To answer the earlier question about timing - the standards typically begin to relax after 13-16 weeks, with more significant changes around week 20-26. However, this can vary based on local unemployment rates and your specific circumstances. The important thing is to keep detailed records and continue your active job search. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's worth consulting with your local workforce development office before declining.

Thanks for all this helpful info everyone! I'm in a similar spot at week 16 and just want to add - make sure you're also documenting any training or certification programs you might be doing to improve your qualifications. NYS Department of Labor sometimes views this favorably when evaluating whether you're making reasonable efforts to find suitable work. I started an online logistics certification course and mentioned it when they questioned why I turned down a retail job that was way below my skill level. Also, if you're a union member, check if they have any guidance on suitable work requirements - mine had some really specific advice about what constitutes comparable work in our industry.

The whole system is a mess honestly. They make it so complicated when people are already stressed about finding work. I've been doing my 3 searches religiously but half the jobs posted online aren't even real openings.

I feel your frustration about the confusing requirements! Just to add some clarity - the 3 job search activities per week is correct, and they can include a variety of things beyond just online applications. I've found that attending virtual career workshops through the NY Career Center also counts, and they're actually pretty helpful. You can access them through the DOL website. Also, if you're in a specific field, reaching out to recruiters or staffing agencies counts too. The important thing is keeping that detailed log with dates, company names, and what type of activity you did. I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything - makes it much easier when it's time to file your weekly claim.

I'm having the exact SAME issue!!! Been trying to get through for weeks. Let me know if you figure anything out. I've been submitting and resubmitting docs for 2 months now. 😡

I went through this exact nightmare 3 months ago! Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of frustration: **Required docs that got me approved:** - Last 4 paystubs before termination - Termination/layoff letter (this is CRUCIAL - without it they'll keep asking for more) - Previous year's W-2 - Bank statements showing your regular pay deposits that stopped **Pro tips:** - Upload everything as PDFs, not photos - Make sure all text is clearly readable - Submit MORE rather than less - I included my offer letter and first paystub too just to show employment history Like others mentioned, I finally got through using Claimyr after wasting literally hours on hold. The agent I spoke with was super helpful and told me exactly what was missing from my case. Worth every penny to avoid the phone hell. Also definitely screenshot everything when you upload - their system has "technical issues" that mysteriously lose documents right when you need them most. Don't give up! The system sucks but once you get the right docs in, it moves pretty quickly. Hang in there! 💪

The whole system is designed to push people into taking crappy jobs so they can get you off the unemployment rolls. They'll tell you it's about 'suitable work' but really they just want to save money. Document everything and know your rights.

I'm new to this community and just started collecting unemployment myself after being laid off from my marketing job. This is really helpful information - I had no idea about the 80% rule for the first 13 weeks! I'm saving this thread because I'm sure I'll need to reference it. Quick question though - when you document job offers you decline, what's the best way to do that? Should I keep emails, write down details, or is there a specific form NYS DOL wants us to use? Thanks for sharing your experience!

Check if your address is correct in your account too. My cousin had correspondence issue dates but never got the letters because her address was wrong in the system.

I've dealt with this before - the correspondence issue date just means NYS DOL generated some kind of document on that date. It could be anything from a routine acknowledgment letter to something more important. Here's what I'd recommend: first check your online account messages thoroughly (sometimes they're in different sections), then give it a few more days for mail delivery since postal service can be slow. If nothing shows up by early next week, definitely call them to ask what was issued. Keep your claim number handy when you call. In the meantime, keep certifying as normal - the correspondence issue date alone won't affect your weekly benefits.