Can I collect unemployment benefits while living out of state from NYS Department of Labor?
I've been working in New York for the past 2 years but I'm thinking about moving back to my home state to live with family while I look for work. My last employer was definitely in NY and I paid into the NY unemployment system. Can I still collect unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor if I'm physically living somewhere else? I heard there might be some complications with the weekly claims or job search requirements. Has anyone dealt with this situation before?
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Jade Santiago
Yes, you can collect NY unemployment benefits while living out of state. Since you worked in New York and your employer paid into the NY system, you file with NYS Department of Labor regardless of where you live now. You'll still need to file your weekly claims and meet all the same requirements including job search activities.
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Lauren Johnson
•That's a relief! Do I need to notify them that I moved or does it matter for the weekly claims?
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Caleb Stone
i did this last year when i moved to florida but kept my ny benefits. just make sure you update your address in the system and keep doing your job search stuff
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Daniel Price
You definitely need to update your address with NYS Department of Labor immediately. The job search requirements still apply - you need to make at least 3 work search contacts per week and keep records. Some people think moving out of state changes the rules but it doesn't. Also be prepared that if you get selected for an adjudication review, it might take longer to resolve since you're not local.
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Olivia Evans
•Wait, what if they want me to come in for an interview? I'm worried about having to travel back to NY for something like that.
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Daniel Price
•Most interviews and hearings can be done by phone now, especially post-COVID. But yeah, in rare cases you might need to travel back. It's not common though.
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Sophia Bennett
I had so much trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I moved states! Spent weeks trying to update my info and couldn't reach anyone. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual person at the unemployment office. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to call myself.
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Lauren Johnson
•Interesting, I've never heard of that. Did they help you get everything sorted out with the address change?
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Sophia Bennett
•Yeah they got me through to someone who updated everything in like 10 minutes. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Aiden Chen
The system is so confusing about this stuff!!! Like why doesn't it just SAY on the website whether you can move or not? I've been stressed about this same thing.
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Zoey Bianchi
Just remember you still have to be able and available for work. Some people think moving out of state means they can't work but you need to show you're genuinely looking for employment wherever you are now.
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Lauren Johnson
•Good point. I'm definitely planning to look for work in my new state, so that shouldn't be an issue.
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Miranda Singer
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I moved from NYC to Pennsylvania. The key things to remember: 1) Update your address immediately in the NY DOL system, 2) You can still do everything online including weekly certifications, 3) Keep detailed records of your job search activities in your new state. The only hiccup I had was they initially flagged my claim for review because of the address change, but it got resolved within a few weeks once I provided documentation. Don't stress too much - thousands of people do this and it works out fine!
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