NYS Department of Labor unemployment - do you have to look for a job requirement question
I just started collecting unemployment benefits last month and I'm confused about the job search requirements. My cousin told me you don't actually have to look for work if you're on standby status, but when I certified my weekly claim it asked about job contacts. Do you really have to look for a job while on unemployment in NY? I'm worried I'm going to mess something up and lose my benefits.
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Camila Jordan
Yes, you absolutely have to actively search for work while receiving regular unemployment benefits in New York. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep detailed records. The only exception is if you're on standby status waiting to be recalled by your employer, but that's a specific situation. Regular UI requires active job search.
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Alexis Renard
•How do I know if I'm on standby status? My employer said they might call me back but it's been 6 weeks already.
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Tyler Lefleur
The job search requirement is 3 work contacts per week minimum. You need to keep a log with employer names, dates, contact method, and position applied for. NYS Department of Labor can audit this anytime and if you can't prove you're looking, they'll disqualify you and make you pay everything back.
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Madeline Blaze
•This is so stressful! I've been applying to everything but some weeks I only find 2 jobs that match my skills.
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Max Knight
ugh the job search thing is such a pain... i just apply to random stuff online to meet the quota honestly
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Camila Jordan
•That's not a good strategy. NYS Department of Labor expects genuine job search efforts. If they audit you and see you're just applying randomly, you could face serious consequences.
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Emma Swift
I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify my work search requirements. I ended up using claimyr.com to actually reach an agent who explained everything clearly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Finally got the answers I needed about my specific situation.
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Alexis Renard
•Thanks, I might try that. I've been calling for days and just get busy signals or disconnected.
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Isabella Tucker
The whole system is ridiculous. They make you jump through hoops while companies aren't even hiring! I've applied to 200+ jobs and gotten maybe 5 interviews. Meanwhile they threaten to cut off benefits if you don't document every single contact perfectly.
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Jayden Hill
•I feel you on this. The job market is rough right now but they still expect the same level of activity.
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