How to show NYS Department of Labor you are looking for a job - weekly claim requirements?
I'm getting confused about the job search requirements for my weekly claims. I've been filing for about 6 weeks now and I keep seeing different information about what counts as a job search activity. Do I need to apply to 3 jobs per week or is it different? And how exactly do I show NYS Department of Labor that I'm actually looking? I've been applying online mostly but I'm worried I'm not documenting it right. My friend said something about keeping a log but the website isn't super clear about the format. Anyone know the exact requirements?
16 comments
Join the conversation
Emma Davis
Yes, you need to conduct at least 3 job search activities per week to maintain eligibility. This includes applying for jobs, attending job interviews, networking events, or career counseling sessions. You must keep a detailed log with the employer name, position applied for, date, and method of contact. NYS Department of Labor can request this documentation at any time during an audit or review of your claim.
0 coins
Javier Torres
•Thank you! Do online applications through Indeed or company websites count as valid job search activities?
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
i think its 3 but honestly the rules keep changing, i just apply to whatever i can find and hope for the best. been doing this for 2 months now
0 coins
Malik Johnson
The 3 job search activities per week is correct. Online applications definitely count - just make sure you're keeping track of everything. I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position, how I applied (online/in person), and any follow-up. NYS Department of Labor accepts this format. Also, networking events, job fairs, and even informational interviews count toward your weekly requirement.
0 coins
Isabella Ferreira
•Wait, do I need to report these job searches when I file my weekly claim or just keep the records?
0 coins
Malik Johnson
•You just need to keep the records. The weekly claim will ask if you looked for work and you answer yes, but you don't have to list each specific activity unless they audit you.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
I was struggling with getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify my job search requirements after getting a confusing letter about my claim. Regular phone lines were always busy or would disconnect. I ended up using Claimyr.com - they have this system that gets you connected to actual NYS Department of Labor agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Got my questions answered in one call instead of trying for weeks.
0 coins
Javier Torres
•That sounds helpful - I've been trying to call for days with no luck. Did they help clarify the documentation requirements?
0 coins
Freya Thomsen
UGH the job search thing is such a pain! I've been unemployed for 4 months and applying to EVERYTHING and they still want all this paperwork. Like I'm obviously looking for work why do I need to prove every little detail to them??? The whole system is designed to make you give up I swear.
0 coins
Omar Zaki
•I get the frustration but the documentation really does protect you if there's ever a question about your eligibility. Better to have too much proof than not enough.
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
btw make sure you're applying to jobs that match your skills/experience level. i heard they can deny benefits if you're only applying to jobs way above or below your qualifications
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
I've been documenting my job searches in a simple Word document and it's worked fine during my claim reviews. Just include: date, company name, position title, how you applied (website, email, in-person), and contact info if available. Don't overthink it - NYS Department of Labor just wants to see you're making genuine efforts. Also, attending virtual job fairs and career webinars count toward your 3 weekly activities, which helped me when physical applications were slim. The key is consistency in your record-keeping format.
0 coins
Zoe Gonzalez
•This is really helpful! I've been overthinking the documentation format. Quick question - for virtual job fairs, do I need to document specific employers I spoke with at the event, or is just attending the fair itself enough to count as one of the 3 weekly activities?
0 coins
Fiona Sand
•@Zoe Gonzalez Just attending the virtual job fair counts as one activity, but I d'recommend documenting a few key employers you interacted with if possible - it shows more engagement. Even if you just visited their booths or downloaded materials, note that down. It strengthens your record without being too burdensome.
0 coins
Payton Black
Just want to add that if you're using LinkedIn for job searching, make sure to document those applications too! I've been applying through LinkedIn Easy Apply and it definitely counts toward the 3 weekly requirements. I include the LinkedIn job posting URL in my log along with the standard info (company, position, date). Also, don't forget that updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can count as a job search activity - I learned this from a NYS Department of Labor rep. It's helpful when you're having a slow week with actual applications but still need to meet the requirement.
0 coins
Natasha Volkova
•That's really good to know about LinkedIn Easy Apply counting! I've been using that a lot but wasn't sure if it was "official" enough. Do you know if connecting with recruiters or hiring managers on LinkedIn also counts as a job search activity? I've been doing that but didn't think to document it.
0 coins