Will $600 unemployment payments affect my social security benefits - NYS Department of Labor question
I'm getting ready to file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor and I'm worried about how it might impact my social security. I've been working part-time while collecting SS and now my hours got cut to basically nothing. If I get approved for unemployment benefits (I think the weekly benefit amount would be around $600), will that mess up my social security payments? I'm 67 and really can't afford to lose either income source. Has anyone dealt with this situation before?
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Ashley Simian
Good news - unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor won't affect your Social Security retirement benefits at all. SS doesn't count unemployment as earned income, so there's no reduction in your benefits. However, unemployment IS taxable income, so you'll need to report it on your tax return. Just make sure when you file your weekly claims with NYS Department of Labor that you report any part-time work accurately.
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Miguel Harvey
•That's such a relief! I was really worried about losing my SS. So I can collect both at the same time without any problems?
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Oliver Cheng
yeah my dad was in the same situation last year and had no issues. unemployment and social security are totally separate systems
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Taylor To
Just be careful about the work search requirements though. Even if you're collecting Social Security, NYS Department of Labor still requires you to look for work and keep a job search log. You can't just sit back and collect both without meeting their requirements. You need to apply for jobs, register with the state job board, and document everything.
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Ella Cofer
•Wait, really? That seems weird if someone is already retired and on social security. Are you sure about the job search requirements?
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Taylor To
•Yes, I'm sure. If you file for unemployment benefits, you have to be able and available for work regardless of your age. The NYS Department of Labor doesn't make exceptions just because you're getting Social Security.
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Kevin Bell
This whole system is so confusing! I've been trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask similar questions but can never get through. The phone lines are always busy and they never call back when I leave messages.
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Savannah Glover
•I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you actually get through to NYS Department of Labor agents on the phone. I used claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Finally got my questions answered after being stuck for a month trying to call myself.
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Felix Grigori
One thing to keep in mind is that if you're working part-time, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits. NYS Department of Labor has a formula where they reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn, but you can still get something if your hours are really low. Just make sure you report all your earnings when you do your weekly certification.
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Miguel Harvey
Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I feel much better about filing now knowing it won't mess up my social security.
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