Bottom line: you CAN technically collect both, but it's risky. The unemployment claim could trigger a disability review. If you do decide to file, make sure you're completely honest about your limitations on both your unemployment application and in any communications with Social Security. Document everything and consider getting legal advice first.

I went through this exact situation two years ago and learned the hard way that timing matters a lot. If you're still within your trial work period (first 9 months of work attempts while on SSDI), Social Security is generally more lenient about work activities. But once you're past that, filing for unemployment gets much trickier. I'd suggest calling Social Security directly first to discuss your specific situation before doing anything with NYS DOL. They have a work incentives hotline (1-866-968-7842) where you can ask hypothetical questions without triggering a formal review. Also keep detailed records of your doctor's recommendations about part-time work capacity - this documentation could be crucial if SSA does question your disability status later.

The whole quarter thing is just another way for them to make the system confusing and deny people benefits! I worked steadily but because my highest earnings were in the wrong quarters according to their arbitrary rules, my weekly amount got cut in half.

@The Boss, don't worry too much about your scattered work history - it might actually work in your favor! The quarter system looks at your highest earning quarters during the base period, so if you had some good months mixed in with the lower ones, those higher earnings will boost your weekly benefit calculation. The key thing is making sure you meet the minimum wage requirements across those 4 quarters. If you're still confused about which specific quarters they're using for your claim, you can request a monetary determination breakdown from NYS Department of Labor that shows exactly how they calculated your benefits.

First payment is always the slowest. After that, if you file your weekly claims on time, payments usually come within 2-3 business days. But yeah, that initial wait is brutal when you need the money.

I'm in a similar situation - just filed last week after getting laid off from my retail job. The waiting is really stressful when bills are piling up! From what I've been reading online, it seems like NYS DOL is pretty backed up right now. I've been checking my account obsessively but the status hasn't changed from "under review." Has anyone had luck calling the customer service line recently, or is it still impossible to get through?

The whole system is ridiculous if you ask me. 26 weeks isn't enough time to find a decent job in this economy, especially if you're trying to find something that actually pays a living wage instead of just taking the first minimum wage job that comes along!

Just wanted to add that if you exhaust your regular 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, you might be eligible for extended benefits during times of high unemployment, though this depends on economic conditions and federal programs that may be available. Also, make sure you're familiar with the online system at labor.ny.gov - it's much easier than trying to call. You can check your payment history, weekly claim status, and get most of your questions answered through their online portal. Good luck with your job search!

Just wanted to add that you should definitely file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible after your termination. NYS Department of Labor has a waiting period anyway, so there's no advantage to delaying. The key is maintaining your job search documentation since that's required for both your visa status and your weekly claim certifications.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my company had layoffs. The most important thing to understand is that the 60-day grace period and unemployment benefits are completely separate matters. I filed for NYS Department of Labor benefits immediately after my termination and it had zero impact on my H1B status. In fact, the unemployment benefits were crucial for covering my rent and expenses while I was job hunting. Just make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities - both for the weekly unemployment certifications and to show you're actively seeking new employment within your grace period. I found a new position on day 52, so cutting it close but it worked out. Don't let fear of immigration issues prevent you from getting the financial support you're entitled to.