NYS Department of Labor work search exemption - how to get exempt from work search for unemployment

Yes, NYS Department of Labor does offer work search exemptions in certain situations. The main categories are: temporary illness (yours or immediate family), lack of childcare, transportation issues, or if you're in an approved training program. You'll need to contact your local One-Stop Career Center and speak with a counselor who can evaluate your situation. They'll want documentation like doctor's notes for health issues or verification of family care responsibilities.

i got one last year when my kid was sick. had to fill out some forms and get a doctors note but it wasnt too bad. think it was good for like 6 weeks or something

The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know what to do. You'll need to complete Form IA 12.3 (Request for Waiver of Work Search Requirements) and submit supporting documentation. For health issues, you need a physician's statement. For family caregiving, you need proof of the relationship and medical documentation showing the care is necessary. The exemption can be granted for up to 13 weeks initially and may be renewable depending on circumstances.

Honestly the whole work search thing is such a pain anyway. Half the jobs posted aren't even real and they make you jump through hoops just to prove you're looking. But yeah, if you've got legitimate reasons like health or family stuff, they should work with you.

If you're having trouble getting through to your local office, I had success using Claimyr to reach an NYS Department of Labor agent directly. They helped me understand the exemption process and connected me with the right department. You can check out their service at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Much easier than spending hours on hold.

Make sure you apply for the exemption BEFORE you miss any work search requirements. If you've already missed some weeks, you might need to appeal any disqualifications first. The documentation requirements are pretty strict - vague doctor's notes won't cut it. They need specific statements about your limitations and expected duration.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I had to care for my mom after her surgery. The good news is that caring for an elderly parent definitely qualifies as immediate family for the exemption. I had to provide her medical records showing she needed assistance and a statement from her doctor about the level of care required. The initial exemption was for 8 weeks but I was able to extend it for another 4 weeks with updated documentation. The key is being proactive - don't wait until you've already missed work search requirements. Contact your local career center as soon as possible and be prepared with all your documentation. They were actually pretty understanding once I explained the situation properly.

I just wanted to add that if you're dealing with both health issues and caregiving responsibilities, you can actually include both in your exemption request. When I applied for mine last year due to my own medical condition plus caring for my disabled sister, the counselor told me that having multiple qualifying reasons can actually strengthen your case. Also, don't be discouraged if the first person you speak with doesn't seem familiar with the exemption process - I had to speak with three different people before I found someone who really understood the requirements. Keep detailed records of all your interactions and any documentation you submit. The exemption has been a lifesaver for me and allowed me to focus on getting healthy while still receiving benefits.