For job search requirements, you need to apply for suitable work which generally means jobs that match your skills, experience, and pay rate (though the acceptable pay rate decreases over time). You don't have to stay in retail forever, but early on you should focus on similar positions.

Just to add to what everyone's said - don't stress too much about the application process! I was super nervous when I applied for the first time after getting laid off from my warehouse job. The online system walks you through everything step by step. One tip: apply as soon as possible after your last day of work because there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you want to get that clock ticking. Also, if you're unsure about any of the questions during the application, it's better to answer honestly and let them determine your eligibility rather than guess. Good luck!

I went through this exact same situation last year and I know how stressful the waiting is! In my case, it took about 10 days after my successful appeal for the payments to start flowing again. What I learned is that NYS Department of Labor has to do several things behind the scenes - remove the disqualification flag, recalculate your weekly benefit amount, and process all the back weeks you're owed. The system update happens all at once, so one day you'll check and suddenly see weeks worth of payments deposited. Keep filing your weekly claims during this time because those will all get paid retroactively. I know it's hard when bills are piling up, but try to hang in there - the back pay when it comes will help catch you up. You've already done the hard part by winning your appeal!

I'm currently dealing with this too - my appeal decision came through 5 days ago in my favor, but my claim status online still hasn't updated. It's reassuring to read everyone's experiences here, even though the timing seems so unpredictable! I've been filing my weekly claims as suggested and trying to stay patient. The financial stress is real though - I had to ask family for help with groceries this week. Has anyone noticed if there are certain days of the week when NYS Department of Labor typically processes these updates? I've been checking my account every morning but wondering if there's a pattern to when the system gets updated.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! why cant they just send the money when they approve you like every other normal system. i've been waiting 5 days and still nothing

I had the exact same confusion when I first got approved! The approval just means you're eligible - you still have to do the weekly certification every Sunday through Wednesday to actually get paid. I'd log into my.ny.gov right now and check if there's a pending weekly claim waiting for you. Once you certify for your first week, the direct deposit should hit within 2-3 business days. The system is definitely not intuitive but once you get into the rhythm it becomes routine.

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.

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.

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!