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Just to add - if you're planning to start collecting Social Security while still getting unemployment, make sure you understand the earnings test if you're under full retirement age. But since unemployment isn't earned income, it shouldn't trigger the earnings test anyway.
This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in a similar boat - been laid off from my job at 62 and trying to figure out the best strategy. Just to clarify what I'm understanding: my NYS unemployment won't reduce my future Social Security retirement benefits, but if I start collecting SS now while getting unemployment, the combination might push me into a tax bracket where I have to pay taxes on the SS benefits? Also wondering if there are any other programs or benefits that unemployment might affect - like Medicare eligibility timing or anything else I should be aware of?
You've got it exactly right! Your NYS unemployment won't reduce your future SS benefits since it's not earned income, but the combination could make your SS benefits taxable if your total income exceeds the thresholds. As for other programs - unemployment shouldn't affect Medicare eligibility since that's based on age (65) or disability status, not income. However, if you're looking at any income-based programs like SNAP or Medicaid, unemployment would count as income there. One thing to also consider is that if you start SS early at 62, you'll get reduced benefits for life compared to waiting until full retirement age, but that's separate from the unemployment issue. Have you calculated what the difference would be in your monthly SS payment if you start now versus waiting?
my cousin does seasonal work at a resort and gets unemployment every winter. just make sure you file right away when the season ends
I work seasonal construction and have been getting unemployment benefits during slow winter months for the past 3 years. The trick is documenting everything - keep pay stubs from all your seasonal jobs and make sure your employers report your wages correctly. Also, when you file your weekly certification, be honest about your availability but emphasize that you're actively looking for work even during off-season. The NYS DOL website has a good calculator to estimate if you've earned enough in your base period to qualify.
This is super helpful! I've been keeping my pay stubs but didn't know about making sure employers report wages correctly. How do you check if they've reported everything properly? And do you have any tips for the weekly certification process - like what kinds of work search activities count during the off-season?
did you try the online messaging system? sometimes thats faster than calling. go to your account and click on messages and start a new one. describe your issue clearly and ask for help. they got back to me in 3 days which isn't great but better than nothing.
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My payments stopped 2 weeks ago after months of regular deposits. The "pending" status is driving me crazy and I can't get through to anyone on the phone either. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like the callback service might be worth trying since so many people have had success with it. Has anyone tried contacting their local unemployment office directly instead of the main number? I'm wondering if that might have shorter wait times. Also going to check my spam folder again after reading that suggestion - maybe I missed something. This whole system is such a mess but at least it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one going through this nightmare right now.
Hey Diego! I'm in the same boat - it's so frustrating but honestly this thread has been a lifesaver. From what everyone's saying, it seems like these are random verification flags that won't clear on their own. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that Madison and others mentioned since calling directly has been impossible. Also going to reach out to my assembly member's office like Caleb suggested. Keep certifying every week though - sounds like when they finally fix it we'll get all the back pay! Let me know if you have any luck with the local office idea, I might try that too.
Just want to add that even if you technically qualify based on wages, you still need to meet the other requirements like being able and available for work and actively looking for a job. But sounds like your work history should be fine for the wage requirement part.
I went through this same confusion when I got laid off from my construction job after 10 months. What helped me understand it was that NY uses something called the "alternate base period" if you don't qualify under the standard one. So even if your recent work doesn't add up to enough, they might look at a different time frame that includes more of your work history. The important thing is to just file your claim - they'll do all the calculations for you and let you know if you qualify. Worst case, you find out you don't qualify, but at least you'll know for sure instead of wondering.
Arnav Bengali
This whole system is so backwards! Why can't they just make it retroactive to your last day of work? It's like they're punishing people for not knowing the rules. I lost out on 3 weeks because nobody told me this when I got fired.
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Amina Toure
I completely understand the frustration - I went through the same thing when I got laid off from my restaurant job last year. The key thing everyone's mentioned is absolutely right: file TODAY. Don't wait another day. I learned the hard way that NYS doesn't backdate claims, so every day you delay is money out of your pocket. The application on my.ny.gov is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months. Even if you're still job hunting (which is great!), you can continue looking while collecting benefits - just make sure to report any work you do. The system is designed to support you while you find your next job, so use it!
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
•This is really helpful advice! I'm curious about the employment info requirement - when you say "employment info from the last 18 months," what exactly do they need? Just employer names and dates, or do they want pay stubs and tax documents too? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I start the application.
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