NYS Department of Labor told me unemployment at all time low means fewer benefits - is this true?
Had my phone interview with NYS Department of Labor yesterday and the adjudicator mentioned that since unemployment is at an all time low right now, they're being stricter about job search requirements and benefit duration. She said something about how when unemployment rates are this low, they expect people to find work faster. Is this actually how it works? I thought my benefit amount was based on my wages, not the overall unemployment rate. I'm confused because I've been actively searching but haven't found anything in my field yet. Does anyone know if NYS Department of Labor actually changes their policies based on unemployment rates?
9 comments
Join the conversation
Ravi Kapoor
The adjudicator was partially correct but mixing up some concepts. Your weekly benefit amount is definitely based on your past wages, not current unemployment rates. However, NYS Department of Labor does adjust certain policies during different economic periods. When unemployment is low, they may increase job search monitoring and be stricter about 'suitable work' requirements. You're still entitled to your full 26 weeks of benefits regardless of the unemployment rate.
0 coins
Isabella Oliveira
•Thank you! That makes more sense. So my benefit amount stays the same but they might be pickier about my job search activities?
0 coins
Freya Larsen
ugh this is so frustrating!!! i've been dealing with nys department of labor for weeks and they keep changing what they tell me. first they said i needed 3 job contacts per week, now they're saying 5 because 'the job market is good.' like, if the job market is so good why am I still unemployed??
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•I had similar issues with getting different information from different NYS Department of Labor reps. If you're having trouble reaching someone who can give you consistent answers, 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 that shows how it works. Really helped me get my adjudication issues sorted out.
0 coins
Omar Zaki
Been collecting unemployment for 2 months now and honestly the job search requirements are intense regardless of unemployment rates. They want detailed logs of every application, every contact, every interview. It's like a full time job just documenting your job search for NYS Department of Labor.
0 coins
Chloe Taylor
•Wait, are you supposed to keep detailed logs? I've just been writing down company names and dates. Am I doing this wrong?
0 coins
Ravi Kapoor
•You should be logging: company name, contact person if available, method of contact (online application, in-person, phone), date, and position applied for. NYS Department of Labor can request this documentation at any time during your claim period.
0 coins
Diego Flores
Same boat here, they definitely seem stricter lately. My case worker keeps emphasizing that I need to expand my search radius and consider jobs that pay less than my previous position. Apparently when unemployment is low they expect you to be less picky about suitable work.
0 coins
Anastasia Ivanova
•That sucks but honestly makes sense from their perspective I guess
0 coins