What are the guidelines for unemployment claims in NY - confused about requirements
I'm totally lost trying to figure out what the actual guidelines are for unemployment in New York. I got laid off two weeks ago from my restaurant job and everyone keeps telling me different things about what I need to do. Some people say I have to apply for 3 jobs a week, others say it's more. Do I need to keep records of everything? What about if I get offered a part-time job - can I still collect? I tried reading the NYS Department of Labor website but it's so confusing with all the legal language. Can someone break down the basic guidelines in simple terms?
8 comments


Fatima Al-Mazrouei
The main guidelines are pretty straightforward once you understand them. You need to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and meet the weekly job search requirement which is currently 3 work search activities per week. You must keep a detailed log of all your job search efforts including company names, dates, and method of contact. If you get offered suitable work and refuse it without good cause, you could be disqualified. Part-time work is allowed but your benefits will be reduced based on your earnings.
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Giovanni Gallo
•Thank you! What counts as a 'work search activity'? Does applying online count the same as going in person?
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Dylan Wright
yeah the job search thing is 3 per week but honestly half the places dont even respond so its kinda pointless but you gotta do it anyway
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NebulaKnight
Here's what you actually need to know: File your weekly claim every week on the same day, keep detailed records of your job search (online applications count), report any work or earnings even if it's just one day, and respond immediately to any requests from NYS Department of Labor. The work search activities include online applications, in-person applications, attending job fairs, networking events, and career counseling sessions. Each activity must be with a different employer.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Wait, I've been having so much trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my specific situation. I keep getting disconnected when I call. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?
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Dmitry Popov
•I had the same problem for weeks until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. I was able to get my questions answered about my claim status within a day instead of waiting weeks trying to call myself.
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Ava Rodriguez
The whole system is such a mess. I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and they keep changing the rules or at least that's how it feels. One week they want one thing, next week it's something else. Just document EVERYTHING and hope for the best.
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Miguel Ortiz
Been there! The basic guidelines helped me a lot when I was figuring everything out last year.
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