How to maintain unemployment benefits - NYS Department of Labor requirements?
I just started receiving unemployment and want to make sure I don't mess anything up. What do I need to do to maintain my benefits with NYS Department of Labor? I keep hearing different things about job search requirements and weekly certifications. My cousin said she had to do 3 job searches per week but my neighbor thinks it's different now. I'm really confused about what exactly I need to do to keep getting my payments. Can someone explain the current requirements?
13 comments
Join the conversation
Keisha Jackson
You need to file your weekly claim every week even if you worked or had no income that week. For job search requirements, you must make at least 3 work search activities per week and keep detailed records. This includes applying for jobs, attending job interviews, or participating in reemployment services. Make sure you're available for work and able to work each week you claim benefits.
0 coins
StarGazer101
•Thanks! Do I need to submit proof of my job searches or just keep records for myself?
0 coins
Paolo Romano
Keep detailed records but you don't submit them unless NYS Department of Labor asks for them during an audit. I learned this the hard way when they requested my job search log after 8 weeks. Make sure you include company names, dates, contact method, and position titles for each search activity. Also never miss your weekly certification deadline - it's usually Sunday by midnight.
0 coins
Amina Diop
•What happens if you miss the Sunday deadline? I almost forgot last week.
0 coins
Paolo Romano
•You can still file late but you might face delays in payment processing. Try to set a phone reminder for yourself.
0 coins
Oliver Schmidt
ugh the job search thing is SO ANNOYING like why do we have to jump through all these hoops when there's barely any jobs posting anyway??? i've been applying to everything and still haven't heard back from anyone
0 coins
Keisha Jackson
•I understand the frustration, but the work search requirement helps ensure benefits go to people actively seeking employment. Consider expanding your search to include different industries or remote work options.
0 coins
Natasha Volkov
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify any of these requirements, I had success using claimyr.com recently. They have a service that helps you get through to an actual agent instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helpful when you need specific answers about your claim status or requirements.
0 coins
Javier Torres
•Is that service legit? I've been trying to call for weeks about my adjudication status.
0 coins
Natasha Volkov
•Yeah it worked for me when I needed to clarify some overpayment questions. Much better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.
0 coins
Emma Wilson
Also remember to report ANY income you earn during the week, even if it's just $20 from a side gig. NYS Department of Labor will find out eventually and if you don't report it upfront you could face penalties or have to pay back benefits.
0 coins
Amina Diop
Been doing this for 2 months now and haven't had any issues. Just stay consistent with your weekly claims and job searches and you'll be fine.
0 coins
Skylar Neal
One thing I'd add is to make sure you're actively looking for work in your field or related fields. NYS DOL expects you to accept "suitable work" which generally means jobs that match your skills and pay at least 80% of your previous wage (after the first few weeks). Also, if you get called for an interview, you MUST go - turning down interviews without good cause can disqualify you from benefits. Keep track of all your activities in a spreadsheet or notebook with dates, company names, and what type of contact you made. It really helps to stay organized from the start rather than trying to recreate everything later if they ask for your records.
0 coins