NY unemployment wants me to accept job paying way below my previous salary - can I refuse?

they CANT make u take any job but after 13 weeks u have to start looking at jobs that pay less than what u were making before. i think the rule is like 80% of previous salary for first 13 weeks then after that u gotta consider jobs paying less

According to NY unemployment rules, during the first 13 weeks of your claim, you can limit your job search to positions that pay at least 80% of your previous wages. After 13 weeks, you're expected to consider positions that pay at least 70% of your previous wages. Since you're only at 6 weeks and the offered position pays only 50% of your previous salary, you should be able to decline without it affecting your benefits. However, make sure to document everything - the offer, your reason for declining (salary significantly below threshold), and continue your regular job search activities.

They can't force you to take a job that pays substantially less than your previous employment during the first 13 weeks. Document everything! When the DOL counselor contacts you about this job, politely explain that you're declining due to the substantial pay difference (cite the 80% rule). Also make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your job search activities - at least 3 job contacts per week. The DOL might scrutinize your claim more closely after you decline their suggestion.

I got SCREWED with this exact situation in 2025!!! They found me a job making $15/hr when I use to make $30/hr and I thought I could say no but they cut my benefits anyway!!!! Appealed and everything but still DENIED. Something about I didn't "properly document" my reason for refusal. The whole system is RIGGED against us!!!

When they sent me to a job interview that paid way less, I just went to the interview but did terrible on purpose lol. That way you're still "looking for work" but the employer won't want to hire you. Then your unemployment stays safe. Just my 2 cents.

Another important point: make sure you understand the difference between a formal job REFERRAL and just a job SUGGESTION. If your counselor is formally referring you to a position (usually involves paperwork), then different rules apply compared to if they're just suggesting you look into something. If it's a formal referral, you need to respond according to DOL guidelines. If it's just a suggestion, thank them for the information but explain it's not suitable given the substantial pay difference from your previous employment.

not totally related but make sure ur actually meeting all requirements for job searching every week!! they're getting super strict in 2025. my cousin got audited and had to pay back 3 weeks of benefits cuz he couldn't prove he applied to enough jobs

One additional recommendation: since you mentioned having specialized certification and 10+ years of experience, you might want to update your work search plan with DOL. You can request to have your work search plan modified to specifically target positions that utilize your specialized skills and experience, which would generally be at a higher pay scale. You can submit this request through your online account or discuss it with your counselor. Having this formal documentation will strengthen your position if you need to decline jobs that substantially underutilize your qualifications.

just go to the interview and tell them ur salary requirements up front, most companies will just move on if ur out of their budget and DOL will see u went to the interview so win-win

I went through something similar last year! The key is understanding that during your first 13 weeks, you can absolutely decline jobs that pay significantly less than your previous salary. Since you're only at 6 weeks and this job pays 50% of your previous wage, you're well within your rights to refuse. Here's what I recommend: 1) Send a written response (email is fine) to your counselor explaining you're declining due to the substantial pay difference being below the 80% threshold, 2) Keep detailed records of this communication, 3) Continue your regular job search activities and document everything. Don't let them pressure you into thinking you have to take any job they suggest. You have protections in place for exactly this situation. Stay strong and keep looking for something that matches your experience and qualifications!