Just want to add that attending career workshops or job training programs also count as work search activities. I went to a resume writing workshop at my local workforce center and it counted toward my weekly requirement.

I've been collecting unemployment for about 6 months now and wanted to share some additional tips for work search activities. Besides the standard job applications, you can also count networking events, informational interviews, and even reaching out to former colleagues about potential opportunities. I keep a spreadsheet with all my activities including company names, dates, contact info, and type of activity. The key is being consistent and genuine in your search efforts - don't just do the bare minimum of 3 activities if you're serious about finding work. Also, if you're in a specialized field, don't be afraid to reach out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn - this counts as a work search activity too!

I went through this exact situation when I lost my job at a diner in Brooklyn. You can definitely apply for both - they're completely separate systems and won't interfere with each other. I'd suggest applying for unemployment first since that process can take longer, then hit up the SNAP application right after. Make sure you have all your recent pay stubs and your separation notice from work ready for both applications. The unemployment website can be glitchy sometimes, so try applying early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic. Hang in there - these programs are there to help you get back on your feet!

I'm also in the restaurant industry and went through this process about 8 months ago when my place shut down during the slow season. Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to NYS DOL on the phone (their lines are constantly busy), you can also check your claim status online through the NY.gov portal. Also, when you do your SNAP application, they might ask about any tips you received that weren't reported on your paystubs - just be honest about your average tip income even if it wasn't officially documented. The caseworkers understand how restaurant pay works with tips and base wages. One more thing - if you have any pending final tips or last paycheck coming, mention that during both applications so they have the complete picture. Both programs are designed to bridge you over until you get back on your feet, so don't feel bad about needing them. That's exactly what they're for!

The whole system is funded by employers but honestly it feels like they make it as hard as possible for us to actually collect what we're entitled to. All these adjudication delays and job search requirements - it's like they want people to give up and stop filing claims.

Thanks everyone for the detailed explanations! I had no idea it was completely employer-funded. It's actually pretty smart that companies with higher turnover pay more - gives them a real financial incentive to treat workers better and avoid unnecessary layoffs. Makes me feel less guilty about collecting benefits knowing my former employer was required to pay into this system all along.

The funding structure is actually pretty complex. Most comes from state unemployment taxes (SUTA) paid by employers, but there's also federal funding through FUTA taxes. During recessions or extended benefit periods, additional federal money can flow in. NYS Department of Labor manages the state trust fund but federal Department of Labor oversees the overall system requirements and provides backup funding when state funds run low.

Just to add some numbers to this - in NY, employers typically pay between 0.6% to 9.9% of their first $12,300 in wages per employee annually, depending on their experience rating. New employers start at around 4.1%. So for a company with 50 employees making $50k each, they might pay around $25,000-$30,000 per year into the unemployment fund. It really is a significant business expense that employers have to budget for, which explains why they're so careful about how they handle layoffs and terminations.

To clarify the rules: you CAN receive both cash assistance and unemployment benefits, but you must report the cash aid as income when filing your weekly unemployment claims. This might reduce your UI payment dollar-for-dollar depending on the amount. Also, some cash assistance programs have work search requirements that overlap with UI requirements, so make sure you're meeting both sets of rules.

Just wanted to add my experience - I received both cash assistance and unemployment for about 3 months last year. The key thing is being completely transparent with both agencies. When I applied for emergency cash aid through my local social services office, I told them upfront about my UI claim. They adjusted my cash assistance amount accordingly, but I was still able to get some help with rent and utilities. The paperwork was a hassle keeping both agencies updated, but it definitely helped me get through a really rough patch. Make sure to keep detailed records of everything you report to both programs!