Can I file for NY unemployment while getting a severance package?

You can actually file for benefits right now. I was in a similar situation last year. The severance pay might delay when you start getting benefits, but get your claim in ASAP because the system takes forever to process anyway. Better to have everything ready to go when your severance period ends.

After struggling with the phone system for days, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual human at unemployment! You pay them and they handle the calling/waiting and connect you to a real agent when they finally get through. Best money I ever spent to get my benefits sorted out. Check them out: claimyr.com - they also have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You absolutely have to report the severance. They'll ask for documentation too. As for the timing, I'd recommend filing now regardless because: 1. Processing takes forever 2. You might be eligible for partial benefits even during your severance period depending on how much you're getting 3. The system will determine when you can start collecting Whatever you do, DON'T listen to people saying to hide your severance. They will find out and you'll have to pay everything back plus penalties.

Pro tip: when filing, make sure to mention that ur severance is paid as a lump sum rather than continuing salary. That distinction matters in ny. Also the BEST way to talk to someone is to call right when they open at 8am. Otherwise ur basically screwed lol

In NY, lump sum severance is treated differently than ongoing payments. Since you're getting it all at once in November, you report it as income for that week only. But it depends how they classified it in your severance agreement. If they specifically called it "salary continuation" then it counts week by week. Check your paperwork.

I actually went through this EXACT situation last winter. Filed while on severance and the system made me wait until severance period was over, BUT I was already in the system and started getting paid immediately after without having to reapply. DEFINITELY worth doing now.

NY unemployment is a freaking nightmre to deal with 😡 I spent 6 weeks trying to get through on the phone. Ended up having my state rep's office intervene. Try contacting your local assembly member's office - they sometimes have direct contacts.

As someone who's worked with NY unemployment benefits professionally, let me clarify a few things about severance and unemployment: • You should file immediately even though you're receiving severance - this establishes your claim based on your work history • Lump sum severance in New York is typically only counted as income for the week you receive it, not for the entire period it's meant to cover • Make sure you answer the severance questions honestly and upload any documentation they request • Continue certifying weekly even if you're denied initially due to the severance • The system will automatically start paying benefits once your severance period is determined to be over As for reaching an actual person: good luck with the regular phone system. I've had clients succeed using claimyr.com to get through - it's a service that waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Others have had success contacting their state representatives for help with claims. The most important thing is starting your claim now rather than waiting until February. The system has delays and it's better to be in the queue early.

just gonna say what everyone here is thinking: NY unemployment system is DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate. they make it confusing on purpose so people give up. dont give up!!

anyone else notice how the unemployment website mysteriously crashes every sunday night when everyone's trying to certify for the week? 🤔

Seems like nobody's mentioned this yet - when you DO get someone on the phone, ask for an email where you can send documentation. I had to fax stuff originally (who even has a fax machine in 2023?!) but then got an email address where I could send PDFs directly. Made things soooo much easier.

I tried calling at different times of day for weeks. Finally got through using claimyr.com - they call and wait on hold, then connect you when a human answers. Totally worth it to get my claim unblocked.

anyone else notice the doL website hasn't been updated in like 10 yrs lol? its like they time traveled from 2005 and decided 'this is fine'

Sorry you're going through this. Just make sure you read all the fine print in your severance agreement. My company tried to classify my payment in a way that would make me ineligible for benefits longer, but when I showed the actual document to unemployment they ruled in my favor.

Quick tip - when you're filing make sure you answer the question about work search requirements accurately. They've started auditing those more and will ask for proof of your job search activities. I got caught in this trap and had to provide backdated evidence.