NYS Department of Labor seasonal unemployment benefits - how does seasonal unemployment work for ski resort workers?

Seasonal workers can definitely qualify for unemployment benefits in NYS. The 'reasonable assurance' thing your employer mentioned is important though - if they gave you written reasonable assurance that you'll be rehired for the next season, it could affect your eligibility. You still need to file weekly claims and meet the job search requirements unless you're specifically exempt. The key is whether your employer provided that written assurance and if the work is substantially the same.

Been doing seasonal work for years and here's what I learned: you can collect UI benefits between seasons as long as there's no written reasonable assurance from your employer. You DO have to do job searches though - NYS Department of Labor doesn't care that ski season is over, you still need to prove you're available for other work. I usually apply to summer camps, outdoor recreation places, anything that shows I'm actively looking. Keep good records of your job search activities because they audit these.

Wait I'm confused about something... if I worked at a summer camp last year and got laid off in September, can I still file now? Or does seasonal unemployment only work for winter jobs? My camp director said they'd 'probably' hire me back but nothing in writing. I tried calling NYS Department of Labor but the hold times are insane and I keep getting disconnected.

seasonal unemployment is such a pain the system isnt really set up for it properly. ive been doing construction seasonally and the hoops they make you jump through are ridiculous when everyone knows youll be back to work when weather gets better

Yeah I went through this exact same thing when I worked at a beach resort. The reasonable assurance rule is key - if your employer gives you anything in writing saying you'll be back next season, you might not qualify. But verbal promises don't count. Just make sure you're documenting your job searches properly because NYS Department of Labor does check on that stuff.

I'm in a similar situation working at a resort in the Catskills. One thing I learned is that you can actually call the NYS Department of Labor's Seasonal Worker hotline (518-457-2827) - it's separate from the main UI line and has shorter wait times. They specifically handle questions about seasonal employment and reasonable assurance. Also, for the job search requirement, I've found that applying to year-round positions at ski resorts (like maintenance or administrative roles) counts toward your search activities and shows you're genuinely looking for work during the off-season.

As someone who's worked seasonal jobs for several years, I can share what I've learned about the NYS system. The written reasonable assurance is absolutely crucial - if your employer hasn't given you anything in writing about being rehired, you should be eligible for benefits. Regarding job searches, I know it feels pointless during summer for ski work, but I've found success applying to outdoor recreation companies, summer camps, and even retail positions that show I'm genuinely available for work. The key is documenting everything properly - keep screenshots of your applications and make notes about each job you apply for. Also, don't forget that you need to certify weekly that you're able and available to work, which means you can't just disappear for a month-long vacation. The system may seem frustrating, but it does work if you follow the rules correctly.