What are exemptions on unemployment benefits in NY - confused about work search requirements
I'm getting conflicting information about exemptions on my unemployment claim. I've been receiving UI benefits for about 6 weeks now and I keep seeing references to 'exemptions' in my NYS Department of Labor account but I have no idea what they mean. Are these related to the job search requirements? I thought I had to apply for 3 jobs every week but someone told me there might be exemptions that let you skip this? My claim status shows active but I'm worried I'm missing something important. Can anyone explain what these exemptions are and how they work?
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KylieRose
There are several types of exemptions available through NYS Department of Labor. The most common ones relate to work search requirements - you might be exempt from the 3 weekly job contacts if you're on temporary layoff with a return date, in approved training, or have certain medical restrictions. There are also exemptions for the 7-day waiting period in specific circumstances. Check your determination letter or log into your my.ny.gov account to see which exemptions apply to your claim.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Thanks! I do have a potential return date from my employer but it keeps getting pushed back. Does that still count as temporary layoff exemption?
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Miguel Hernández
i think if your on standby you dont have to look for work but im not 100% sure. my friend was on standby for like 2 months and never had to do job searches
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Sasha Ivanov
•Standby status is different from exemptions. If you're truly on standby, you're not required to search for work, but your employer needs to confirm your return date regularly. Regular UI claimants can get work search exemptions for specific reasons but still need to be available for work.
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Liam Murphy
The NYS Department of Labor exemption system is honestly a mess. I've been trying to figure out if I qualify for a work search exemption because I'm caring for my elderly parent, but the online system doesn't give clear guidance. I've called multiple times and can't get through to anyone who can explain the medical/family care exemptions properly.
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Amara Okafor
•I had a similar issue trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about exemptions. I ended up using 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 showing how it works. The agent was able to explain my exemption options and helped me apply for the right one. Saved me weeks of trying to call on my own.
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CaptainAwesome
Same boat here - got approved for benefits but totally confused about exemptions. Are these something you have to apply for separately or do they get assigned automatically?
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KylieRose
•Some exemptions are automatic based on your initial claim information (like if you're classified as temporarily laid off), but others require you to request them or provide documentation. It depends on the specific type of exemption you need.
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Yuki Tanaka
Check your weekly claim certification - there's usually a question about whether you're claiming any exemptions that week. I missed this for the first few weeks and had to go back and correct my certifications.
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Giovanni Rossi
I went through this same confusion when I first started collecting benefits. The exemptions show up in your online account under the "Determinations" section - they're basically waivers from certain requirements. The most common one is the work search exemption if you're temporarily laid off with a definite recall date. However, if your employer keeps pushing back your return date, you might lose that exemption status and need to start doing the 3 weekly job searches. I'd recommend calling the Tele-Center (though good luck getting through) or checking if there's been any change to your exemption status in your online account. The key is staying on top of it because if you lose an exemption and don't start meeting the requirements, you could face an overpayment situation.
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Sasha Reese
•This is really helpful Giovanni! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my employer keeps extending my layoff. How do you know when the exemption status actually changes? Does the system notify you automatically or do you have to keep checking manually? I'm worried about accidentally missing the transition and then owing money back.
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Andre Moreau
The exemption notifications can be tricky - NYS DOL doesn't always send automatic alerts when your status changes. I learned this the hard way when my temporary layoff exemption expired without warning. What I do now is check my online account every week before certifying, specifically looking at the "Claim Summary" and "Determinations" sections. If you see any changes in your exemption status or if your employer updates their return date estimate, that's usually when the work search requirements kick back in. Also, pay attention to the weekly certification questions - they sometimes change when exemptions expire. I'd suggest documenting your exemption status each week (screenshot or write it down) so you have a record if there are any disputes later about when requirements changed.
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Kylo Ren
•That's such good advice about documenting everything weekly! I've been lazy about checking my account regularly but you're right - it seems like the system can change without much warning. Do you know if there's any grace period when exemptions expire, or does the work search requirement kick in immediately? I'm also wondering if it's worth setting up some kind of reminder to check my account status every week before certifying.
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