How often does NYS Department of Labor check your work search record?

They typically don't check every week but they do random audits. I got selected for a work search review after about 3 months on unemployment. They wanted to see my entire job search log going back to when I started claiming. Make sure you're keeping detailed records because when they ask, you only have like 10 days to submit everything.

wait they actually check?? ive been kinda lazy with mine tbh

From what I understand, NYS Department of Labor uses a risk-based system for selecting people for work search audits. They might flag accounts that seem suspicious or just do random selections. I think the key is being consistent - if you're legitimately looking for work and documenting it properly, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Just make sure you're meeting the 3 activities per week requirement and keeping good records.

Been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and never got audited either time. But my friend got selected during her second month and had to submit like 20 pages of documentation. It seems pretty random to me. I still keep good records just in case because the penalty for not having them is losing your benefits.

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about their work search requirements, I had good luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to an actual agent without waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it when I had questions about my job search log and got connected within a few hours instead of spending days trying to call.

The whole system is ridiculous if you ask me. They make you jump through all these hoops while you're already stressed about finding work. I get that they want to prevent fraud but the work search requirement feels like busy work sometimes. Still, better to comply than risk losing benefits I guess.

I've been on unemployment for about 4 months now and got selected for a work search audit around month 3. They sent me a letter in the mail with instructions to log into the online system and upload my documentation within 10 days. I had to provide my complete job search log showing at least 3 activities per week - job applications, networking contacts, resume updates, etc. The whole process was actually pretty straightforward once I submitted everything. My advice is to keep detailed records from day one because you never know when they'll ask. Document the date, company name, position, and type of activity for each search. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling to recreate months of records if you get selected.

I'm new to unemployment benefits and this thread is super helpful! I just started my claims two weeks ago and have been keeping a basic log, but reading everyone's experiences makes me realize I should be more detailed. Can someone clarify - when you say "3 activities per week," does that mean 3 separate job applications, or can it be a mix like 1 application + 1 networking call + 1 resume update? Also, is there a specific format they prefer for the log or is a simple spreadsheet okay? Want to make sure I'm set up properly from the start rather than scrambling later if I get audited.

I've been through this process twice and can share some insights. NYS DOL typically doesn't check work search records proactively every week - they use a combination of random audits and risk-based flagging. In my experience, they tend to audit more frequently during the 8-16 week range when most people are still actively claiming. The audit notice comes by mail and through your online account, giving you 10 business days to submit documentation. My recommendation is to use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, employer/contact, position, activity type, and any notes. Include a mix of activities like job applications, networking, informational interviews, job fairs, and professional development. The 3-activity minimum is just that - a minimum. Showing consistent, genuine job search effort is what matters most. Even if you never get audited, keeping good records helps you stay organized in your job search anyway.