Just make sure when you file that you indicate you're able and available to work. Some older workers run into issues if the NYS Department of Labor thinks they might be retired or not seriously looking for employment. As long as you're genuinely seeking work, your age shouldn't matter at all.

I went through this same situation at 65 when my manufacturing job ended. The application process online is straightforward - just make sure to emphasize that you're actively seeking employment and available for work. One thing that helped me was being specific about the types of positions I was willing to accept and my availability. The NYS Department of Labor treated my claim just like any other worker's. Don't let your age discourage you from applying - you've earned these benefits through years of work and contributions.

Just wanted to add that for a straightforward layoff like yours, most employers won't contest. It's usually only when there's misconduct or voluntary quit situations that they fight it. You should be fine!

As someone who went through this process recently, I can confirm what others have said - your employer pays unemployment insurance taxes quarterly, but your actual weekly benefits come from the state fund. The key thing to remember is to file your claim immediately when your layoff becomes effective, don't wait! Also, keep your layoff notice/paperwork because NYS DOL will likely ask for it. Since you're being laid off (not terminated for cause), your claim should be approved without issues. The whole process took about 2-3 weeks for me to start receiving benefits after filing online.

Just went through something similar with Grubhub documentation! One thing that really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet that matched up my app earnings with my bank deposits by date - made it super easy for the NYSDOL reviewer to see everything lined up. Also, if you're missing any months of bank statements, most banks let you download statements going back several years through their online portal for free. Don't stress too much - they really just want to verify you weren't making fraudulent claims. The fact that you actually worked and have some documentation puts you in a much better position than people who were completely fabricating employment.

Hey Giovanni! I just went through this exact same situation with NYSDOL about my DoorDash work from 2019. Here's what worked for me: I created a timeline document showing all my gig work by month, then attached bank statements highlighting the deposits, screenshots from the app, and my 1099s. The key thing they told me when I finally got through to an agent was to include a detailed letter explaining any gaps in documentation and why. For example, if you can't find certain months of bank statements, explain that in your cover letter. Also, make sure to submit everything as one complete package rather than sending documents separately - they apparently have issues tracking multiple submissions. The whole process took about 3 weeks once I submitted everything properly. Don't stress too much - they're really just checking that you weren't making false claims, and it sounds like you have solid proof of actual work. Good luck!

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Been stuck in this certification loop for 2 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I get the confirmation email saying my certification was successful, but then the next day it's like it never happened. I tried calling during different times of day but can never get through to a human. Has anyone tried certifying at different times during the week? I've been doing it on Sundays like you're supposed to, but wondering if there's a better day/time when their system is less glitchy. Also going to try the Claimyr service that people are mentioning - at this point I'm willing to pay to get this resolved since I'm behind on bills too.

This is exactly what happened to me back in October! The certification would go through, I'd get the confirmation, then wake up the next day to find out I supposedly never certified. It's like the system has amnesia. What finally worked for me was discovering I had an old questionnaire buried in my account that I never completed from when I first filed. It was under a different tab and wasn't showing up as a notification anywhere. Once I found it and filled it out, my certifications started going through normally. Check every single section of your account - messages, documents, questionnaires, everything. Sometimes there's a random form or verification requirement hiding somewhere that's blocking your payments without telling you. The NY unemployment system is notorious for this kind of stuff. If you can't find anything, definitely try the phone certification instead of online, or vice versa. Sometimes one method works when the other doesn't. And yeah, keep those screenshots of everything - you'll need proof of your certification attempts when you finally get through to someone.

have you considered taking on some part time work while you rebuild your business? that way you'd start paying into UI for future protection

I'm in a similar boat - been freelancing as a graphic designer and haven't had steady work in months. From what I've learned, New York does have some options beyond traditional UI that might help. You could look into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs which sometimes offer support for people transitioning between different types of work. Also, if you're willing to take on even part-time W-2 employment, you'd start building eligibility for future unemployment benefits. In the meantime, definitely explore local food banks and utility assistance programs - many don't require you to have been traditionally employed. The struggle is real when you're self-employed and hit a rough patch.