I just wanted to add something that helped me when I was in your exact situation - if you're having trouble finding the unemployment services section on your my.ny.gov dashboard, sometimes it's hidden under different menu names depending on how your account is set up. I had to look under both "Services" and "Benefits" before I finally found it listed as "Labor Services" in my case. Also, once you do get to your claim information, pay attention to any "Next Action Required" or "Action Items" sections - these will tell you if there's anything specific you need to do while waiting for the eligibility review to complete. I missed one of these initially and it delayed my processing by almost two weeks. The waiting period while it says "Pending Eligibility Review" is honestly the most nerve-wracking part, but just know that most claims do get approved eventually as long as you meet the basic requirements!

Just wanted to share another tip that helped me during the waiting period - set up email notifications in your my.ny.gov account settings if you haven't already! I was obsessively checking the website multiple times a day, but once I enabled notifications, I got an email immediately when my status changed from "Pending Eligibility Review" to "Active." It saved me so much anxiety and time. You can find the notification settings usually under "Account Settings" or "Profile Settings" on your dashboard. Also, when your claim does get approved, don't panic if your first payment takes an additional week or two to actually hit your bank account - there's usually a processing delay even after you start filing weekly certifications. The system will show "Payment Issued" before you actually see the money, which confused me at first. Hang in there, the waiting is definitely the hardest part!

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I had questions about my claim that I couldn't get answered through the regular channels.

Just wanted to add that when you do file your claim, make sure to have all the details about your pension ready - like the monthly amount, start date, and which employer it's from. The online application will ask about any income you're receiving, and being upfront about the pension from the start helps avoid any delays or complications later. I've seen people get their claims held up because they didn't report it initially and then had to explain it later. Good luck with your application!

I just had my phone interview yesterday and wanted to share a few things that really helped me get through it! They asked all the standard questions everyone mentioned - reason for leaving, job search activities, availability to work - but they also asked me about any workers' compensation claims I might have filed and whether I was receiving any other benefits like disability or pension payments. Make sure you have your Social Security number ready because they verify that early in the call. One thing that really stood out to me was how much they emphasized the importance of continuing to look for work while receiving benefits - they explained the work search requirements in detail and made sure I understood that I need to be actively applying to jobs. The interviewer also asked if I had any questions about the process, which was nice because I was able to clarify a few things about certifying for benefits. The whole call took about 25 minutes and honestly, the interviewer was so much nicer than I expected. I was worried it would feel like I was being interrogated, but it was really just a fact-finding conversation. Just be prepared, be honest, and remember that they're not trying to deny your claim - they just need to make sure everything is legitimate. You'll do great!

I had my phone interview about 8 weeks ago and wanted to add something that really helped me - they asked about any potential conflicts with accepting work, like childcare arrangements or transportation issues. I wasn't expecting that question but it makes sense since they need to verify you're truly available for work. They also asked if I was enrolled in any training programs or school that might interfere with full-time employment. The interviewer was very patient when I needed to look up some dates from my calendar, and they even repeated questions when I asked for clarification. One thing that surprised me was they asked about my previous unemployment claims - whether I'd ever filed before and when. Overall it was much more conversational than I expected. My biggest tip is to have a pen and paper ready to jot down any important information they give you about next steps or requirements. The whole process took about 35 minutes but it didn't feel rushed at all. Don't stress too much - they really are just trying to gather the facts to process your claim properly!

I'm in a similar situation - been driving for the district for 3 years but this is my first time considering filing for unemployment over the summer. Reading through all these responses is really helpful! One thing I'm still unclear on though - when they ask about "reasonable assurance" on the application, do I check yes or no if my district already told us verbally we'll be back in September? They haven't given us anything in writing yet but our supervisor said we're all expected back. I don't want to mess up my application by answering that question wrong.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's been through this process multiple times. I've been driving school bus for 12 years and file for unemployment every summer. The most important thing is to be completely honest on your application and during your weekly certifications. Yes, you can collect benefits even if you have reasonable assurance of returning in the fall - the key is that you must be genuinely available and actively seeking work during the break. I usually look for summer camp transportation jobs, delivery driving, or other temporary positions. Keep detailed records of your job search activities because they may audit your claim. Also, don't let anyone at the school district discourage you from filing - it's your right as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. The benefits really help bridge the gap during those unpaid summer months.

The whole system is so confusing no matter what age you are!! I'm 45 and still get overwhelmed by all the requirements and forms. At least being older means you probably have more work history to qualify with higher benefit amounts.

I'm glad you asked this question - it's a common misconception that there's an age limit! I work with a lot of folks in career transitions and can confirm that New York State doesn't have any maximum age restrictions for unemployment benefits. What matters is that you're able and available to work, actively seeking employment, and meet the standard eligibility requirements. At 67 with 8 years at your last job, you likely have strong work history that should qualify you for benefits. Don't let anyone discourage you from filing - you've earned these benefits through your contributions to the system. File as soon as possible since there can be a waiting period, and make sure to document your job search activities from day one.