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.

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.

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.

Congrats on getting your EB approved! This is such a helpful thread for anyone going through this transition. I'm currently on week 22 of my regular benefits and was already stressing about what happens next. Reading everyone's experiences here really puts my mind at ease. The key takeaway seems crystal clear: never stop certifying weekly, even if you see $0 payments temporarily. It's reassuring to know the system does work, even if it takes a couple weeks to process. Thanks for sharing your update - it gives hope to those of us approaching the 26-week mark!

This thread is incredibly valuable! I'm currently on week 15 of my regular benefits but already bookmarking this for future reference. The consensus is so clear - keep certifying no matter what. I had no idea about the $0 payment thing during the transition period, that would have definitely sent me into panic mode. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences, especially the success stories. It's so much better than trying to decipher the confusing official website. Question for those who went through this - did your EB weekly amount stay the same as your regular UI amount, or did it change at all?

yeah my cousin went through this too and she won. just make sure you show up to the hearing and tell your side of the story clearly

I work in HR and see these appeals regularly. Based on what I've observed, employers win maybe 40-50% of appeals, but it heavily depends on documentation. The strongest employer cases involve clear policy violations with written warnings, attendance records, or safety issues. Weaker cases are subjective performance issues or when employers can't produce proper documentation. NYS DOL tends to give workers the benefit of the doubt when evidence is unclear. Keep all your employment records, emails, and any communications about your termination. If they're claiming misconduct but never documented warnings or gave you a chance to correct issues, that significantly weakens their case.