Do I have to look for a job while on unemployment - NYS Department of Labor requirements unclear
I just started getting unemployment benefits last month and I'm confused about the job search requirements. My cousin said she didn't have to look for work during COVID but I heard things changed. Do I actually have to be searching for jobs while collecting UI? The NYS Department of Labor website mentions something about work search activities but it's not super clear what counts. I don't want to mess up my benefits by not following the rules correctly.
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Keisha Johnson
Yes, you absolutely have to conduct work search activities while receiving unemployment benefits in New York. The requirement is 3 work search activities per week that you need to document. This includes things like applying for jobs, attending job interviews, networking events, or using career services. You need to keep a log of all your activities because NYS Department of Labor can audit your claim at any time.
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Yara Sabbagh
•Wait, 3 activities per week? That seems like a lot. What if I can't find 3 jobs to apply for in my field? Do other things count besides just applications?
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Paolo Rizzo
The work search requirement came back after the pandemic ended. You have to do at least 3 qualifying work search activities each week you claim benefits. This can include job applications, attending job fairs, networking, creating/updating professional profiles, or participating in reemployment services. Keep detailed records - employer name, contact info, date, method of contact, and position applied for.
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QuantumQuest
•I've been doing online applications mostly. Does updating my LinkedIn profile count as one of the activities? And what about reaching out to recruiters on there?
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Amina Sy
ugh the job search thing is so annoying especially when theres barely any jobs in my area that match my experience. ive been applying to stuff im overqualified for just to meet the requirement
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Keisha Johnson
•I understand it's frustrating, but the NYS Department of Labor does allow for reasonable job search efforts. You don't have to accept unsuitable work, but you do need to show you're actively looking. If you're in a specialized field, document your efforts even if opportunities are limited.
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Oliver Fischer
Had issues with this myself when I was trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify the requirements. Couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent who explained everything clearly. They have a video demo that shows how it works - https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Made a huge difference in understanding what I needed to do.
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Natasha Petrova
•Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you anything? I've been trying to call for days about my own questions.
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Oliver Fischer
•Yeah there's a fee but honestly worth it when you can't reach anyone otherwise. Way less stress than redialing for hours.
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Javier Morales
Same boat here! Started collecting in January and wasn't sure about the job search thing either. Glad someone asked this question because I was worried I was missing something important.
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Daryl Bright
Just to add some clarity on what counts as valid work search activities - I went through this last year. Besides job applications, you can also count things like attending virtual career workshops, registering with temp agencies, creating profiles on job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, and even informational interviews. The key is to keep good records with dates and details. I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything. Also, if you're having trouble finding 3 activities per week in your specific field, you can broaden your search to related fields or consider remote opportunities. The DOL understands that some industries have limited openings, but they want to see genuine effort.
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Elijah Knight
•This is really helpful! I didn't realize virtual career workshops and informational interviews counted. I've been stressing about finding enough job applications each week. The spreadsheet idea is great too - I was just keeping loose notes. Do you know if there's a specific format the DOL prefers for record keeping, or is any detailed log okay as long as it has dates and employer info?
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