NYS Department of Labor job search requirements in high unemployment areas - different rules?
I'm filing my weekly claims and noticed my area has really high unemployment right now. My neighbor mentioned that job search requirements might be different in areas where unemployment is higher - is this actually true? I'm currently required to do 3 job contacts per week but wondering if NYS Department of Labor adjusts this based on local job availability. Has anyone dealt with this before? I don't want to mess up my weekly certification but also don't want to waste time if there are actually fewer requirements in my region.
10 comments
Join the conversation
Anastasia Fedorov
The standard job search requirement in New York is 3 work search activities per week regardless of your local unemployment rate. NYS Department of Labor doesn't adjust these requirements based on regional unemployment levels. You still need to log your job search activities and be able to provide documentation if requested during an audit.
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•Thanks for clarifying! I was hoping there might be some flexibility but I'll keep doing my 3 contacts per week.
0 coins
Sean Doyle
wait i thought it was only 2 job searches? ive been doing 2 this whole time and havent had any issues with my weekly claims
0 coins
Anastasia Fedorov
•It's definitely 3 work search activities per week in New York. You might want to check your claim status to make sure there aren't any issues flagged. NYS Department of Labor can audit these requirements at any time.
0 coins
Zara Rashid
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify job search requirements when I was confused about this same thing. Ended up using claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. The agent confirmed it's 3 activities per week no matter what your local job market looks like.
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•That's really helpful, I've been trying to call for weeks about other questions too. Will definitely check that out.
0 coins
Luca Romano
The whole system is ridiculous anyway. They expect you to apply for jobs that don't exist just to check a box. My area has barely any openings in my field but I still have to waste time applying to random stuff I'll never get hired for.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•I feel you on this! It's so frustrating to apply for jobs you know you won't get just to meet the requirement.
0 coins
NebulaNova
Just to add - the 3 work search activities can include more than just job applications. You can count things like attending job fairs, networking events, skills training, or even creating/updating professional profiles. NYS Department of Labor accepts various types of work search activities as long as they're genuine efforts to find employment.
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•Oh that's good to know! I've been only counting actual applications but I did update my LinkedIn last week.
0 coins