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Just make sure you understand that your unemployment benefits might be reduced based on your work history and wages. Since you were working part-time, your weekly benefit amount will be calculated on those earnings, not your social security amount.
I'm in a similar situation - 65 and collecting social security but was working part-time at a retail job until they cut hours completely. From what I've learned, you definitely can collect both, but be prepared for the paperwork. You'll need to report your social security income on your weekly certification, and yes, you still have to do the job search requirements even at our age. It feels a bit ridiculous sometimes, but that's the law. The good news is that your social security won't count against your unemployment eligibility, it's just something you have to disclose. Make sure you have all your employment records ready when you file - they'll want your last employer info, wages, etc. Good luck!
This is really helpful to hear from someone in almost the exact same situation! I was worried about the job search requirement too - it does seem a bit odd at our age, but I guess I understand why they have to apply the rules equally. Did you find that employers were receptive when you explained you were collecting unemployment, or did you run into any issues with that? I'm wondering if I should be upfront about my situation during interviews or if that might hurt my chances.
That's great news about getting $578! I'm actually in a similar situation - just got laid off from a job where I made about $48K annually, but I had some freelance work earlier in the year that might boost my base period earnings. Reading through all these explanations really helps me understand what to expect. It's reassuring to see real examples of how the calculations work out in practice. Now I just need to brace myself for the potentially long wait times everyone's mentioning!
That freelance work could definitely help boost your benefit amount! Just make sure you have all your 1099s and records ready when you apply - NYSDOL will need to see documentation of all your earnings during the base period. Good luck with your application, and hopefully the wait times aren't too brutal for you!
Just wanted to share my experience as another data point - I was making $65K annually when I got laid off last fall. My weekly benefit came out to $584, so pretty close to the max. The key thing I learned is that they really do look at your highest earning quarter during the base period, not just your annual salary divided by 4. I had worked some overtime in Q2 which pushed that quarter higher than my average. Also, be prepared to wait - took about 5 weeks for my determination letter to arrive, but once it did everything moved pretty smoothly. The calculation breakdown they send is actually pretty detailed and helps you understand exactly how they got to your number.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's really helpful to see another real example. I'm curious - when you mention overtime pushing Q2 higher, was that something you expected when you applied, or did it come as a surprise when you got your determination letter? I'm trying to figure out if I should try to calculate my own estimate beforehand or just wait to see what they come up with. Also, 5 weeks isn't too bad compared to some of the horror stories I've been hearing!
I went through something similar when I got terminated from my office job about 8 months ago. The key thing is to apply right away and be completely honest about what happened. When NYS Department of Labor asks about the reason for separation, explain that you were told it was for performance but you believe it may have been retaliation for raising legitimate workplace concerns. Document everything you can remember about the scheduling complaints you made and when you made them. Even if the adjudication process takes a while, you want to get your claim date established as early as possible since benefits are calculated from when you first file, not when they approve it. Don't let the termination discourage you from applying - plenty of people who were fired still qualify for benefits.
This is really solid advice, especially about documenting the scheduling complaints. @Maria Gonzalez - when you mentioned documenting everything, did you keep any emails or texts about the workplace issues you raised? I m'kicking myself because I mostly complained verbally to my manager about the scheduling problems. I m'wondering if I should try to write down dates and details of those conversations while they re'still fresh in my memory before I file my claim.
@Austin Leonard Yes, definitely write down everything you can remember while it s'fresh! Even if you don t'have written documentation, your testimony about the verbal complaints can still be valuable during the adjudication process. Include dates even (approximate ones ,)who you spoke to, what specific scheduling issues you raised, and how management responded. I didn t'have much written documentation either, but I created a timeline of events that helped me explain my situation clearly when they interviewed me. The fact that you re'thinking about this proactively shows you re'taking the right approach.
I'm going through this exact situation right now - got fired three weeks ago and just got approved for benefits after the adjudication process. The most important thing is to file your claim immediately, even while you're unsure about eligibility. NYS Department of Labor will sort out the details, but you don't want to lose any potential benefit weeks by waiting. When I filed, I was completely honest about being terminated for performance issues, and I made sure to mention that I had raised concerns about workplace conditions beforehand. The adjudication took about 5 weeks for me, which was nerve-wracking, but they ultimately determined that poor performance without willful misconduct still qualifies you for benefits. Also, if you're struggling financially while waiting for the decision, look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs - many don't require you to be approved for unemployment first. Hang in there, the system does work even though it's slow and stressful.
@Amina Diallo Thank you so much for sharing your experience - it s'really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through this successfully! Five weeks for adjudication sounds manageable, especially knowing there s'a good chance of approval if it really was just performance issues. I m'definitely going to file my claim today and start documenting everything I can remember about the scheduling complaints I made. The tip about local food banks is really helpful too since I m'already worried about making rent next month. It s'good to know there are resources available while waiting for the unemployment decision. Did you have to do a phone interview during your adjudication process, or was it all handled through documentation?
I'm in the exact same boat right now! Just finished my waiting week and certified yesterday (Monday). The uncertainty is killing me because I have bills due this week too. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 3-5 business days is pretty normal for that first payment, which gives me some hope. I'm definitely going to try calling my bank tomorrow to see if they can spot any pending deposits like Raj suggested - that's such a smart idea! Also planning to set up those text notifications that were mentioned. It's reassuring to see so many people sharing their timelines and that most folks did eventually get their payments, even if some took longer than expected. The waiting game is brutal but at least we're not alone in this!
I totally feel you on the anxiety! I went through this same thing a few months ago and the waiting was absolutely nerve-wracking. One thing that helped me was checking the Payment History section multiple times a day - once you see "Released" you know it's actually on its way to your bank. Also, if you haven't already, double-check that your direct deposit info is 100% correct because even a small typo can cause major delays. The good news is that based on everyone's experiences here, 3-4 days seems to be the sweet spot for most people. You certified Monday so I'd expect to see something by Thursday or Friday at the latest. Hang in there - the first payment is definitely the most stressful but it does come through!
I went through this same anxiety just a few weeks ago! My first payment took 5 business days after certification, which felt like forever when you're watching every penny. What really helped was setting up account alerts with my bank so I'd get a text the moment any deposit hit my account - saved me from obsessively checking my balance 20 times a day. Also, if your payment doesn't show up by day 5, don't hesitate to call NYSDOL. I know their phone lines are terrible, but sometimes there are small issues that need to be resolved (like address verification or direct deposit confirmation) that can hold things up. The good news is once you get that first payment, the subsequent ones are much more predictable and usually arrive within 2-3 days. Hang in there - it's coming!
That's such good advice about setting up bank alerts! I'm definitely doing that today - constantly checking my balance is making me more anxious than it needs to be. I'm also glad to know that 5 days is still within normal range since I'm on day 3 and getting nervous. Question though - when you called NYSDOL, did you use any special tricks to get through? I've heard the hold times are absolutely brutal and I'm worried about wasting hours on the phone if there's a better way to reach them.
Heather Tyson
Just to confirm what others said - $504 is definitely the max weekly in NY right now. I got laid off from finance making $95k and that's exactly what I receive. There's no special high earner program or anything like that.
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Madison Allen
Just went through this myself after getting laid off from a marketing role in Brooklyn. With your $75k salary, you should definitely qualify for close to the maximum $504/week. One thing to watch out for - make sure you file your claim promptly because the base period calculation can shift if you wait too long. Also, if you had any bonus payments or commission during your highest earning quarter, those count toward your benefit calculation too. The NYS DOL website has a benefit calculator tool that can give you a rough estimate before you file, which might help ease some of the uncertainty while you're waiting for your official determination.
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