What is the lowest salary you will accept unemployment - NYS Department of Labor requirements?
I'm confused about the job search requirements for my weekly claims. When I'm looking for work, what is the lowest salary you will accept unemployment benefits? I've been getting calls for jobs that pay way less than my previous position and I'm not sure if I have to take them or if I can refuse without losing my benefits. My case worker mentioned something about suitable work but I didn't fully understand. Does anyone know the actual rules about this?
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Liam Cortez
You're asking about 'suitable work' requirements. NYS Department of Labor doesn't require you to accept any job - there are specific guidelines. Generally, you can refuse work that pays significantly less than your previous job (usually around 80% of your previous wage), is outside your skill set, or requires unreasonable commute. You need to document why you refused any job offers in your job search log.
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Kiara Fisherman
•Thank you! So if I made $25/hour before, I don't have to take something for $15/hour? Where can I find the exact percentage requirements?
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Savannah Vin
this is tricky because they never explain it clearly when you file... i think it depends on how long youve been collecting too? like after a certain number of weeks you might have to take lower paying jobs
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Mason Stone
•That's correct. The 'suitable work' definition changes over time. Initially you can be more selective, but after several weeks of benefits, NYS Department of Labor expects you to broaden your search and accept lower wages. The exact timeline varies but it's usually around 13 weeks when the standards become less strict.
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Makayla Shoemaker
I had this exact issue last year! I was getting frustrated calling NYS Department of Labor because I could never get through to ask about specific job offers. Someone on here recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got me connected to an agent who explained the whole suitable work thing. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me understand what jobs I could reasonably refuse.
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Kiara Fisherman
•That sounds helpful. Did they charge you anything for connecting you?
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Makayla Shoemaker
•They do charge but it was worth it to get actual answers instead of waiting on hold for hours. Way cheaper than losing benefits for refusing the wrong job.
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Christian Bierman
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED! They want you to take any crappy job so they can stop paying benefits. I've been told I have to take retail jobs when I'm a software engineer. Makes no sense!
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Liam Cortez
•I understand the frustration, but there are protections. A software engineer wouldn't typically be required to take retail work, especially early in their benefit period. If you're being pressured incorrectly, you should appeal or request clarification from NYS Department of Labor.
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Emma Olsen
just take whatever job you can get, better than nothing right?
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Mason Stone
•That's not necessarily the best advice. Taking unsuitable work too early can actually hurt your long-term career prospects and earning potential. The unemployment system is designed to give you reasonable time to find appropriate work.
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Lucas Lindsey
I remember when I was on unemployment back in 2019, I had to document every job I applied for and why I didn't take certain positions. The whole process was so stressful but at least now with the online system it's easier to track everything. Just make sure you're honest about your job search efforts!
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Olivia Van-Cleve
Based on my experience, the 80% rule mentioned earlier is generally accurate for the first 13 weeks of benefits. After that, NYS Department of Labor becomes more flexible with what they consider "suitable work." I'd recommend documenting everything - save job postings, note why you declined offers, and keep records of salary ranges you're seeing. Also, "suitable work" considers factors beyond just salary - commute distance, work schedule, and whether it matches your skills/experience. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's better to call and ask rather than guess wrong and risk your benefits.
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