NYS Department of Labor unemployment compensation rules - which statements are actually true?
I've been getting conflicting information about unemployment compensation from different sources and I'm really confused. I'm trying to figure out which rules are actually correct for NYS Department of Labor claims. My cousin told me one thing, my former coworker said something completely different, and what I'm reading online doesn't match either of them. Can someone help clarify which statements about unemployment compensation are actually true? I don't want to mess up my claim by following wrong information.
11 comments


Oscar O'Neil
The most important thing to understand is that unemployment compensation rules vary significantly by state, so make sure you're looking at NYS Department of Labor specific information. What specific statements are you trying to verify? The basic requirements in New York are that you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively seeking employment. You also need to have earned sufficient wages during your base period.
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LongPeri
•Thanks! The main things I'm confused about are job search requirements and whether part-time work affects benefits. My cousin said I need to apply to 3 jobs per week but my coworker said it's different now.
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Sara Hellquiem
For current NYS Department of Labor job search requirements, you need to make at least 3 work search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking activities, or meeting with career counselors. Part-time work doesn't automatically disqualify you, but your weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on how much you earn.
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Charlee Coleman
•Wait, I thought the job search requirement was suspended during COVID? Is that back in effect now?
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Sara Hellquiem
•The work search requirement was temporarily waived but has been reinstated. You need to document your job search activities starting from when you file your claim.
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Liv Park
I had the same confusion when I filed last year! The NYS Department of Labor website has the most accurate information, but honestly it can be hard to navigate. One thing that helped me was when someone suggested using claimyr.com to actually get through to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. I was able to get my questions answered directly instead of guessing.
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Leeann Blackstein
•How does that service work exactly? I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for weeks but can never get through.
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Liv Park
•Basically they help you navigate the phone system to reach an actual agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.
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Ryder Greene
ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I've been on unemployment for 2 months and still don't understand half the rules. Why can't they just make it simple???
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Carmella Fromis
The truth is that unemployment compensation has specific eligibility requirements that must be met continuously. You can't just qualify once and then ignore the ongoing requirements. This includes filing your weekly claims on time, reporting any income accurately, and maintaining your work search activities. Missing any of these can result in benefit suspension or overpayment issues.
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LongPeri
•That makes sense. I've been filing my weekly claims but wasn't sure about the work search documentation. Better to be safe and keep detailed records.
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