The only thing to watch out for is if you're planning to retire soon - you need to be genuinely available for work. If you tell them during the interview that you're only looking for a few months before retiring, that might cause issues with your claim.

@Malik Thompson, you're definitely eligible! I went through this same situation at 64 when my company downsized. The application process was straightforward - no age-related questions at all. Just make sure you have your employment history ready (pay stubs, employer info) and be prepared to show you're actively seeking work. The weekly job search requirement is the same for everyone - I think it's 3 job contacts per week. Don't let age discrimination concerns stop you from applying for jobs either - your experience is valuable! Good luck with your application.

Wait, I'm confused. Do they take the child support out BEFORE taxes or AFTER taxes? Because that makes a big difference in how much you actually get. Also what happens if your unemployment amount is less than your child support payment?

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago. The automatic deduction did kick in for me, but it took almost 3 weeks to start. During that time, I had to make the payments manually to avoid any issues with the court. One thing I learned is that you can actually call the NYS Department of Labor at 1-888-4-NYSDOL and ask them to expedite the child support deduction setup if you explain your situation. They have a specific department that handles garnishments and withholdings. Also, make sure your ex knows that there might be a brief delay - showing her that you're actively working to get it set up properly can help avoid unnecessary drama. Keep all your documentation and payment confirmations just in case.

PROTIP: Screenshot everything! Every email, text, and page on the website. You never know when you'll need proof of something later.

I had the exact same issue! Got the approval email and text but couldn't certify for about 4 days. Turns out it was a combination of the waiting week + system lag. What finally worked for me was clearing my browser cache and trying again the next morning. Also double-check that you're looking in the right section - sometimes the "certify" button shows up under a different menu than expected. If it's been more than a week since your approval, definitely call them because there might be a hidden issue with your claim that only shows up on their end.

tried calling from different phones thinking it might help... spoiler alert: it dont 😭

Ugh I feel this so hard! Been dealing with the same nightmare for weeks. What finally worked for me was calling the Spanish line (888-209-8124) even though I speak English - they transfer you to English speakers but the wait times are way shorter. Also try calling right at 4:55pm before they close, sometimes less busy then. The whole system is a joke but hang in there!

just went through this last month, got approved no problem. make sure you have your employer fill out the separation form correctly showing lack of work not misconduct or anything like that

I've been working seasonal construction for about 8 years now and can confirm that seasonal workers absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits in New York. The key thing is to make sure your employer properly documents the layoff as "lack of work" rather than any other reason. I usually file my claim the week I get laid off in December and have never had major issues getting approved. One tip - if you know approximately when you'll be called back to work, mention that in your claim but don't give a specific date unless your employer puts it in writing. The NYS DOL understands seasonal patterns in industries like construction, landscaping, and tourism. Just be honest about your situation and keep up with the weekly certifications!