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.

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.

This thread has been an absolute lifesaver! I just started my first unemployment claim in NY three days ago and have been obsessively checking my account status and bank account, not really understanding how the process works. Reading through Norman's experience and everyone's explanations has given me such a better understanding of what to expect. The breakdown of what "PROCESSED" actually means versus when money hits your account is incredibly helpful - I had no idea there could be legitimate delays even after NYSDOL releases the payment. And the information about income reporting delays is something I'll definitely keep in mind since I'm already looking at some freelance opportunities. What really stands out to me is how this community provides the kind of practical, real-world knowledge that you just can't get from the official NYSDOL website or phone system. Things like ACH processing delays, system maintenance impacts, and first-time income reporting quirks - this is all stuff that would have caused me unnecessary panic without this context. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and helped Norman (and the rest of us newcomers) understand the system better. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes dealing with unemployment so much less overwhelming!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's been on NY unemployment for about 4 months now - I've had similar delays happen twice, both times when there were changes to my weekly certification. The first time was exactly like Norman's situation with reporting part-time income, and the second time was when I had to report being out of state for a family emergency. Both times the payment showed as "PROCESSED" but took 3-4 extra days to actually hit my account. What I've learned is that ANY change from your normal routine certification seems to trigger additional processing time, even if everything is legitimate and approved. It's frustrating when you're counting on that money, but at least now I know to expect it and plan accordingly. For newcomers reading this thread - definitely take everyone's advice about not panicking if you see "PROCESSED" in the system. That really does mean your money is on the way. And if you're going to report any income or travel, maybe try to do it on a week when you have a little more financial cushion if possible, just to account for the potential delay!

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 3 weeks ago and still showing "adjudication in progress." From what I've learned lurking in these forums, it seems like reduced hours/constructive dismissal cases often take longer because they have to verify with your employer that the hour reduction was significant enough to qualify you for benefits. The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you're counting on that income. I've been keeping detailed records of my reduced schedule and any communication with my former employer just in case they need additional documentation. Hang in there!

I'm currently dealing with adjudication too - going on week 4 now. What I've learned from calling multiple times is that they're likely verifying your employment details and the circumstances around your hour reduction with your former employer. The DOL has to confirm that the reduction was substantial enough (usually needs to be a reduction of more than 20% of your normal hours) and that it wasn't your fault. They also check if you made reasonable efforts to get more hours before leaving. The frustrating part is they don't give you updates during the process - you just have to wait for the determination letter. Keep filing your weekly claims though, because if approved you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks during adjudication.