Just be prepared for the NYS Department of Labor system to be confusing even when you do everything right. I'm in a similar situation and it took them 3 weeks to process my initial claim because they had to verify my social security income. Make sure you have all your documentation ready when you file.

@Diego Chavez I'm 62 and was in almost the exact same situation when I got laid off from my manufacturing job last year. You absolutely can collect both - I've been getting both my social security retirement and unemployment benefits for about 10 months now with no issues. When you file your initial unemployment claim with NYS Department of Labor, make sure to report your social security income in the "other income" section. Then on your weekly claims, you'll report the gross amount you receive each week. The social security won't reduce your unemployment benefits at all, but they need to know about it for tax reporting purposes. The most important thing is making sure you can honestly say you're able and available for work - that's what they really care about for unemployment eligibility, not whether you're getting social security.

I got this message 2 weeks ago. First payment hit my account 3 days later. Keep checking ur bank account it should show up soon! 🙌

Congrats Logan! 🎉 That message definitely means you're approved. I got the same exact message last month and my first payment came through direct deposit in about 2 business days. Just make sure you keep certifying every week and don't miss any - the system is super strict about that. Also heads up, sometimes the first payment might be a little delayed but after that they come pretty regularly. Good luck!

Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is under review. That's a common mistake people make - they think they should wait until the claim is approved but you need to keep certifying or you'll lose those weeks.

Another thing to look for in the portal is the "Messages" or "Correspondence" section - sometimes DOL will send you notices there about additional documentation they need or updates on your claim status. I missed an important request for wage verification because I wasn't checking that section regularly. Also, if you see any "weeks held" in your payment history, that's usually a sign there's an issue that needs to be resolved before payments can be released.

Sofia, I went through something very similar! I was laid off due to company restructuring and waited almost a month before applying because I thought I needed to find another job first. Big mistake! Like others have said, you qualify for benefits from the day you were laid off due to budget cuts. When I finally applied, they were able to backdate my claim to my separation date, so I didn't lose those weeks completely. The online application at my.ny.gov is pretty straightforward - just have your employer information, dates of employment, and reason for separation ready. One tip: start documenting your job search activities now if you haven't been keeping track. Even though they can backdate the monetary eligibility, you'll need to show ongoing work search efforts going forward. Don't beat yourself up about the delay - just get that application started today!

Sofia, you've gotten great advice here! I just wanted to add that when you file your claim on my.ny.gov, make sure you have all your employment information ready - your employer's name and address, your dates of employment, your gross wages from your last few quarters, and the specific reason for separation (budget cuts/layoff). The system will ask for detailed information about your work history. Also, once you start receiving benefits, you'll need to certify weekly online - this is where you'll report your job search activities and any work or income you had that week. Set a reminder for yourself to do this every week because missing a certification can delay your payments. Don't let the initial wait time discourage you either - it can take 2-3 weeks to process, but you'll get paid retroactively once approved. You've got this!

Just want to add that if you do set up a payment plan with NYS Department of Labor, make sure you get it in writing and keep making payments even if they're small. Missing payments can trigger additional penalties and they might demand the full balance immediately. Also keep records of every payment you make because their system doesn't always update correctly.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. The most important thing is to act within that 30-day window - don't let it pass! Even if you're not sure whether to appeal or set up payments, at least call them to discuss your options before the deadline. In my case, I was able to get the fraud penalties removed by showing it was an honest mistake in how I reported my work hours. The appeals process takes time but it's worth it if you genuinely believe there was an error. Document everything and don't be afraid to ask for supervisors if the first person you talk to isn't helpful.