The $504 maximum is for regular unemployment but there are some special circumstances that might affect your total benefits. Like if you're on standby status or have certain types of part-time work, the calculations can be different. But yeah, $504 is the standard max for most people on regular UI.

Just wanted to confirm that $504 is indeed the current maximum weekly benefit rate for regular unemployment in NY. I'm getting $498 per week myself after being laid off from a tech job where I was making around $70k. The calculation is based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). One thing to note is that you also get a dependent allowance if you have dependents - it's about $25 per dependent per week, which can add to your total benefit amount. So technically you could get more than $504 total if you qualify for dependent benefits.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at unemployment! For anyone who might have the same issue in the future - I uploaded my documents (though I was late) and then called using the Claimyr service that someone mentioned below. Got through to an agent who was actually really understanding. She put a note on my account about the late submission and assured me my benefits won't be interrupted. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Great to see this worked out! For anyone else reading this thread, I'd recommend setting up email notifications or calendar reminders immediately when you receive any correspondence from NYSDOL. I learned this the hard way after missing a deadline last year. Also, if you're ever unsure about any unemployment-related deadlines or requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to this community - there are clearly some very knowledgeable people here who are willing to help!

ugh the adjudication process is SO frustrating!! I've been waiting 4 weeks now and can't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to find out what's going on. They really need to improve their communication about these delays.

just keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication! thats important so you dont lose benefits for those weeks

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I'm currently 64 and went through this process last year. The NYS Department of Labor eligibility determination really comes down to your specific circumstances and how you present them. In my case, my position was eliminated as part of a company reorganization, even though I was close to retirement age anyway. The key was that I didn't initiate the separation - they did. I was approved for benefits, but I had to genuinely look for work and document my job search activities every week. It's not a retirement bridge - you really do need to be available and actively seeking employment. If you're planning to fully retire and not work again, unemployment benefits aren't the right solution. But if you're open to working and your employment ends involuntarily, age alone won't disqualify you. I'd recommend speaking with an employment attorney if you're unsure about your specific situation, as the nuances can be tricky.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation at 61 and have been researching this extensively. One thing I learned that might help is that NYS Department of Labor also considers whether you're receiving pension benefits when determining eligibility. If you start collecting a pension from your current employer, that can affect your unemployment claim even if the job separation was involuntary. Also, keep in mind that unemployment benefits are taxable income, so factor that into your financial planning. You might want to consult with a financial advisor about strategies for bridging the gap to Social Security - there are options like COBRA continuation, part-time consulting work, or drawing from retirement accounts that might be more suitable than trying to navigate the unemployment system if you're genuinely ready to stop working full-time.

Here's the official guide: When receiving severance, you should still certify weekly but report the severance as income for the week you receive it. After that week, if you receive no other income, continue certifying normally. Remember that severance might affect your initial eligibility period. If you're unsure about anything, best to speak with an agent directly. You can either keep calling the regular number or use claimyr.com to get through faster. Document everything and keep copies of your severance agreement handy.

Just went through this exact situation last week! Yes, you absolutely need to report the severance when you file your weekly claim. Even though the questions don't specifically mention severance, it counts as "earnings" or "income" for that week. When it asks if you worked or earned any money, select yes and enter the severance amount. Your benefits will likely be reduced or stopped for that week depending on the amount, but that's normal and expected. Don't skip filing the claim though - you still need to certify to keep your claim active. Better to report it now than deal with overpayment issues later!