Just to add - when you file your initial claim, there's a section where you can indicate you're only seeking part-time work. This is important for people receiving Social Security who might not want full-time employment. The NYS Department of Labor will adjust your work search requirements accordingly, but you still need to show you're actively looking for work within your availability.

I went through this exact same situation last year when I turned 66 and got laid off from my job at a local pharmacy. I was so worried about how it would all work together, but I can confirm that you absolutely CAN collect both Social Security retirement benefits and NYS unemployment benefits at the same time. When I filed my weekly certifications, I did NOT have to report my Social Security payments as income - they're treated completely separately. The key thing is just making sure you're genuinely available for work and doing your required job searches. Since you're looking for part-time work like I was, make sure to specify that when you file so they don't expect you to apply for full-time positions. Good luck with your claim!

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Here's what I learned: you absolutely should still file your weekly certification and report the severance. There's usually a section where they ask about "other income" - that's where the severance goes. My benefits got reduced that week because of the severance amount, but it was totally worth being honest about it. The DOL has ways of finding out about unreported income anyway (they cross-reference with tax records), so it's not worth the risk. Also, keep copies of everything - the severance letter, payment confirmation, everything. If they ever audit your claim later, you'll be glad you have the documentation. The whole system is confusing enough without having to worry about paperwork issues on top of it! Your spouse is doing the right thing by asking questions instead of just guessing. Better to be cautious with this stuff! 👍

Just went through this same situation with my partner last month! The key thing is to definitely keep filing and report the severance under "other income" when you certify. What helped us was calling it exactly what it is - "severance pay" in the description field. NY DOL is pretty good about calculating how it affects your weekly benefit amount automatically once you report it properly. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: if the severance was paid as a lump sum, they typically spread it out over the weeks it was meant to cover (like if it was 4 weeks severance, they divide it by 4). But if you're not sure how they calculate it, definitely worth getting someone on the phone to clarify. The main thing is just be transparent about it. I know the forms can be confusing, but it's way better to over-report than under-report with this stuff. Your spouse is smart to ask questions rather than just wing it! Keep all the paperwork from the severance too - you'll probably need it if they ever do a review of the claim later on.

I'm in the exact same boat! Filed my reconsideration in late May and it's now been over 12 weeks with absolutely nothing. The silence is the worst part - you start wondering if they even got your documents or if something went wrong in the system. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the 10-14 week timeline is unfortunately pretty standard right now. @Aaliyah Jackson's point about the 60-day expedited processing rule is really helpful - I had no idea that existed. I've been hesitant to keep bothering them with messages through the portal, but after seeing @Miguel Hernández's success with Claimyr, I think I'm going to give that a try too. At this point we need to advocate for ourselves because clearly the system isn't working efficiently. @Jamal Brown - hang in there! The backpay will come eventually, even though the wait is absolutely brutal when you're counting on that money.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Filed my reconsideration back in mid-June and here we are in late August with absolutely no movement on my case. It's incredibly frustrating because I submitted everything they asked for - W2s, paystubs, tax returns - and my online portal still shows the same low benefit rate. What's really getting to me is that I calculated it myself and I should be getting almost $200 more per week based on my actual earnings. That adds up to a lot of money over time, especially when you're already struggling financially. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it seems like 10-14 weeks is becoming the new normal which is just unacceptable. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that @Miguel Hernández mentioned because calling the regular number has been completely useless - either busy signals or hours-long waits that end in disconnections. @Jamal Brown - thanks for posting this question because clearly a lot of us are in the same boat. The 60-day expedited processing rule that @Aaliyah Jackson mentioned is news to me and might be exactly what we need to get some movement on these cases. Keep us updated on what happens when you finally get through to someone!

Just to clarify - not knowing you were eligible can be good cause if you can document that you researched other options or received conflicting advice. Keep any emails or notes about job search activities during those months. The key is showing you weren't just procrastinating but had legitimate reasons for the delay.

I was in a very similar situation - got laid off in September but didn't file until December because I was confident I'd land something quickly. NYS DOL approved my backdating request once I explained that I genuinely believed unemployment was meant as a last resort and had been actively interviewing. The key thing that helped my case was showing a clear timeline of my job search efforts during those months. I submitted screenshots of job applications, interview confirmations, and even rejection emails to prove I was pursuing work rather than just delaying. They ended up giving me back pay for about 8 weeks out of the 12 I requested. Don't let the fear of rejection stop you from trying - the worst they can say is no to some of the weeks, but you'll still get benefits going forward.

I've been researching this same question and found some additional info that might help. According to NYS Labor Law Section 590, the maximum weekly benefit amount is recalculated each year using 50% of the statewide average weekly wage from the previous year. What's particularly frustrating is that while they use this formula to set maximums, your individual benefit is still based on your personal wage history during the "base period" - typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before filing. So even when the maximum goes up in October, many people won't see the full benefit because their personal calculation might be lower than the new maximum anyway. I've been tracking the Department's quarterly reports and it looks like wage growth has been modest, so don't expect huge increases. For anyone starting new claims after October 2025, the rates should reflect 2024 wage data, but those of us on current claims are indeed stuck with our locked-in amounts until our benefit year expires.

I've been through a similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from my experience. Started my claim in September 2024 and was initially confused about how the rate increases work. After doing some research and finally getting through to a NYS DOL representative, here's what I found out: the benefit year runs from October to September, and your weekly benefit amount is locked in for that entire period based on when you file. So unfortunately Oliver, since you started in November 2024, you're on the 2024 benefit year rates until your claim expires. The 2025 rates that will be announced around August/September will only apply to new claims filed after October 2025. I know it's not the news you wanted to hear, but at least you can plan accordingly. One small tip - keep an eye on the NYS DOL website in late summer for the official announcement about 2025 rates, especially if you think you might need to file a new claim next year.