How to stay on unemployment benefits without losing eligibility - NYS Department of Labor requirements?
I've been collecting unemployment for about 2 months now and I'm worried about accidentally doing something that might disqualify me. I keep hearing different things about what you can and can't do while on benefits. Can someone explain the main rules for staying eligible? I'm doing my weekly claims but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything important that could get me in trouble with NYS Department of Labor.
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Dylan Cooper
The key things are: 1) File your weekly claim every week even if you worked some hours, 2) Report ALL work and earnings honestly, 3) Complete your required job search activities (3 activities per week), 4) Be available and able to work, 5) Accept suitable work offers. Don't skip filing even one week or you could lose benefits permanently.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Thanks! What counts as job search activities? I've been applying to jobs but not sure if I'm doing enough.
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Sofia Ramirez
also make sure you're not turning down job offers that are considered suitable. NYS Department of Labor has specific rules about what you can refuse and what you can't
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Dmitry Volkov
I had to learn this the hard way - you need to keep a job search log with dates, employer names, and method of contact. Job search activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking approved training. I use the NYS Department of Labor job search tracker to make sure I'm documenting everything properly. Also, if you start working part-time, you can still collect partial benefits as long as you report the hours and wages.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Where do I find the job search tracker? Is it on the my.ny.gov site?
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Dmitry Volkov
•Yes, it's in your unemployment account dashboard. You should also register with NYS Department of Labor's job portal if you haven't already.
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StarSeeker
Be careful about travel too! I almost got in trouble because I went out of state for a weekend and didn't realize I needed to report it. You have to be available for work in your local area.
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Ava Martinez
I've been trying to reach NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about my specific situation but can never get through on the phone. The hold times are insane and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone? I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to clarify your situation with an actual person.
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Miguel Ortiz
•interesting, never heard of that before. does it actually work?
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Ava Martinez
•I used it last week and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of hours. Was able to ask about my work search requirements and get a clear answer.
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Miguel Ortiz
omg yes the phone system is terrible!! I've been hung up on like 10 times trying to ask if I can take a certification course while collecting benefits
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Dylan Cooper
For education/training, you generally need prior approval from NYS Department of Labor to maintain eligibility. Don't just start a program without checking first. And remember, even if you're doing everything right, always respond immediately to any correspondence from NYS Department of Labor - ignoring letters or requests for information is the fastest way to get your benefits stopped.
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