same boat here, thanks for asking this question! Really helpful thread.

Just to add some clarity - I went through this exact situation last year. The NYS Department of Labor website has a specific section called "Work Search Requirements" that breaks everything down. You need to document your job search activities and be prepared to provide proof if requested. This includes the employer name, position applied for, date of contact, and method of contact. I kept a simple spreadsheet that saved me when I got randomly selected for a review. Also, don't forget that you can count things like updating your resume, attending virtual job fairs, or even informational interviews as valid job search activities. The key is being genuine about your efforts and keeping good records.

The unemployment system is so confusing! I thought I understood it but then my claim went into adjudication and I realized I had no clue what half these terms meant. At least now I know I can work part-time and still get benefits.

Just want to add that the "able and available" requirement is really important - I learned this the hard way. Even if you're unemployed, if you have restrictions on when/where you can work (like only certain hours due to childcare), you need to report that accurately. NYS DOL considers your availability when determining eligibility. Also, the base period earnings requirement trips up a lot of people - you need sufficient wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). If you haven't worked much in the past year, you might not qualify even if you're currently unemployed.

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.

Just want to add that if you have any issues with your application being denied or if they say you don't meet the requirements, you can appeal the decision. I had to appeal when they initially said I didn't have enough earnings but I won the appeal. The key is having all your pay stubs and documentation ready.

One more tip - when you file your initial claim, make sure to have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months ready. You'll also need your employer's information including their address and the reason you're no longer working there. The system will ask for your last day worked and last day paid (these might be different if you got severance or vacation payout). Also, file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed - there's no waiting period in NY to file, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim, even if you were eligible.

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.