At what age can you no longer collect unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
I'm turning 67 next month and wondering if there's an age limit for collecting unemployment benefits in New York? I got laid off from my warehouse job three weeks ago and filed for UI but someone at work told me seniors can't collect past a certain age. Is this true? I've been working since I was 16 and paid into the system my whole life. Really worried about this because I need the income while I look for another job.
14 comments
Join the conversation
Kylo Ren
There's no age limit for unemployment benefits in New York! As long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements - lost your job through no fault of your own, earned enough wages in your base period, and are able and available for work - your age doesn't matter. You can collect UI whether you're 18 or 80. The key is that you must be actively seeking work and able to accept suitable employment.
0 coins
Paige Cantoni
•That's such a relief! I was panicking that I'd lose my benefits. So I just need to keep doing my weekly claims and job searches like normal?
0 coins
Nina Fitzgerald
Your coworker was probably thinking of Social Security retirement benefits, which you can start collecting at 62 with reduced benefits or full benefits at your full retirement age. But unemployment is completely separate from that. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't care about your age as long as you're willing and able to work. Just make sure you're documenting your job search activities properly in case they audit your claim.
0 coins
Jason Brewer
•wait so you can collect both unemployment AND social security at the same time? that seems weird
0 coins
Nina Fitzgerald
•Yes you can collect both simultaneously. Social Security doesn't count as wages for unemployment purposes, so it won't affect your weekly benefit amount.
0 coins
Kiara Fisherman
I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about this exact thing last year. If you need to speak with an agent directly about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to a real person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.
0 coins
Paige Cantoni
•Thanks I'll check that out if I run into any issues. Right now my claim seems to be processing normally but good to know there's a backup option.
0 coins
Liam Cortez
The whole system is messed up anyway, they make it so confusing on purpose!! I'm 71 and had to fight for months to get my benefits after they kept asking for more and more documentation. Age discrimination is real even if it's not supposed to affect UI eligibility.
0 coins
Savannah Vin
•sorry you went through that, the adjudication process can be rough regardless of age though
0 coins
Mason Stone
good luck with the job search! it can be tough out there for older workers but don't give up
0 coins
Taylor To
Just wanted to add that you should also know that in New York, you can work part-time while collecting unemployment benefits as long as you report those earnings. If you find temporary or part-time work while searching for a full-time position, you may still be eligible for partial benefits. The key is being honest about any income on your weekly certification. Also, don't let anyone discourage you from applying for jobs because of your age - age discrimination in hiring is illegal under federal law, though unfortunately it still happens. Your experience and work ethic are valuable assets!
0 coins
Lilah Brooks
•This is really helpful advice! I didn't know about being able to work part-time and still get partial benefits. That could really help bridge the gap while I'm looking for full-time work. And you're absolutely right about age discrimination - I've already noticed some employers seem less interested when they realize my age, but I'm not giving up. Thanks for the encouragement!
0 coins
Diego Fernández
One thing to keep in mind is that while there's no age limit for collecting UI benefits, you still need to be "able and available" for work. This means if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from working, that could affect your eligibility - but that's true at any age. Also, since you mentioned you've been working since 16, you've definitely earned these benefits! Don't feel guilty about collecting what you've paid into. The warehouse experience you have is valuable, and many employers are looking for reliable workers with your kind of long-term work history. Keep documenting your job search efforts and you should be fine.
0 coins
Zoe Wang
•This is exactly what I needed to hear! You're right that I shouldn't feel guilty - I've been paying into this system for over 50 years. The "able and available" requirement makes sense, and fortunately I'm in good health and ready to work. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain how this all works. It's reassuring to know that my age won't automatically disqualify me from benefits I've earned. Now I can focus on my job search without that extra worry hanging over me.
0 coins