Can you collect unemployment and social security benefits at the same time in NY?

You absolutely CAN collect both unemployment and social security at the same time in New York! This is a common misconception. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't consider social security as disqualifying income for unemployment benefits. However, you still need to meet all the other requirements - you have to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and meet the weekly job search requirements.

Just went through this exact situation last year when I got laid off at 64. You don't report social security on your weekly claims because it's not considered wages or work income. The NYS Department of Labor treats it as a separate benefit entirely. Make sure you're honest about your job search activities though - they're pretty strict about that part regardless of your age.

Yes, you can collect both! Social security retirement benefits don't disqualify you from unemployment in New York. When you file your weekly claim with NYS Department of Labor, you'll need to report your social security income, but it won't reduce your UI benefits dollar for dollar. The key is being able and available for work - that's the main requirement for unemployment eligibility.

Yes, you can absolutely collect both Social Security and unemployment benefits in New York. There's no federal or state law that prevents you from receiving both simultaneously. The key thing to understand is that your Social Security benefits won't be reduced because you're getting unemployment, and your unemployment benefits won't be reduced because you're getting Social Security. Just make sure when you file your weekly claims with NYS Department of Labor that you report your Social Security income accurately.

ugh this whole system is so confusing!! i'm dealing with adjudication issues right now and can't even get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions. been calling for weeks and either get disconnected or sit on hold forever. anyone know a better way to reach them?

my dad did this last year when he got laid off at 65, no problems at all with getting both checks

I was in the exact same situation last year when I got laid off at 64. Collected both Social Security and unemployment for about 6 months until I found a new part-time job. The NYS Department of Labor will ask about other income when you file your initial claim, so definitely mention your Social Security there. Then on your weekly claims, there's a section where you report any money you received that week - you'll put your Social Security amount there. It doesn't reduce your unemployment benefits at all, they just need to know about it for tax purposes.

My dad was in this exact situation when he got downsized at 65. He collected both for about 8 months until he found part-time work. The key thing is you still have to prove you're actively looking for work and available to work. Some employers might be hesitant to hire someone already getting social security but you can't let that stop your job search efforts.

My dad did this a few years ago and had no problems. Just be honest about everything when you file. The unemployment office knows people in their 60s often have Social Security and are still working or looking for work.

I tried calling NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact thing but could never get through to anyone! The phone system is terrible. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent who answered all my questions about collecting both benefits. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Was way easier than trying to call myself and getting hung up on constantly.

yeah my neighbor does this, gets both checks every month and has for like 2 years now. no big deal as long as ur honest about it

Just want to add that if you do find work while collecting both benefits, be super careful about reporting your earnings correctly on your weekly unemployment claims. The earning limits still apply - if you earn too much in a week it can reduce or eliminate your unemployment benefit for that week. But the social security won't be affected by part-time work earnings up to a certain limit.

You report the gross social security amount before any deductions. Make sure when you're doing your weekly claims that you're still actively looking for work and documenting your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 work search activities per week. Since you're getting social security, they might scrutinize whether you're truly available for work, so keep good records of your job applications and interviews.

I've been trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about this exact question but their phone lines are always busy or I get disconnected. It's so frustrating when you need answers about something this important. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?

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.