I'm 66 and went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when my manufacturing plant closed down. Can confirm what others have said - social security retirement benefits absolutely do NOT affect your unemployment benefits in New York. The NYS Department of Labor treats them as completely separate programs. When I filed my initial claim and during weekly certifications, I never had to report my social security income because it's not considered wages. However, I did have to be very diligent about documenting my job search activities. At our age, "suitable work" generally means positions that match your skills and experience level, though the pay might be somewhat lower than your previous job. I found success focusing on part-time positions and contract work in my field, which actually worked out well since I could still collect partial unemployment benefits. The key is showing genuine effort in your job search - keep detailed records of applications, networking, and any training or skill-building activities you pursue. Don't let age discourage you from applying broadly!

I'm 67 and just started dealing with this situation myself after being laid off from my retail management position last month. Everyone here is absolutely right - social security retirement benefits do NOT affect your unemployment benefits in New York. I was initially confused about this too because it seems counterintuitive, but the NYS Department of Labor confirmed it when I called (after many, many attempts to get through!). The key thing they emphasized to me is that you must still be "able and available" for work, which means actively job searching and willing to accept suitable employment. They don't care that you're collecting social security - what matters is your willingness and ability to work. I've been documenting every job application, networking call, and even online career workshops I attend. Haven't been asked to provide the documentation yet, but I want to be prepared. One thing that's been helpful is focusing on positions that value experience over physical demands, since at our age we bring decades of knowledge to the table. Don't let anyone tell you that collecting social security disqualifies you from unemployment - that's simply not true in New York!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got approved for my NY unemployment benefits 4 days ago and have been anxiously checking the mailbox every day. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - it's clear that 7-14 days is totally normal for the WAY2GO card to arrive. I was starting to worry that something went wrong with my application, but now I feel much better knowing this waiting period is just part of the process. Definitely going to call that WAY2GO customer service number (1-855-233-8124) that so many people have recommended to check on my card status. Sofia, you were really smart to switch to direct deposit right away - I'm planning to do the same as soon as I can access my account online. This community has been incredibly helpful for a newcomer like me trying to navigate the NY unemployment system. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and keeping us all sane during this stressful waiting period! 🙏

I'm in the exact same situation! Got approved for NY unemployment about a week ago and still waiting for my WAY2GO card to arrive. The anxiety is real when you're depending on that money! But reading through everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring - it sounds like 7-14 days is completely normal for delivery. I'm definitely going to try calling that WAY2GO customer service number (1-855-233-8124) that so many people have mentioned to track my card status. Sofia, you were super smart to switch to direct deposit right away - I wish I had thought of that! Planning to make the switch as soon as I can access my account. Thanks to everyone who's shared their timelines and tips - this community is a lifesaver when you're trying to navigate the NY unemployment system for the first time. It really helps to know we're not alone in this waiting game! 🙏

Just want to add that restaurant workers sometimes have issues with tip reporting affecting their wage records. Make sure all your tips were properly reported to the NYS Department of Labor through your employer's payroll system, otherwise your base period wages might be lower than expected.

@Mei Zhang definitely file as soon as possible! I went through this same situation a few months ago and was also worried about qualifying. The earnings-based system actually works in your favor - $18,000 over 8 months is way above the $2,700 minimum. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need to certify for benefits weekly and actively look for work. The NYS Department of Labor website has a step-by-step guide for filing your initial claim. Don't let the delay stress you too much - I know people who filed months later and still got approved. The important thing is getting started now!

I work as a case manager and deal with unemployment claims regularly. From what I've seen, NYS Department of Labor puts a lot of weight on whether you made good faith efforts to address the attendance issues and if the reasons were truly beyond your control. Car breakdowns and childcare emergencies are generally viewed more favorably than just oversleeping or not caring. The fact that you received warnings shows your employer tried to work with you, which can actually help your case - it demonstrates the issues weren't entirely your fault if you kept trying. Make sure to emphasize any steps you took to resolve the problems (looking for backup childcare, trying to fix your car, etc.) during your interview. Good luck!

I had a similar situation about a year ago - fired for excessive tardiness due to a combination of public transit issues and medical appointments for my chronic condition. I was really worried about getting denied since I had about 18 late arrivals over 5 months. NYS Department of Labor did approve my claim after about 3 weeks, but the process was nerve-wracking. During the phone interview, they asked very specific questions about each incident and whether I had documentation. What helped my case was that I had saved all my emails to my supervisor about the transit delays and had medical records showing my appointment times. The adjudicator told me that the key factor was that I wasn't being deliberately negligent - I was dealing with circumstances largely outside my control and had made efforts to communicate with my employer. Definitely gather any evidence you have about the car problems and childcare issues, and file your claim as soon as possible. The worst they can do is say no, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Same struggle here! I've been calling for 2 weeks straight with no luck. The system is clearly overwhelmed. I'm going to try the early morning strategy that @Kiara Fisherman suggested - calling right at 8am sharp. Also thinking about trying that paid service @Paige Cantoni mentioned, even though $20 feels steep. At this point my time is worth more than that! Has anyone had luck with the online portal or is calling really the only way to resolve complex issues?

I've been dealing with this nightmare for over a month now! Tried everything - calling at different times, using multiple phone numbers, even had my mom try calling from her landline. The "higher than normal call volume" message is such a joke at this point. I'm seriously considering that paid service @Paige Cantoni mentioned because I'm losing my mind here. Has anyone tried showing up in person at a local office? I know they prefer phone calls but I'm desperate. Also wondering if there's a specific time of day that works better - like maybe right after lunch when some people might have given up for the day? This whole system is broken and we're the ones suffering for it. 😡