Can I get NYS Department of Labor unemployment if my job is too far away from home?

Yes, you can potentially qualify for unemployment benefits if you refuse a transfer that creates an unreasonable commute. NYS Department of Labor considers a commute of more than 1.5-2 hours each way to be unreasonable hardship. You'll need to document that you couldn't reasonably accept the transfer due to distance, cost, or lack of transportation. Make sure to keep records of the transfer offer and your reasons for declining.

i think 90 miles is definitely too far, my friend got UI when her job moved 50 miles away and she couldn't drive that far every day

Make sure you calculate the actual cost per mile for your vehicle - it's usually around $0.65 per mile when you include gas, maintenance, and depreciation. At 180 miles round trip daily, that's over $100 per day just to get to work. Document these calculations when you file your claim. Also keep any emails or written notices about the transfer.

I was in a similar situation last year but mine was only 60 miles away. I ended up taking the transfer because I was scared I wouldn't get unemployment, but now I'm wondering if I made the wrong choice. The commute is killing me and I'm spending half my paycheck on gas.

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this situation directly, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to get answers about my claim status for weeks before using them.

Just be prepared that your employer might challenge your unemployment claim if you refuse the transfer. They'll probably argue that you voluntarily quit instead of being laid off. But if you have good documentation about why the commute was unreasonable, you should be able to appeal if they initially deny your claim.

the system is so messed up, they expect people to drive across the entire state just to keep a job that barely pays enough to live on

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. My company wanted me to transfer 85 miles away and I refused because of the commute costs. I filed for unemployment and was approved after providing documentation showing the unreasonable distance and financial burden. The key is to be very detailed in your application about why the transfer wasn't feasible - include calculations of travel time, gas costs, vehicle wear, and any other hardships like childcare complications from the longer hours away from home. NYS DOL was pretty reasonable about it once I explained everything clearly. Good luck!

Just wanted to add that you should also document any other impacts this transfer would have on your life - like if you have kids in school, elderly parents you care for, or other family obligations that make relocating impossible. NYS DOL looks at the "total picture" of hardship, not just the commute distance. I've seen cases where people got approved even for shorter distances when they could show other legitimate reasons why the transfer created undue hardship. Also, make sure to apply for benefits immediately after you're terminated - don't wait, as there can be delays in processing and you want to start the clock ticking on your claim as soon as possible.

I work for a local nonprofit that helps people navigate unemployment claims, and I can confirm that NYS considers transfer distance and associated costs when evaluating eligibility. The 90-mile distance you mentioned definitely falls into the "unreasonable" category. When you document your case, include not just the mileage but also the time impact - 3+ hours of daily commuting can affect your ability to maintain work-life balance and may even create safety concerns from driver fatigue. Also consider mentioning if the transfer would impact any professional development opportunities or career advancement you'd lose by leaving your current role. The state recognizes that employees shouldn't have to choose between financial hardship and keeping their job when employers make unilateral changes to working conditions.

I'm new to this community but going through a similar situation right now. My employer just told me they want to transfer me 75 miles away and I'm panicking about what to do. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea that NYS DOL actually considers commute distance when evaluating unemployment claims. The advice about documenting everything and calculating the true costs (including car maintenance) is really smart. Does anyone know if there's a specific form or way I should submit my refusal in writing to my employer to make sure I have proper documentation for my unemployment application?