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?
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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.
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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.
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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
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Ava Garcia
•Oh no! What went wrong? Was it just bureaucratic delays or did you miss some required steps?
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Zainab Ismail
•mostly just slow communication between the states. texas wanted different paperwork than what ny had and it took forever to resolve
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Paolo Ricci
Just make sure Florida actually participates in the interstate program. Most states do but there can be weird exceptions or temporary suspensions.
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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.
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