Can you collect unemployment if you are over 65 in New York - NYS Department of Labor age rules?
I'm 67 years old and just got laid off from my job of 15 years due to company downsizing. I've been working full-time and paying into unemployment insurance this whole time. My coworker told me that once you're over 65 you can't collect unemployment benefits anymore, but that doesn't sound right to me since I've been contributing to the system. Does anyone know if there's an age limit for filing unemployment claims with NYS Department of Labor? I'm really stressed about this because I need the income while I look for another job.
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NeonNebula
There is NO age limit for unemployment benefits in New York! Your coworker is completely wrong. As long as you meet the regular eligibility requirements (worked enough quarters, lost job through no fault of your own, able and available for work), you can collect UI benefits regardless of your age. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't discriminate based on age for unemployment claims.
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Malik Thomas
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. I was panicking thinking I wouldn't be able to get any support. Do I file the same way as everyone else then?
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Isabella Costa
yeah my dad collected unemployment when he was 68 after his company closed down, no problems at all with nys department of labor
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Ravi Malhotra
Your coworker might be confusing unemployment with Social Security retirement benefits. You can collect both unemployment and Social Security at the same time in New York - they don't offset each other. Just make sure you're actively looking for work and meet the job search requirements that NYS Department of Labor requires for your weekly claims.
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Freya Christensen
•Wait, really? I thought if you were getting social security they would reduce your unemployment or something. That's good to know for when I retire in a few years.
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Omar Farouk
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to ask questions about my claim status. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call on my own.
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Chloe Davis
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they charge you a lot to make the call connection?
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Omar Farouk
•They focus on the value of actually reaching someone rather than cost. For me it was worth it since I wasted so much time trying to get through myself. The peace of mind knowing I could talk to an actual NYS Department of Labor representative was huge.
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AstroAlpha
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.
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Laila Prince
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.
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Oliver Brown
•This is so helpful to hear from someone who actually went through it! I was really worried about the age thing but it sounds like I was stressing over nothing. Did you find it difficult to meet the job search requirements at 66? I'm wondering if employers might be less likely to hire someone my age and if that affects the unemployment process at all.
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