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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.
This is really helpful advice, thank you. I hadn't thought about SNAP benefits or rental assistance programs. Do you know if there's a specific website or office I should contact to find out about the county programs? My rent is due in a few days and I'm starting to panic. Also wondering if applying for other assistance programs would affect my ability to file a new unemployment claim if I do qualify for one?
Just wanted to say good luck with your job search! The combination of age discrimination and having to explain the retirement situation makes it extra challenging, but don't give up.
I went through something very similar when I was laid off at 64. You can definitely collect unemployment while receiving pension benefits - the key thing is proving you're actively seeking work. Keep detailed records of your job applications and interviews because they may audit your work search activities. Also, when you file your weekly certifications, be prepared to report your exact pension amount each week. The system will automatically calculate any offset. One tip: if your pension is substantial, it might reduce your UI benefits significantly, but even a partial benefit can help while you're job hunting.
I'm so glad I found this thread! I literally made the exact same mistake this morning - accidentally clicked "yes" to earning over $504 when I earned nothing. I was rushing to certify before work and my heart sank the moment I realized what I'd done. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief, especially seeing that @Anastasia Romanov got it resolved! I'm definitely going to start calling first thing tomorrow morning based on the advice about mid-morning being better than right at opening. Going to document everything like @Zara Malik suggested too. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences - this is way more helpful than anything on the official NYSDOL website!
Oh no, you're going through the exact same stress I just went through! But don't worry - based on everyone's advice here, you caught it quickly which is the most important thing. Definitely try calling mid-morning like around 9-9:30am rather than right when they open. And yes, document everything! I kept a little notepad by my phone with the date, time I called, and how long I waited each time. It really helped me stay organized and gave me peace of mind that I was doing everything I could to fix it. You've got this! The agent I finally spoke to said this happens way more often than people think, so try not to stress too much. Keep us posted on how it goes!
Reading through this entire thread has been so eye-opening! I've been on unemployment for about 3 months now and have been terrified of making a mistake like this. The fact that so many people have accidentally clicked the wrong button really shows how poorly designed the certification interface is. What strikes me most is how helpful this community has been compared to the official NYSDOL resources - you all provided more useful information in one thread than I've found anywhere on their website! I'm definitely going to start using the checklist method that @Mason Stone mentioned and keep this thread bookmarked in case I ever need it. It's also really encouraging to see that the actual agents are understanding and helpful once you get through to them. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially @Anastasia Romanov for following up with the resolution!
I went through this same situation last year and here's what I learned: definitely include ALL jobs from the past 2 years to be safe, even short-term ones or jobs with gaps. The base period calculation can be confusing but it's better to over-report than under-report. For the job you quit 18 months ago - quitting without notice isn't automatically disqualifying, especially if it's outside your base period. They're more concerned about your most recent job separation and whether you're currently able and available to work. The key is being completely honest on your application. If you're unsure about specific dates or details, it's better to estimate and note that rather than leave things blank. Keep records of everything you submit too.
This is really helpful advice, thanks! So even though I quit that job 18 months ago without notice, as long as it's not the reason I'm filing now it shouldn't be a big deal? My most recent job ended due to layoffs so that should be fine. I'm just nervous about having so many different jobs in a short period - will they think I'm job-hopping or unreliable? Also, when you say "estimate and note that" - do you mean like write "approximately" next to dates I'm not 100% sure about?
Exactly right on both points! Since your most recent separation was a layoff (which is considered "no fault" of your own), that old job you quit shouldn't impact your current claim eligibility. Job-hopping isn't necessarily a red flag - lots of people have multiple jobs these days, especially in certain industries. And yes, for dates you're unsure about, you can write "approximately [date]" or "around [month/year]" - they understand people don't remember exact start/end dates for every job. The important thing is showing you made a good faith effort to be accurate and complete.
I just went through this exact same process a few months ago and was really stressed about the work history part too. Here's what I found out - they do look at your base period (those 4 quarters everyone mentioned) for calculating benefits, but you should definitely list everything from the past 2 years on your initial application just to be thorough. I had similar concerns about job gaps and short-term positions, but the representative I spoke with said it's super common these days and they're used to seeing varied work histories. The most important thing is that your MOST RECENT job separation qualifies you - sounds like yours was a layoff which should be fine. As for that job you quit 18 months ago, if it falls outside your base period it likely won't affect your current claim at all. My advice is to gather all your employment records first (W-2s, pay stubs, etc.) before filling out the application so you can be as accurate as possible with dates and wages.
@Jacob Smithson Thanks for sharing your experience! That s'really helpful to know that varied work histories are common now. I m'curious - when you gathered your employment records beforehand, did you organize them in any particular way? Like chronologically or by employer? And did having everything ready actually speed up the application process, or was it more just for peace of mind in case they had follow-up questions later?
@Jacob Smithson This is exactly what I needed to hear! I ve'been so anxious about my messy work history but you re'right that it s'probably more common than I think. I m'definitely going to follow your advice about gathering records first - I ve'been dreading digging through old paperwork but it sounds like it ll'make the whole process smoother. One quick question - when you mentioned speaking with a representative, was that after you submitted your initial application or were you able to get clarification before filing? I m'trying to decide if I should attempt to call them first or just submit the application with my best effort at complete information.
Ruby Knight
I've been on NY unemployment for about 2 months and can confirm the one-day delay is standard for all federal holidays. One thing that really helped me was setting up account alerts through the NY.gov portal - you can get email notifications when your payment status changes, which gives you peace of mind during holiday weeks. Also wanted to mention that if you're ever worried about the timing, you can call your bank's automated phone line (not the unemployment office) to check if any deposits are pending. Most banks will tell you about incoming ACH transfers even before they show up in your online account. The NY system is definitely confusing at first, but the holiday schedule is actually one of the more reliable aspects once you get used to it. Just remember: federal holiday on Monday = everything shifts one day later!
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Paolo Conti
•That's really helpful about setting up the email notifications through the NY.gov portal! I didn't even know that was an option. And the tip about calling your bank's automated line to check for pending ACH transfers is genius - that would definitely help with the anxiety of waiting and wondering. I'm still pretty new to all of this and it's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through a few holiday cycles that the timing really is predictable once you know the pattern. Thanks for sharing these practical tips!
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ElectricDreamer
I'm also new to NY unemployment and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was actually stressing about this exact same thing earlier today when I realized Monday is a holiday. It's such a relief to know it's just a standard one-day delay and not something more complicated. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips - especially the suggestions about setting up bank alerts and keeping track of holidays in advance. Coming from someone who's never had to navigate unemployment benefits before, all these practical details make such a huge difference in understanding what to expect. Thanks to the original poster for asking this question - I'm sure there are other newcomers like us who were wondering the same thing!
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