Can I collect unemployment while waiting for new job to start in NY?
I accepted a job offer last week but they can't start me until February 15th due to background check processing and their training schedule. It's been almost 6 weeks since I was laid off from my previous position. Can I still file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor during this waiting period? I'm worried they'll say I'm not available for work since I already have something lined up, but I really need the income until then. Has anyone been in this situation before?
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Jabari-Jo
Yes, you can absolutely collect unemployment while waiting for your new job to start! The key is that you're currently unemployed and available for other work if this job fell through. When you file your weekly claims, you'll need to report that you're able and available for work. Just make sure to report your job search activities - you should still be applying to other positions until your start date is confirmed.
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Seraphina Delan
•That's a relief! Do I need to tell NYS Department of Labor about the pending job offer when I file?
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Kristin Frank
You should report the job offer when you file your initial claim or during your weekly certification. Be honest about your situation - NYS Department of Labor allows benefits while waiting for work to begin as long as the start date isn't immediate. The general rule is if your start date is more than a week away, you can collect. Just keep doing your required work search activities until you actually start working.
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Micah Trail
•This happened to me last year. I reported the pending job and they approved my claim. Just had to stop certifying the week I actually started work.
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Nia Watson
Wait, I thought if you have a job lined up you can't collect? I'm so confused about all these rules. What if the background check doesn't go through??
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Jabari-Jo
•That's exactly why you can still collect - until you're actually working, you're unemployed. Background checks can fail, start dates can get pushed back, offers can be rescinded. You're not employed until you're actually on the payroll.
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Alberto Souchard
I had the worst time trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact situation. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected to an agent and they explained the whole process. There's actually a good video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way easier than sitting on hold for hours.
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Seraphina Delan
•Thanks! I was dreading trying to call them. How much does that service cost?
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Alberto Souchard
•The value is definitely worth it when you consider how much time you save not being on hold. Way less frustrating than the regular phone system.
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Katherine Shultz
Make sure you understand the work search requirements too. Even with a job lined up, you'll need to document your job search activities for each week you claim benefits. Keep track of where you apply and when.
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Marcus Marsh
good luck! same thing happened to my cousin and she got benefits no problem. just be honest about everything
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Zoe Gonzalez
I went through something similar a few months ago! Had a 3-week gap between accepting an offer and starting due to their onboarding process. NYS approved my claim without any issues. The key things I learned: 1) Report the pending job honestly when filing, 2) Keep applying to other positions during your weekly certifications (I applied to 3-4 jobs per week just to be safe), and 3) Be prepared to explain that you're still available for immediate work if something else came up. The waiting period actually worked in my favor because it gave me time to wrap up some personal things before starting the new role. You should be fine as long as you're transparent with DOL!
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