This is so helpful to read everyone's experiences! I'm still waiting for my phone interview - filed back in early June and haven't heard anything yet. It's been almost 2 months now and I was starting to panic that something went wrong with my application. Seeing that you waited from end of May until recently for your interview gives me hope that they're just really backed up and working through claims chronologically. The fact that you got that text the day after your interview is really encouraging too - sounds like once they complete the interview process, things move pretty quickly from there. Definitely going to save the shortcode 41411 in my contacts so I don't miss that important text when it comes! Thanks for sharing your timeline, it really helps those of us still in the waiting phase 🙏

Going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim back in June and still waiting for my phone interview to be scheduled. It's been such a stressful few months not knowing when things will move forward. Your post is giving me so much hope though - the fact that you got that text message the day after your interview shows they're actually processing things once they get to your case. I've been doing all my weekly certifications religiously and have my direct deposit info all set up, so hopefully when my turn comes everything will go smoothly. It's crazy how long this whole process takes but seeing everyone's experiences here makes me feel like there really is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for sharing your timeline and congrats on finally getting through the worst part! 🙌

side note but anytime you need to talk to NY unemployment go with claimyr.com its the only thing that actually works. otherwise you'll waste days trying to get through

Don't stress too much about this - it's actually a pretty common situation! I had something similar happen where I forgot to include a part-time job from my base period. The key is being proactive about fixing it rather than hoping it won't be discovered. Here's what worked for me: I called the unemployment office first thing in the morning (around 8:05 AM) on a Wednesday and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The rep was understanding when I explained it was an honest oversight and helped me add the missing employer to my claim. They did have to recalculate my benefits, but since it was a relatively small amount ($3,400 over 3 months like yours), it didn't significantly change my weekly benefit rate. I had to repay about $200 in benefits that I technically wasn't entitled to, but there were no penalties since I self-reported the issue. The important thing is to have all your info ready when you call: the employer's name, address, your dates of employment, and total wages earned. Be upfront that you genuinely forgot to include this job when you filed your original claim. One thing that helped me was keeping a log of when I called and getting reference numbers for my calls. It shows you're making a good faith effort to resolve the issue. Good luck getting through - persistence is key with the NY unemployment phone system!

File your claim ASAP! Don't wait. Age is absolutely not a factor. I see this misconception a lot - people think there's some magic cutoff at 65 but that's not how unemployment insurance works in NY. You paid into the system, you're entitled to benefits if you qualify based on work history and circumstances of job loss.

I went through this exact situation last year at age 66 when my manufacturing job was eliminated. Filed my unemployment claim online through the NYS DOL website and had zero issues related to my age. The process was straightforward - just needed my employment history and reason for separation. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying for benefits you've earned! The only requirements are work history, being unemployed through no fault of your own, and being able and available to work. Age discrimination in unemployment benefits would actually be illegal. Get your claim started as soon as possible since there can be waiting periods.

I'm going through the same waiting period right now - submitted my application 8 days ago and still just seeing "application received" status. Reading through these responses is really helpful! I had no idea about the 3 work search activities per week requirement. @AstroExplorer do you know if volunteering or taking online courses counts toward those activities, or does it have to be actual job applications and interviews?

Just wanted to add - if you're getting anxious about the wait time, you can try calling the NYS DOL customer service line (888-209-8124) but be prepared for long hold times. I found the best time to call is right when they open at 8am on weekdays. Also, make sure you have your confirmation number from when you submitted your application handy - they'll ask for it. While you're waiting, definitely start that job search log like others mentioned. I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position applied for, and how I contacted them. Makes the weekly certification process much easier once you're approved!

I was in a very similar situation last year - 8-month contract through a staffing agency that ended when the project wrapped up. Filed for unemployment the day after my contract ended and got approved without any issues. The key things I remember from my experience: 1) Make sure you have your final pay stub from the staffing agency showing taxes were withheld, 2) When filing, be clear that it was "lack of work" not that you quit or were fired, and 3) Keep all your contract documentation just in case they ask for it later. The whole process was pretty straightforward once I got through to file the initial claim. Good luck!

I just went through this process 2 months ago after my contract with a financial services company ended. Since you mentioned you had taxes withheld and worked through a staffing agency, you should definitely be eligible. When I filed my claim, NYS Department of Labor asked for the exact end date of my contract and reason for separation - I put "completion of contract/lack of work" and it was approved without any issues. Pro tip: file your claim as soon as possible after your contract ends since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. The online application is pretty straightforward and you'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and the staffing agency's contact information. Don't stress too much about it - contract workers who are W-2 employees are definitely covered under unemployment insurance!