Can you transfer unemployment to another state - NYS Department of Labor interstate claim options?
My husband got a job offer in Florida and we're planning to move next month. I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor and have about 8 weeks left on my claim. Is there a way to transfer my remaining benefits to Florida or do I have to start over completely? I've been getting $420 weekly and really don't want to lose what I've already qualified for. Has anyone dealt with moving states while on unemployment?
13 comments
Join the conversation
Miguel Silva
You can't exactly 'transfer' benefits but there's something called an Interstate Benefits Program. New York will continue paying your claim if you register with Florida's system for job search compliance. You'll need to contact NYS Department of Labor and Florida's unemployment office to set this up properly.
0 coins
Ava Garcia
•That sounds promising! Do you know how long the setup process usually takes? We're moving in 3 weeks and I don't want any gaps in payments.
0 coins
Zainab Ismail
i moved from ny to texas last year while on unemployment and it was a nightmare tbh. took like 6 weeks to get everything sorted out and missed 2 payments during the transition
0 coins
Ava Garcia
•Oh no! What went wrong? Was it just bureaucratic delays or did you miss some required steps?
0 coins
Zainab Ismail
•mostly just slow communication between the states. texas wanted different paperwork than what ny had and it took forever to resolve
0 coins
Connor O'Neill
The key is to start the process before you move, not after. Contact NYS Department of Labor immediately and tell them you're relocating. They'll walk you through the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan procedures. You'll still need to meet Florida's job search requirements but NY continues as your paying state until your benefit year ends.
0 coins
QuantumQuester
•This is exactly right. I had to help my sister through this when she moved to North Carolina. The most important thing is getting the paperwork started while you're still in NY.
0 coins
Yara Nassar
Ugh the whole interstate thing is such a mess. I've been trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my situation and either get busy signals or get transferred around endlessly. Have you had any luck actually talking to a real person there?
0 coins
Keisha Williams
•I was having the same problem until someone recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually get you connected to NYS Department of Labor agents without waiting hours on hold. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to resolve my adjudication issue.
0 coins
Paolo Ricci
Just make sure Florida actually participates in the interstate program. Most states do but there can be weird exceptions or temporary suspensions.
0 coins
Victoria Stark
•Good point! @Paolo Ricci do you know where I can verify that Florida participates? I want to double-check before we finalize our moving plans.
0 coins
Dylan Campbell
Florida definitely participates in the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan! I went through this exact process when I moved from NY to Tampa last year. The key is calling NYS Department of Labor's interstate unit directly at (518) 457-2635 - they handle all out-of-state transfers. You'll need to file a change of address with NY and register with Florida's CONNECT system for job search compliance. Start this process at least 2-3 weeks before your move to avoid any payment delays. Your $420 weekly benefit amount should continue unchanged since NY remains your paying state.
0 coins
Lena Kowalski
•This is super helpful! @Dylan Campbell Thank you for sharing that direct phone number - that s'exactly what I needed. I m'going to call them tomorrow morning to get the process started. Did you have to provide any specific documentation when you filed the change of address with NY? And how long did it take for Florida s'CONNECT system to approve your registration?
0 coins