Can I collect unemployment if I move to another state while on NYS Department of Labor benefits?

You can definitely collect NYS unemployment benefits while living in another state! The key thing is you need to notify NYS Department of Labor about your address change and make sure you're still available for work. When you file your weekly claims, you'll need to indicate you're willing to accept suitable work opportunities. Some people think moving disqualifies you but that's not true - you just need to remain actively seeking employment and available to work.

yeah but dont they ask if you moved during your weekly claim? i thought i saw that question somewhere

I went through this exact situation last year when I moved from Buffalo to North Carolina! You absolutely can keep collecting NYS unemployment benefits. Just make sure to update your address immediately in the system and be prepared to show you're actively job searching in your new area. I had to submit my job search log showing I was applying to positions in NC and that was perfectly fine with NYS Department of Labor.

The system is SO confusing about this stuff. Like why don't they just clearly explain what happens when you move??? I've been too scared to even update my address because I don't want to trigger some kind of review or investigation into my claim. What if they think I'm trying to commit fraud or something?

This whole unemployment system is a joke anyway. They make it seem like you're doing something wrong just for trying to survive. I've had nothing but problems with NYS Department of Labor since day one.

Good luck with the move! Philly is a great city and there should be lots of job opportunities there.

I moved from Albany to Vermont while collecting NYS unemployment and it was totally fine! The most important thing is to update your address in the system right away and make sure you can still receive mail from NYS Department of Labor. When you do your weekly certifications, you'll need to show you're actively looking for work in Pennsylvania. Keep detailed records of your job applications because they might ask for them. Also, make sure your phone number stays the same or update that too so they can reach you if needed. The benefits will continue as long as you meet all the other requirements - being able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment. Don't stress too much about it, interstate moves happen all the time!

I actually just went through this process a few months ago when I moved from Rochester to Denver! You can absolutely keep collecting NYS unemployment benefits while living in another state. The key is being proactive about updating your information. Log into your my.ny.gov account and update your address as soon as you move. You'll also want to make sure your phone number and email are current so they can reach you if needed. During your weekly certifications, just be honest about your new location and continue showing that you're actively job searching in Pennsylvania. I kept detailed records of all my job applications in Colorado and never had any issues with NYS Department of Labor. The benefits continued without interruption as long as I met all the usual requirements - being able and available for work, and actively seeking employment. Don't let the move stress you out too much, it's more common than you'd think!

I'm planning a similar move soon and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that I called NYS Department of Labor directly about this situation and they confirmed what everyone is saying - you can definitely collect benefits while living out of state as long as you update your address and continue meeting all the eligibility requirements. The rep I spoke with emphasized that the most important thing is being honest and transparent about your move in your weekly certifications. They also mentioned that you should be prepared to provide documentation of your job search activities in your new state if requested. It sounds like as long as you're genuinely looking for work and available to accept suitable employment, the geographic location isn't a barrier to continuing benefits. Good luck with your move to Philly!