The rule of thumb is: pension from current employer = reduction in benefits, pension from previous employer = usually no reduction. But there are exceptions so definitely report it and let them make the determination. Better safe than sorry with NYS Department of Labor.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I got laid off at 55. Had a small pension from my previous job (around $300/month) and was terrified it would mess up my unemployment claim. Turns out it was no problem at all since it wasn't from my most recent employer. The NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty clear about it once I got through to someone - they just need you to report it honestly on your weekly certifications. My benefits weren't reduced at all. Just make sure you have all the pension documentation ready when you file because they might ask for it later during the review process. Good luck with your job search!

same thing happened to my cousin last year, she got approved eventually but it took like 2 months

I work in HR and deal with unemployment cases regularly. While no call no show can be considered misconduct, NYS Department of Labor doesn't automatically deny claims. They'll look at your overall employment record, length of service, and any mitigating circumstances. The key is to be completely honest on your application about what happened and why. If you had mental health issues, family emergencies, or other legitimate reasons for the absences, document them. Even if you don't have official paperwork, write a detailed explanation. The adjudication process can take several weeks, but don't let that discourage you from filing. You have nothing to lose by applying, and you might be surprised by the outcome.

For anyone looking into this - I got Section 599 approval for a medical coding certificate program last fall. The key is making sure your program is on their ETPL (Eligible Training Provider List) and that it's full-time. Part-time programs usually don't qualify. You'll need to submit Form TE-549 along with the school's course catalog and your acceptance letter. My approval took about 3 weeks to process.

@Zoe Christodoulou I went through this process last year and it's definitely worth pursuing! The key thing to understand is that there are different types of training benefits. Section 599 is the most common - it allows you to attend approved full-time training while continuing to collect unemployment without having to do job searches. However, it doesn't cover tuition costs. If you're laid off due to trade/globalization reasons, you might qualify for TAA which can actually help pay for training. I'd recommend calling the NYS Department of Labor training unit directly (though be prepared for long hold times) or visiting your local career center where they can walk you through the application process in person. Make sure to have your training program information ready before you apply.

my friend got double paid when she changed banks... dol sent payment to both old and new account. she had to pay one back obviously

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to wait until after this week's payment posts to my current account before making any changes. It's not worth risking a delay. I'll update here if I run into any issues with the process in case it helps someone else.

just apply online its pretty straightforward, took me like 30 mins to complete the whole thing

Sorry to hear about your layoff, Luca. In addition to what others have said, make sure you're prepared to certify for benefits every week once your claim is approved - you'll need to confirm you're actively looking for work and report any income. Also, keep detailed records of your job search activities since NY requires you to make at least 3 work search contacts per week. The whole process can feel overwhelming at first, but the online system walks you through everything step by step. Hang in there!