Will filing for unemployment hurt my future job prospects or credit score?
I got laid off from my marketing job last month and I'm really hesitant to file for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. My friend told me that filing for UI could hurt me when applying for jobs in the future, like employers might see it as a red flag or something. Also worried it might affect my credit score or show up on background checks. Is this true? I need the money obviously but don't want to screw myself over long-term. Has anyone had problems with this?
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Peyton Clarke
Filing for unemployment will NOT hurt your job prospects or credit score. Unemployment benefits are an insurance program you paid into while working - it's your legal right to collect when eligible. Employers cannot legally discriminate against you for receiving UI benefits, and it doesn't appear on credit reports. Background checks might show employment gaps but not benefit collection. You should absolutely file if you qualify.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
•Thank you! I had no idea it was insurance I already paid for. Going to file my claim today.
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Vince Eh
your friend is totally wrong about this!! i filed for unemployment twice in the past five years and never had any issues getting hired. employers understand layoffs happen and most don't even ask about unemployment. the only thing that might show up is employment dates on background checks but that's it
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Sophia Gabriel
•Same here, collected UI for 4 months after my company downsized and got hired at a better job. Nobody cared.
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Tobias Lancaster
I was worried about the same thing when I lost my job in 2023. After calling NYS Department of Labor multiple times trying to get through, I used claimyr.com to actually reach an agent who explained everything clearly. They confirmed that filing doesn't hurt you at all - it's literally what the system is designed for. The video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI shows exactly how it works to get through to NYS Department of Labor. Totally worth it for peace of mind.
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Ezra Beard
•Wait, what exactly does that service do? I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my adjudication status.
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Tobias Lancaster
•It basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent instead of sitting on hold forever or getting disconnected. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Statiia Aarssizan
The only potential downside is if you're in a very small industry where everyone knows everyone, some people might gossip. But legally and practically, filing for unemployment benefits cannot hurt you. In fact, NOT filing when you're eligible is just leaving money on the table that you already earned through payroll taxes. File your weekly claims, do your job search requirements, and focus on finding your next opportunity.
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Reginald Blackwell
ugh the whole unemployment system is so confusing though. like do i have to report every single job i apply for? what if i forget to log something in my job search? will that disqualify me forever?? sometimes i think it's not worth the stress
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Peyton Clarke
•You need to keep a job search log with at least 3 work search activities per week. Missing entries can delay payments but won't disqualify you forever. Just be honest and consistent with your reporting.
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Sophia Gabriel
Filed for UI benefits last year after my startup folded and honestly it was the best decision. Gave me breathing room to be selective about my next job instead of taking the first desperate offer. No negative consequences whatsoever.
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