How many job searches are required for unemployment weekly claims in NY?
I'm filing my weekly claims and I'm confused about the job search requirements. The NYS Department of Labor website mentions job search activities but I can't find the exact number anywhere. Some people told me it's 3 per week, others said it's different now. I've been doing 2 searches per week and I'm worried I'm not meeting the requirements. Can someone clarify what the current rule is? I don't want my benefits to get cut off because I'm doing it wrong.
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Mateusius Townsend
You need to complete 3 job search activities per week to maintain your unemployment benefits. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or using career services. Make sure you keep detailed records of your activities including dates, company names, and contact information. The NYS Department of Labor can audit your job search log at any time.
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Demi Hall
•Thank you! Do online applications count as valid job search activities? And do I need to save proof of each application?
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Kara Yoshida
Yes, online applications definitely count. I keep screenshots of my applications and save confirmation emails when I get them. Also networking activities count too - like reaching out to contacts on LinkedIn or attending virtual job fairs. The key is documenting everything properly in case they ask for your job search log.
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Philip Cowan
•This is so stressful trying to keep track of everything. I've been looking for work but didn't realize I needed to document it all so carefully.
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Caesar Grant
I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my job search requirements. Kept getting busy signals for days. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. The agent clarified that even informational interviews count toward your 3 weekly activities as long as you document them properly.
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Lena Schultz
•Never heard of that service before but might be worth trying if I can't get through on my own. The phone system is ridiculous.
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Gemma Andrews
wait so if i only did 2 job searches last week am i gonna lose my benefits?? i thought it was just 2 required
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Mateusius Townsend
•Don't panic yet. If it's just one week and you have a good overall record, it probably won't be an issue. But make sure you do 3 activities going forward. They typically look at patterns rather than isolated incidents.
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Pedro Sawyer
The whole system is a mess honestly. They make it so complicated when people are already stressed about finding work. I've been doing my 3 searches religiously but half the jobs posted online aren't even real openings.
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Ezra Collins
I feel your frustration about the confusing requirements! Just to add some clarity - the 3 job search activities per week is correct, and they can include a variety of things beyond just online applications. I've found that attending virtual career workshops through the NY Career Center also counts, and they're actually pretty helpful. You can access them through the DOL website. Also, if you're in a specific field, reaching out to recruiters or staffing agencies counts too. The important thing is keeping that detailed log with dates, company names, and what type of activity you did. I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything - makes it much easier when it's time to file your weekly claim.
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Jamal Anderson
•Thanks for the spreadsheet tip! That's a really smart way to stay organized. I've been keeping handwritten notes but a spreadsheet would be so much better for tracking everything. Do you include any specific details in your spreadsheet beyond dates and company names? Like maybe the job title or how you found the opening? I want to make sure I'm documenting enough detail in case they ever ask for my records.
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