I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and wanted to share what I've learned about the work search requirements. The 3 activities per week is correct, but make sure you're being strategic about it. I keep a detailed spreadsheet with company names, positions applied for, dates, and method of contact. One thing that really helped me was mixing different types of activities - I do 2 job applications and 1 networking activity each week (like reaching out to former colleagues or attending virtual industry meetups). Also, if you're having trouble finding enough suitable positions to apply for, consider expanding your search slightly outside your immediate area or looking into remote opportunities. The key is showing genuine effort to find work while being realistic about your qualifications and the current job market.

Great question about the work search requirements! I went through this same confusion when I first started collecting benefits. The 3 activities per week is correct, and applying through Indeed definitely counts as long as you're keeping detailed records. I learned the hard way that you really need to document everything - I use a simple notebook with columns for date, company name, position, and how I applied (online, in-person, etc.). One tip that helped me meet the requirement more easily: don't just focus on online applications. Attending virtual job fairs, reaching out to your network, or even visiting company websites to submit applications directly all count toward your 3 activities. The NYS DOL website also has some good resources about what qualifies. Just make sure whatever you're doing shows you're genuinely trying to find work in your field or related areas. Good luck with your search!

Just went through this process myself last month. One tip that really helped - when you get that UC-309 form, read it carefully because it will tell you exactly what information NYS Department of Labor is looking for. They usually want the last day worked, reason for separation, and any relevant dates. If you have an employee handbook or written policies that were violated, include copies of those too. The key is being factual and specific rather than vague. And definitely don't miss that 10-day deadline - I learned the hard way that extensions are really rare.

One more thing to consider - if this is your first time dealing with unemployment claims, you might want to check if your company has an employment attorney or HR consultant who can review your response before submitting it. They can help ensure you're providing the right level of detail without over-sharing information that isn't relevant. Also, keep in mind that NYS Department of Labor maintains records of these responses, so consistency is important if you have multiple claims from former employees over time.

Same boat here! Started collecting in January and wasn't sure about the job search thing either. Glad someone asked this question because I was worried I was missing something important.

Just to add some clarity on what counts as valid work search activities - I went through this last year. Besides job applications, you can also count things like attending virtual career workshops, registering with temp agencies, creating profiles on job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, and even informational interviews. The key is to keep good records with dates and details. I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything. Also, if you're having trouble finding 3 activities per week in your specific field, you can broaden your search to related fields or consider remote opportunities. The DOL understands that some industries have limited openings, but they want to see genuine effort.

I was in a very similar situation last year - fired for attendance due to childcare issues and car problems. NYS Department of Labor approved my benefits after about 4 weeks of review. The most important thing is to file your claim ASAP since there's a waiting period anyway. When you file, be completely honest about being terminated for attendance but explain the circumstances clearly. Keep all your documentation handy (car repair receipts, any communication with your supervisor about the emergencies, etc.) because they may request it during the adjudication process. Your clean 2-year record will definitely work in your favor. Don't let the attendance policy violation scare you - NYS looks at the bigger picture and whether you had legitimate reasons beyond your control.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago - fired for attendance after missing work due to my father's hospitalization and my own medical issues. NYS Department of Labor approved my claim after about 5 weeks of review. The fact that you worked there for 2 years with no other issues is huge in your favor. When I filed, I was completely transparent about being terminated for attendance but emphasized that my absences were due to unforeseeable circumstances. Make sure you keep every piece of documentation - those tow truck receipts and texts about the family emergency will be crucial if your employer contests the claim. The adjudication process felt long and stressful, but NYS really does look at whether you had control over the situation. Your legitimate reasons should carry significant weight in their decision. File as soon as possible since the clock starts ticking regardless of when your claim gets approved.

Wait I'm confused now too. I thought if you were in a union you didn't have to do job searches? My dad was on unemployment in the 90s and he said union members were exempt. Has that changed?

Based on my experience, you definitely need to take the job search requirements seriously. I made the mistake of being inconsistent with my work searches early on and got a notice from NYS Department of Labor asking for documentation. The key is logging into the system every week and recording your activities - even networking events or career fairs count toward your 3 required searches. Don't risk it like some people suggest, because if they audit your claim and find you weren't compliant, you could owe back thousands in benefits.