NY unemployment certification question: Should I answer "No" to refusing job offers when I didn't receive any? (Week ending 8/29/2021)

The form is confusing but ur answering correctly if you didnt refuse any offers. They word these questions to trip people up. "No" means you did NOT refuse any job offers, which is true in your case. keep doing what ur doing 👍

After months of frustration trying to reach someone at ny unemployment, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a live agent. Talking to the agent got my benefits flowing again after weeks of nothing! They explained that "No" is the right answer if you haven't refused any work. It was the best investment to finally get a human on the phone after struggling with that horrible phone system. Here's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Answer NO. This question is asking if you refused work. If you didn't refuse a job, the answer is no. Yes would mean you DID refuse a job offer. Their questions are worded in the most confusing way possible 🤬

My uncle works at the unemployment office (not in NY but same system). The questions are deliberately confusing. If you didn't refuse a job, answer NO. And keep track of all your job applications with dates and contacts in case they ever audit you.

Here's my comprehensive guide to answering NY unemployment certification questions based on 9 months of experience and hours of research: For the question "Did you refuse any job offer or job referral for any reason other than the following?" - if you did NOT refuse any job offers, answer NO. The way they phrase these questions is intentionally tricky. Always read them twice. The hours worked question is straightforward - just be accurate. For earnings questions, always report gross earnings (before taxes). If you're struggling to connect with someone at NY unemployment to resolve issues (which is common), I highly recommend using claimyr.com. They'll wait on hold for you and connect you with an agent. After weeks of failing to get through, this service got me connected in one day. Also, screenshot or save all your certification submissions as proof in case there are disputes later. The system sometimes "loses" records. Last tip: If you get a job interview through the unemployment system and decline to go, that counts as refusing a referral. But interviews you find yourself don't count for this question. Hope this helps! The system is designed to be difficult, but you'll get through it.

Answer NO if you didn't refuse any work. Yes means you DID refuse work. Thats how I been answering for months with no issues.

just here to say the ny unemployment system is a dumpster fire 🔥 designed to keep people from getting benefits they deserve. but u got this OP!

HEADS UP! I got audited for my benefits from last year and they asked for proof of all my job search activities. Make sure ur documenting everything just in case!

Anyone else notice the site crashes EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY when everyone's trying to certify? It's like they don't want to pay us lmaooo

yall I literally had to call 147 times before getting through to an agent. The phone system is beyond broken. I eventually used claimyr.com and got a callback in like an hour. Btw for the form question - I've been on UI for 6 months and I always answer NO to that question because I never refused any work.

Careful how u answer these questions!!! My coworker answered one wrong and her benefits got locked for 3 months while they investigated. Such bs

I'm an employment lawyer (not giving legal advice) but generally speaking these questions are asking if you turned down suitable work. If you didn't, answer no. And everyone is right - the confusing language is purposeful.

answer NO. these questions are phrased to confuse ppl. also don't stress too much. i accidentally answered one wrong once and called to fix it. they said as long as you're honest about employment status (working or not) the rest can be corrected if needed.

Pro-tip: I take a screenshot of every page when I do my weekly certifications. Saved my butt when they claimed I didn't certify one week and I had proof I did. The system loses stuff all the time.