How to file for unemployment as travel nurse - NYS Department of Labor application questions
I just finished a 13-week travel nursing assignment in Buffalo and my contract wasn't renewed. I've been doing travel nursing for about 2 years now with different agencies but this is my first time needing to file for unemployment in NY. I'm confused about how to handle the application since I technically work for the staffing agency (based in Texas) but was placed at a hospital here. Do I file with NYS Department of Labor or the agency's home state? Also not sure how to report my wages since they vary so much between assignments - some weeks I made $2800, others $1200 depending on overtime. Has anyone dealt with this situation before? I have my pay stubs but the wage reporting section on the my.ny.gov site is confusing me.
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Carmen Ortiz
You file in the state where you physically worked, so that would be New York with NYS Department of Labor. The staffing agency's location doesn't matter for unemployment purposes. For wages, you'll need to report all gross earnings from the past 18 months, including any assignments in other states. The system will calculate your benefit amount based on the highest quarter. Make sure you have W-2s or pay stubs from all your assignments.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Thank you! That makes sense. I have pay stubs from assignments in Florida and Arizona too from last year. Do I need to include those wages when I file with NYS Department of Labor?
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Andre Rousseau
yes you include all wages from everywhere! i did travel therapy and had to dig up paystubs from like 4 different states. the nys department of labor computer will figure out which quarters count for your benefit calculation
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Zoe Papadakis
Travel healthcare workers often run into issues with the job search requirements though. Since you're looking for specialized positions that might not be local, make sure you document your search efforts properly. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week and they need to be 'suitable work' which for nurses usually means positions that match your license level and experience.
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Jamal Carter
•This is a good point. I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify what counts as suitable work for my specific situation. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Anyone know a better way to get through to an actual person there?
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AstroAdventurer
•I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Used it last month when I needed to clarify my adjudication status and got through in about 20 minutes instead of hours.
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Mei Liu
One more thing - make sure you're actually eligible before filing. Some travel nurses work as independent contractors rather than employees. If you got 1099s instead of W-2s, you might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Check your tax documents first!
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Liam O'Sullivan
ugh the nys department of labor system is so confusing for anyone who doesn't have a traditional 9-5 job. took me forever to figure out how to enter my bartending shifts from different venues. good luck with the application!
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