Why do jobs ask if you receive unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?

It's completely legal for employers to ask about unemployment benefits. The main reasons are: 1) They want to know your availability to start immediately 2) Some employers worry about hiring someone who might prefer staying on benefits 3) They're checking if you're actively job searching as required by NYS Department of Labor 4) For certain positions, they need to verify you're not double-dipping income. You should be honest - lying on applications can be grounds for termination.

I always answer honestly and it's never been an issue. Most employers understand that people collect unemployment between jobs - that's literally what it's for. What matters more is showing you're serious about working. I actually think being on unemployment shows you're following the rules and actively job searching since NYS Department of Labor requires work search activities.

Be careful though - some employers might use it against you. I had one interviewer ask me detailed questions about my weekly claim amounts and when my benefits would run out. It felt invasive but I answered anyway. Didn't get the job and I wonder if that was part of it.

I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor phone issues trying to get through about my claim status, and it's been so frustrating that I almost missed some job application deadlines. If you're having trouble reaching them about any unemployment questions that come up during your job search, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

wait so you HAVE to tell them if they ask?? what if the job doesn't pay enough and i want to keep getting benefits instead

From my experience as an HR professional, employers ask about unemployment benefits for legitimate business reasons - mainly to gauge your availability and commitment level. However, there are boundaries to what they can legally ask. While they can ask if you're receiving benefits, they shouldn't be asking for specific dollar amounts or demanding to see your claim documentation. If you're receiving NYS Department of Labor benefits, just be straightforward about it. Most reasonable employers understand that unemployment insurance exists for exactly this situation - to support people between jobs while they search for new opportunities. The key is demonstrating that you're genuinely interested in the position and ready to work.

I just went through this exact situation and can share what I learned. When employers ask about unemployment benefits, it's actually a standard practice and completely legal. The key thing to remember is that receiving NYS Department of Labor benefits shows you're following proper procedures - you lost your job through no fault of your own and you're actively searching for work as required. I found that being upfront about it actually worked in my favor because it demonstrated I was being responsible and honest. What helped me was framing it positively in interviews - something like "I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits while conducting a thorough job search to find the right opportunity." Most employers respect that approach. Don't let it discourage you from applying - focus on showcasing your skills and enthusiasm for the role.

I've been in your shoes and want to reassure you that honesty is definitely the best policy here. When I was job hunting while on NYS Department of Labor benefits, I was initially nervous about disclosing it too. But I learned that most employers actually view unemployment benefits neutrally - it's just another piece of information they use to understand your situation. What really matters is how you present yourself as a candidate. I always made sure to emphasize my eagerness to return to work and my qualifications for the role. One tip that helped me: if the application asks about benefits, I'd answer honestly but also use it as an opportunity to mention that I'm actively job searching and available to start immediately. This shows you're motivated and ready to transition off benefits into meaningful employment. Don't let this question discourage you from applying to positions you're qualified for!

I work in recruiting and see this question all the time on applications. The reason we ask is mainly practical - we want to understand your timeline and motivation. Someone collecting benefits might have different urgency levels or salary expectations compared to someone who's been out of work without any income support. It's not meant to be discriminatory. In fact, many of our best hires have been people who were receiving NYS Department of Labor benefits while job searching. What impresses us more is when candidates are transparent and can clearly articulate why they're interested in our specific role beyond just needing any job. My advice: be honest about receiving benefits, but focus your energy on demonstrating genuine interest in the company and role. That's what really matters in hiring decisions.

I've been through this process recently and can add some perspective. Yes, it's completely legal for employers to ask about unemployment benefits, and I've found that being honest actually helps build trust from the start. What I learned is that the question isn't really about judging you - it's about logistics and timing. Employers want to know if you can start right away, if you're genuinely motivated to work (since you could theoretically stay on benefits longer), and sometimes they need to understand your current financial pressures for salary negotiations. I actually had one employer tell me they appreciated my honesty because it showed integrity. The key is to pair your honest answer with enthusiasm about the specific role. Instead of just saying "yes, I'm on unemployment," try something like "I'm currently receiving benefits while actively searching for the right opportunity, and I'm really excited about this position because..." That way you're being truthful while also showing you're selective and serious about finding meaningful work, not just any job.