Question: I was terminated without “cause” from a financial company after working there for 14 years. I was offered 12 months of severance, payable twice each month. It has now been 11 months since I lost my job. I have been trying to call the State Unemployment Office, but they are impossible to reach by telephone. Can I start collecting unemployment before my severance finishes?

Barbara
Freeport, New York

Answer: You sure can. In New York, and in most states, you can collect both at the same time. Almost everything related to unemployment insurance in New York is done over the internet. Contact the New York State Department of Labor website at www.dol.ny.gov to initiate your application.

Best, Al Sklover

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© 2009 Alan L. Sklover, All Rights Reserved.