How to transfer unemployment benefits when moving - NYS Department of Labor process?
I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor but my spouse got a job offer in another state and we need to relocate next month. I still have about 8 weeks left on my claim and I'm worried about losing my benefits. Does anyone know the process for transferring unemployment to another state? Do I need to close my NYS claim first or can I somehow continue it? I've been getting $420 per week and really can't afford to lose this income while I look for work in the new state.
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Sophia Gabriel
You can't actually 'transfer' unemployment benefits between states - each state has its own system. However, you might be able to continue your NYS Department of Labor claim even if you move, as long as you meet the work search requirements and remain available for work. You'll need to report your address change and make sure you can still fulfill the job search requirements from your new location.
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Vince Eh
•Thanks! So I don't have to close my NYS claim? What about the work search requirement though - can I search for jobs in the new state or do they have to be in NY?
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Tobias Lancaster
I went through this exact situation last year when I moved from NY to Pennsylvania. You can continue your NYS Department of Labor claim but you MUST update your address in the system immediately. For work search, you can look for jobs in your new state as long as you're genuinely available to work. Just make sure to document everything properly in your weekly claims.
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Ezra Beard
•Did you have any issues with them questioning the move? I'm worried they'll think I'm not really available for work if I'm in another state.
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Tobias Lancaster
•No issues at all. Just be honest about your situation when you file your weekly claims. They understand that people relocate for family reasons.
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Statiia Aarssizan
wait so you can keep collecting from NY even if you live somewhere else?? that doesn't sound right to me. wouldn't you have to apply in the new state instead
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Sophia Gabriel
•No, you file unemployment in the state where you worked and earned wages, not where you currently live. That's why you continue with NYS Department of Labor even after moving.
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Reginald Blackwell
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to report your address change, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent when I couldn't get through the phone lines. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.
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Vince Eh
•That's interesting - I didn't know services like that existed. How exactly does it work?
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Reginald Blackwell
•Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you directly to a NYS Department of Labor agent when one becomes available. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Aria Khan
Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims on time even during the move! I know someone who missed a week because they were busy packing and it caused all sorts of problems with their claim.
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Aaliyah Jackson
One thing to keep in mind is that some states have reciprocal agreements that make the transition smoother. When you get to your new state, you might want to register with their workforce development office too - not to file a new claim, but to access local job search resources and networking events. This can help you stay competitive in the job market while you're collecting from NYS. Also, make sure you understand the tax implications since you'll be living in a different state than where your benefits are coming from.
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Mateo Gonzalez
•That's really helpful advice about registering with the new state's workforce office! I hadn't thought about the tax implications either - do you know if I'll need to file taxes in both states then? Also wondering if the job networking events you mentioned would count toward my work search requirements for NYS?
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