that unemployment claims can affect their experience rating and potentially increase their future UI tax rates, so some try to discourage employees from filing. But here's the thing: you PAID for this coverage through your work! Every paycheck you earned helped fund the system through your employer's contributions. You're not taking charity or hurting anyone - you're accessing a benefit you literally earned by working there for 2 years. File your claim ASAP and don't let anyone make you feel guilty about it. The NYS Department of Labor website has all the info you need to get started.

I went through this exact same situation when I got laid off from my restaurant job last year! My manager also tried to make me feel guilty about filing, saying it would "hurt the business" and that I should "be loyal" even after they let me go. It's such a common manipulation tactic. The reality is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. Your employer has been paying premiums into this system the whole time you worked there, just like they pay into workers comp or any other mandatory business insurance. When you file a claim, you're not personally costing them money any more than filing a car insurance claim personally costs your insurance company - it's literally what the system is designed for. Don't let them guilt you into not accessing benefits you've earned. File your claim immediately because there can be delays, and you need that income to survive while job hunting.

I'm 62 and currently working but keeping a close eye on this discussion since my industry has been volatile lately. This thread has been absolutely incredible - so much real-world practical advice that you just can't find anywhere else! One thing I wanted to add for future reference: I've been pre-emptively organizing all my employment and benefits paperwork into a "layoff preparation" folder after reading everyone's experiences here. This includes getting copies of my pension plan documents, 401k statements, and even drafting a request letter for that "pension offset letter" that Emma mentioned. For anyone else who might be in a similar situation of anticipating potential changes, I'd highly recommend getting organized now while you still have easy access to HR and payroll systems. The peace of mind of knowing exactly what documentation you'd need and having it ready to go is invaluable. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories - you've turned what seemed like a nightmare scenario into something that feels manageable with proper preparation!

I'm 63 and have been reading through all of these experiences with great interest. My company just announced they'll be eliminating my position in two months after 17 years, so this thread has been incredibly helpful for planning ahead. One question I haven't seen addressed: does anyone know if there are different rules for government vs. private sector pensions when it comes to the NYS Department of Labor offset calculations? I worked for the state for 12 years before my current private sector job, so I have a small state pension that I could start drawing along with my private pension. I'm wondering if NYS Department of Labor treats state pensions differently than private ones, or if they both get factored into the reduction the same way. Also, has anyone dealt with having multiple pension sources while collecting unemployment? The paperwork seems like it could get complicated with multiple pension administrators. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences - knowing that this is navigable with proper preparation has really reduced my anxiety about the situation!

The NYS Department of Labor website has information about this but it's buried in their FAQ section. The main thing is documenting that you're physically able to perform some type of work, even if it's not your previous job. Keep copies of all your medical reports and job applications to show you're making a good faith effort to find employment within your restrictions.

I went through this exact situation two years ago after a construction accident. The key thing to understand is that workers comp and unemployment serve different purposes - workers comp replaces wages you lost due to your injury, while unemployment helps when you're able to work but can't find suitable employment. You absolutely can collect both simultaneously as long as you're honest about your limitations and actively seeking work you can physically perform. Make sure to get a detailed work capacity evaluation from your doctor that specifies exactly what you can and cannot do. When you file your weekly certifications, be truthful about your restrictions and keep detailed records of every job you apply for. The NYS Department of Labor is actually pretty understanding about these situations once you explain your circumstances properly.