NYS Department of Labor - what is considered low unemployment rate for job search requirements?
I'm confused about something my case worker mentioned during my reemployment services appointment. She said that because we're in a period of 'low unemployment' I might have stricter job search requirements going forward. I've been filing my weekly claims and doing the required 3 job contacts per week, but now she's saying I might need to expand my search radius and consider jobs paying less than my previous salary. What exactly does NYS Department of Labor consider 'low unemployment' and how does this affect my benefits? I was making $28 per hour as a warehouse supervisor and have been looking for similar positions within 30 miles of my home. Am I going to be forced to take minimum wage jobs now?
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LongPeri
Low unemployment generally refers to when the state unemployment rate drops below 4-5%. When this happens, NYS Department of Labor can implement stricter job search requirements because there are theoretically more jobs available. You'll still get your benefits as long as you're meeting the work search requirements, but they may ask you to expand your geographic radius to 45-60 miles and consider positions paying 80% of your previous wages after 13 weeks of benefits.
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Freya Collins
•So after 13 weeks I'd have to take a job paying around $22/hour instead of looking for my full $28? That seems like a huge pay cut.
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Oscar O'Neil
yeah this happened to me last year when unemployment was around 3.8%. they made me apply to jobs 50 miles away and i had to document why i turned down any job offers. it was really frustrating because the gas costs alone would eat up most of the lower pay
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Sara Hellquiem
•Did they actually make you take a lower paying job or were you able to find something comparable? I'm worried about this same situation.
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Charlee Coleman
I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and the phone system is impossible. If you need to actually talk to someone about your specific requirements, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was able to get clarification on my job search requirements within 2 days instead of waiting weeks for a callback.
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Liv Park
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already stretched thin on unemployment benefits.
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Charlee Coleman
•It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not calling NYS Department of Labor over and over. Plus getting accurate information about your requirements could prevent issues with your benefits later.
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Leeann Blackstein
The whole system is rigged against workers!! They push you into jobs that pay nothing while corporations get tax breaks. Low unemployment just means more people working multiple part time jobs to survive. NYS Department of Labor doesn't care if you can actually live on what they're forcing you to accept.
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Ryder Greene
•I get the frustration but the requirements are based on labor market conditions. It's not personal.
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Sara Hellquiem
The current unemployment rate in NY is around 4.1% as of December 2024, so you're definitely in the 'low unemployment' category. Make sure you're documenting everything in your job search log - the expanded radius requirements, salary considerations, and any job rejections. Keep detailed records because if there's ever a question about your eligibility, you'll need proof you were actively searching within the guidelines they gave you.
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Freya Collins
•Thanks, this is really helpful. I'll start documenting the expanded search requirements right away.
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