NYS Department of Labor claim rejected - does my college degree affect unemployment benefits?
I got laid off from my marketing job last month and filed for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor. Today I got a notice saying my claim might be affected because of my education level? I have a bachelor's degree in communications. The letter mentions something about 'suitable work' requirements being different based on education. I'm confused - I thought unemployment was based on losing your job through no fault of your own, not your degree. Has anyone else dealt with this? What is the relationship between education and unemployment benefits in NY?
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Gael Robinson
Yes, NYS Department of Labor does consider your education level when determining what constitutes 'suitable work' for your job search requirements. With a bachelor's degree, they may expect you to accept professional-level positions rather than entry-level jobs. This affects your weekly job search log requirements and what types of work you can refuse without losing benefits.
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Summer Green
•So they expect me to only apply for jobs that require a degree? What if those jobs aren't available in my area?
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Edward McBride
I went through this exact situation. NYS Department of Labor has different expectations for college graduates. You need to show you're actively seeking work appropriate to your education level for the first 10 weeks. After that, the suitable work definition expands. Keep detailed records of all your applications - they may audit your job search log.
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Darcy Moore
•Wait, only 10 weeks? I thought it was longer than that. My adjudication has been pending for 3 weeks and nobody explained this to me.
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Dana Doyle
The whole system is ridiculous! They penalize you for being educated but then complain about people not having skills. I have a master's degree and they rejected THREE of my weekly claims because the jobs I applied for were 'below my education level' even though I needed income immediately.
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Liam Duke
•omg same thing happening to me right now!! this is so frustrating, like sorry for trying to pay my bills???
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Manny Lark
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify these education requirements, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me understand the suitable work rules for my situation.
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Summer Green
•Thanks, I'll check that out. I've been calling for days with no luck getting through to anyone who can explain this properly.
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Rita Jacobs
just went thru this last year... basically if u have a degree they think ur too good for regular jobs at first but then after a while they let u take anything. keep applying to professional stuff and document everything or they'll cut ur benefits
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