Overview

With few exceptions, when you claim unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you must actively look for work. You must complete and record at least THREE work search activities each week to be eligible for benefits. Learn what counts as a work search activity.

The NYS Department of Labor regularly checks to make sure you are meeting the work search requirements. Keep a record of your work search activities to show you met the requirements.

Knowingly making a false statement about your work search activities can lead to:

  • Having to pay back benefits (also called overpayments).

  • Penalties (fines).

  • Prosecution.

Work Search Record Sheet (WS5)

Download and use this helper sheet to record your required weekly work search activities.

Accepted Work Search Activities

You must complete and record at least THREE work search activities as a part of your weekly claim certification.

Your work search activities go beyond just applying for jobs. We offer many opportunities to help you meet these requirements.

  1. Use employment resources available at a local Career Center or through a virtual Career Center platform provided by the Department of Labor. For example, you can:
    • Meet with Career Center advisors;
    • Receive job market information from Career Center staff about jobs in your industry or region;
    • Complete skills assessments for job matching;
    • Attend instructional workshops; and
    • Get job referrals from the Career Center and follow up with employers
  2. Submit job applications or resumes to employers or former employers who may have openings.
  3. Attend job search seminars, career networking meetings, job fairs, or employment-related workshops that offer job-search skills instruction.
  4. Interview with employers.
  5. Register for, apply for, or take job-related or pre-hire tests for a public or private employer.  This includes civil service exams.
  6. Register and follow up with private employment agencies, placement services, unions, and placement offices of schools, colleges, or universities, or professional organizations.
  7. Use the telephone, business directories, internet, social media, or online job matching systems to search for jobs, get leads, request referrals, or make appointments for job interviews.
  8. Performing work during the week you are claiming, be sure to report any and all work when certifying for benefits.
  9. Any other reasonable activity that may help you become employed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to look for work while collecting benefits?

Yes. To be eligible for benefits you must:

  • Be actively looking for work while claiming Unemployment Insurance benefits.
  • Keep a Work Search Record for each week you claim benefits and be prepared to give a copy of that Record to the New York State Department of Labor when we request it.
What is a Work Search Record?

New York State regulations require you to keep an online or written Work Search Record for each week you claim benefits and be prepared to give a copy of that record to the Department of Labor if we ask for it. The record should include information such as dates, names, addresses (mail, email, or web address) and telephone numbers of employers contacted, names and/or job titles of specific people contacted, contact methods used, position or job title applied for or a description of other work search efforts (attending job fairs or workshops, etc.). We will check the information on the form with the contacts listed. According to the regulations, if you knowingly give us false statements about your work search activities it is considered fraud, and we can deny you Unemployment Insurance benefits.

 

If you choose to keep your record online, you must use our JobZone website. It provides one place where you can safely update and store all of your work search records in a secure electronic file: safe from fire, theft or accidental loss. To access your JobZone account, simply click on the JobZone work search record link provided when you claim weekly benefits online. If you have questions about establishing your account, please contact your local Career Center.

 

If you do not use the online Work Search Record in JobZone, we recommend you keep a record of your work search activities each week using the Work Search Record form included in the Claimant Handbook. You can also keep a similar written record instead of the Work Search Record form if it includes the required information. Whatever written format you choose, include supporting documentation. For example, if you apply for a job online, print a copy of the application or the employer’s acknowledgement of the application. If you send a resume or application by email, save a printed copy of all correspondence. You should also keep a copy of your sent mail log or the employer’s acknowledgement of the resume or application. Other examples of documentation include printouts from online search efforts, a job fair employer list, a prospective employer’s business card, etc.

 

You can get more Work Search Record forms at your local Career Center, online, or in the back of the Claimant Handbook.

Will my work search record be verified?

Yes. We will verify the information you provide with the contacts you list. According to New York State regulations, if you knowingly give us false information about your work search activities, it is considered fraud and can lead to severe penalties.

How many employers must I contact each week?

You must do at least three work search activities each week, although you are encouraged to do more. 

Do I have to keep my Work Search Records?

Yes. If you keep your work search record online at JobZone, your work search record will be stored online automatically. JobZone is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It provides one place to safely update and store all of your work search records in a secure electronic file safe from fire or accidental loss. You can also use JobZone to search for jobs, write your resume and cover letters, explore career options, compare salaries and more.

 

If you choose to keep a paper Work Search Record, you must keep copies for one year. Do not send your Work Search Record to the Department of Labor unless we ask you to. You can get more forms at your local Career Center, online, or in your claimant handbook.

What is a Work Search Plan?

An Unemployment Insurance Work Search Plan is a signed individualized plan which takes into account your work experience, skills and circumstance. The plan outlines the type of work you will seek, the number and type of work search activities you will do each week and what actions you may take to eliminate any job restrictions or barriers in finding a job.

 

If you have an Unemployment Insurance Work Search Plan approved by the Department of Labor, you must do what was agreed upon in the plan and record those activities on the Work Search Record. We will check your Work Search Record to be sure you are doing what is called for in your Work Search Plan.

Do I need a Work Search Plan?

New York State Department of Labor staff will tell you if you need a Work Search Plan. You may also request a Work Search Plan when attending an appointment at your local Career Center.

What kind of work must I accept?

You must be ready to accept "suitable" work while you collect benefits. Suitable work is work that you can reasonably do through your past training and experience. This means that you have to look for work in all your most recent occupations, especially if the chance of getting work in your primary skill area is not good. After you have claimed 10 full weeks of benefits, suitable work also includes:

  • Any work that you can do, even if you have no experience or training in such work; unless you are hired through a union hiring hall or have a definite date to return to work.
  • Such work must pay at least 80% of your high-quarter base-period wages. Any work offered must pay the prevailing wage for such work.
  • You must also be willing to travel a reasonable distance to get work. As a rule, we consider a reasonable distance to be travel of:
    • One hour by private transportation; or
    • One and one-half hours by public transportation.
Who is exempt from work search?

A claimant is exempt from work search for the following reasons:

  • Temporarily layoffs or seasonal loss of employment where the employer has provided a written return to work date of up to eight consecutive weeks.
  • A union member who must obtain work through the union. You must be in compliance with your union's membership and work search requirements.
  • Participating in a training program approved by the Department of Labor, such as those approved under New York State Labor Law §599.
  • Serving on a jury.
  • Participating in a Department of Labor-approved Shared Work Program.
  • Participating in a Department of Labor-approved Self Employment Assistance Program.
  • Covered by any exemption required by state or federal law.
  • Claimant has accepted a bona fide offer of employment and will begin employment within a reasonable amount of time.