Construction worker - NYS Department of Labor seasonal unemployment claims question
I'm a framing carpenter and every winter I get laid off when construction slows down. This has been happening for the past 5 years - usually from December through March. I know I can file for unemployment during these months, but I'm confused about something. My buddy says this is called 'seasonal unemployment' and that it might affect my benefit amount or how long I can collect. Is this true? Do I need to do anything different when filing my weekly claims? Also, does NYS Department of Labor track that this happens every year to the same people? I'm worried they might think I'm gaming the system even though this is just how construction work goes in New York.
13 comments
Join the conversation
NebulaNova
You're experiencing seasonal unemployment, which is totally normal for construction workers. NYS Department of Labor recognizes this pattern and it won't hurt your claim. When you file, just be honest about your work history and the seasonal nature of your job. You don't need to do anything special for your weekly claims - just follow the normal process of certifying that you're able, available, and actively seeking work.
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
•Thanks! Do I still need to do the job search requirements even though I know I'll be going back to the same company in spring?
0 coins
Keisha Williams
same thing here, been doing this dance for 8 years lol. never had any issues with nys department of labor as long as you keep up with your weekly claims and job search stuff
0 coins
Paolo Conti
Yes, you still need to meet job search requirements during your seasonal layoff. NYS Department of Labor requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. Even if you plan to return to your regular employer, you need to show you're actively seeking other work. This is because circumstances can change - your employer might not call you back, or you might find better opportunities.
0 coins
Amina Diallo
•Wait, what if his employer gives him a specific return date? I thought that changes the requirements somehow?
0 coins
Paolo Conti
•Having a return date doesn't automatically exempt you from job search requirements. You'd need to check if you qualify for standby status, which has specific criteria.
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my seasonal layoff situation. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through, I'd get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you reach an actual agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Made it so much easier to get my questions answered about seasonal unemployment.
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money during the layoff.
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
•It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, getting through to someone who could explain my specific situation was really valuable. Beats sitting on hold for hours.
0 coins
Natasha Kuznetsova
The whole system is set up wrong for seasonal workers. They act like we're all just choosing to be unemployed when really this is how entire industries work! Been fighting with NYS Department of Labor for years about this stuff.
0 coins
AstroAdventurer
+1 on this being normal. My husband does roofing and goes through the same cycle every year.
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
I've been in construction for over a decade and can confirm this is completely normal. NYS Department of Labor definitely understands seasonal patterns in construction - they see thousands of claims like this every winter. The key things to remember: file your claim as soon as you're laid off, keep detailed records of your job search activities (even if you plan to return to the same employer), and don't worry about them thinking you're gaming the system. Construction seasonality is well-documented and expected. Just be consistent with your weekly certifications and you'll be fine.
0 coins
Sofia Peña
•This is really reassuring to hear from someone with so much experience! I've been stressed about this for weeks thinking they might flag my account or something. One quick question - when you say keep detailed records of job search activities, do you mean just the basic log they require or should I be saving emails/screenshots too?
0 coins