Just want to add that if you're in a job training program through Workforce Development, some of those programs might have their own requirements, but that's separate from your basic UI eligibility. The NYS Department of Labor website has info about job search requirements but I don't remember seeing anything about drug testing there.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I was really worried about this since I've heard so many conflicting stories. It's good to know that NYS Department of Labor doesn't require drug testing for regular unemployment benefits. I was laid off due to company downsizing, so it sounds like I should be fine to file my claim without worrying about any testing requirements. Really appreciate the clarification about it only being an issue if you were fired for failing a workplace drug test - that definitely doesn't apply to my situation.

The key thing to remember is that PFL and unemployment serve different purposes under NYS Department of Labor rules. PFL is administered through your employer's insurance carrier, while unemployment is directly through NYS Department of Labor. Make sure you understand which benefit better fits your current needs before making the switch.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. From what I've learned, you definitely need to be strategic about timing. Since you're already on unemployment, you might want to calculate whether PFL would provide better financial support for your family caregiving period. PFL typically pays about 67% of your average weekly wage (up to a cap), while unemployment varies. Also consider that PFL has a maximum duration of 12 weeks per benefit year, so you'll want to make sure that timeframe aligns with your mom's care needs. It's worth calling both programs to get exact figures for your situation before making the switch.

been there done that. took night classes at SUNY while collecting benefits for almost a year. never had an issue as long as i kept applying for jobs and was honest about my availability

I was in almost the exact same situation last year! I enrolled in part-time evening classes while collecting unemployment and it worked out fine. The key things that helped me: 1) I made sure my class schedule was only evenings/weekends so I was available for work during normal business hours, 2) I kept detailed records of all my job applications and interviews to show I was actively seeking work, and 3) When I filled out my weekly certifications, I answered "yes" to being available for work since I truly was available during typical work hours. NYS Department of Labor never questioned it. Just be prepared to drop a class if you get a job offer that conflicts with your schedule - your unemployment benefits depend on you being willing to accept suitable work. Good luck with school and the job search!

I went through this exact situation last year. You CAN attend school while on unemployment in NY, but you need to be strategic about it. I enrolled in a part-time evening program and made sure to document that I was available for work during normal business hours. The key things: 1) Keep doing your job searches and applying to positions, 2) Be honest on your weekly certifications about your availability, and 3) Make sure your class schedule doesn't conflict with potential work opportunities. I actually ended up getting a better job because of the skills I learned while on unemployment. Just don't try to hide it - be upfront with DOL if they ask about your activities.

I'm currently in a similar situation and have been researching this extensively. From what I've learned, New York does allow you to attend school while collecting unemployment, but you need to be very careful about how you handle it. The main requirement is that you must remain "able and available" for work. This means if an employer calls you for an interview or job offer, you need to be able to accept it immediately. I'd recommend calling the Department of Labor directly to discuss your specific program before enrolling - each situation can be different depending on the type of classes, schedule, and duration. Better to get official guidance upfront than risk having to pay benefits back later. Also consider looking into whether your program might qualify for any workforce development programs that could provide additional support while you're transitioning.

I went through something similar last year. The key thing to remember is that NYS DOL considers several factors when determining if work is "suitable" - wage level compared to your previous job, commute time/distance, and whether it matches your skills and experience. A 4-hour daily commute plus $2/hour pay cut would likely be considered unreasonable by most standards. When you file your weekly claim, there should be a question about whether you refused any work - answer honestly and provide clear details about why (excessive commute time, significant pay reduction). Keep copies of the job offer details and your refusal reason. If they do flag it for review, you'll have a chance to explain during the adjudication process. Don't panic - they're looking for people who refuse reasonable offers, not situations like yours where the job creates genuine hardship.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - got offered a job that's 90 minutes each way and pays $3 less than what I was making. The stress of potentially losing benefits is real, but from what I'm reading here it sounds like your case has legitimate grounds for refusal. The 4-hour daily commute would eat up so much time and gas money that you'd probably be making less than minimum wage when you factor in travel costs. I've been documenting everything - the job posting, my previous salary, commute calculations, etc. just in case. It's frustrating that we even have to worry about this when the job offers are clearly unreasonable, but at least NYS DOL seems to have some protection for situations like ours where the work truly isn't suitable.