I've been documenting my job searches in a simple Word document and it's worked fine during my claim reviews. Just include: date, company name, position title, how you applied (website, email, in-person), and contact info if available. Don't overthink it - NYS Department of Labor just wants to see you're making genuine efforts. Also, attending virtual job fairs and career webinars count toward your 3 weekly activities, which helped me when physical applications were slim. The key is consistency in your record-keeping format.

Just want to add that if you're using LinkedIn for job searching, make sure to document those applications too! I've been applying through LinkedIn Easy Apply and it definitely counts toward the 3 weekly requirements. I include the LinkedIn job posting URL in my log along with the standard info (company, position, date). Also, don't forget that updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can count as a job search activity - I learned this from a NYS Department of Labor rep. It's helpful when you're having a slow week with actual applications but still need to meet the requirement.

Also watch out for partial unemployment if you're only getting reduced hours instead of full layoffs. A lot of construction workers don't realize they can file for partial benefits when work slows down but doesn't stop completely.

Don't forget about unemployment due to workplace injuries too. If you get hurt on the job and can't work while recovering, you might be eligible for temporary disability benefits through workers' comp, but there can also be situations where unemployment benefits apply if you're able to work but your injury prevents you from doing your specific construction job. I learned this the hard way after a back injury last year. The NYS Department of Labor can help you figure out which benefits you qualify for, but it's worth knowing that construction workers have some unique situations that office workers don't typically face.

I can confirm what everyone else is saying - unemployment benefits are definitely earned income, not public assistance. I went through this exact same confusion when I was apartment hunting last year while on unemployment. The key distinction is that you paid into the unemployment insurance system through your previous job, so these are benefits you earned. Public assistance refers to need-based programs like SNAP or TANF that don't require prior contributions. I'd recommend getting a copy of your monetary determination letter from NYS Department of Labor to include with your application - it shows the official benefit amount and helps legitimize it as income in landlords' eyes. Most reasonable landlords understand unemployment is temporary and that you're actively job searching.

I'm a housing counselor and deal with this question frequently. Unemployment insurance is absolutely NOT public assistance in NY - it's earned income that you contributed to while working. When filling out rental applications, list it under income but not under public assistance. Pro tip: many landlords prefer seeing a co-signer or guarantor when unemployment is your primary income source, not because it's inadequate income, but because they know it's temporary. Also keep copies of your weekly certification emails from NYS Department of Labor as additional proof of ongoing benefits. Don't let this discourage you from applying - you have legitimate income and rights as a tenant!

This thread has been super helpful! I had the same $74 increase and was convinced I was going to get hit with an overpayment demand later. It's honestly ridiculous that NYSDOL doesn't send any kind of notification about these annual adjustments - a simple automated message explaining the rate change would save so many people from panicking. I spent way too much time last week worried I'd somehow double-claimed or made some other mistake. Thanks to everyone who explained this is just the normal January adjustment based on state wage data. Definitely going to start documenting everything with screenshots from now on!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! My benefit rate went from $625 to $699 seemingly overnight and I've been losing sleep over it thinking NYSDOL made some kind of error. Reading through all these responses has been such a huge relief - I had no idea about the annual wage adjustments that happen in January. It's honestly pretty frustrating that they don't send any kind of notification about this change. Even a simple message in our online accounts saying "Your benefit rate has been adjusted due to the 2025 annual wage review" would prevent so much anxiety. I was literally googling "unemployment overpayment penalties" at 2am last night! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is so helpful for navigating all the confusing parts of the unemployment system.

Just remember that your first payment might include back pay if there was any delay in processing your initial claim. So don't be surprised if the amount is higher than expected - that's actually a good thing!

I'm going through the same situation right now! My claim was approved on Wednesday and I'm still waiting for the deposit. From what I've read on the NYS DOL website, they say to allow 2-3 business days for direct deposit after your weekly certification shows as "paid." It's nerve-wracking when you're counting on that money, but it sounds like the system is just slow. Hang in there Diego, hopefully we both see our payments soon!