Work Search Requirements

In order to collect Unemployment Insurance benefits in New York, there are a few work search requirements. First, you must apply for work registration. You can set up your work registration account to get started. Once you have a work registration account, you must verify each week that you have made valid efforts to find employment during that week. You should keep track of these efforts on a Work Search Record.

If you wish to keep a record online or your job searches, you can do so at JobZone. Here your records will be automatically be stored and available to you 24/7. It helps maintain a safe place to keep all of your job search records and even update your resume and other important job search material.

Those who are claiming unemployment benefits in New York are required to apply for specific employment a minimum of three times during each claim week. All three work search requirements must be completed during one calendar week and should be done on different days during that week. Additionally, one of the three job searches must include one search from the Work Search Activities 1-5 shown below.

Using the internet as your job search tool makes it easy to meet these requirements. You can achieve the best results by visiting the New York State Career Center’s website to make connections and submit applications. The website is New York’s online job matching hub where you can search and connect with thousands of job listings and employers.

Although the completion of three work search activities during each claim week is the minimum criteria to maintain your benefits, you are highly encouraged to complete more. If the DOL approved your Work Search Plan, it is recommended that you record those activities on your Work Search Record as the DOL often checks records for compliance.

Acceptable Work Search Activities include, but are not limited to the following:

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  1. Utilize resources available at your local Career Center.
    1. Have weekly meetings with a Career Center advisor to get information about any jobs that are available in your region or industry.
    2. Participate in Career Center instructional workshops.
    3. Follow up on job referrals with employers.

    expected to have job openings.

    1. Submit a resume and/or job application in response to a classified ad, public notice, or to an employer who is expected to have job openings.
    2. Attend any job search seminar in your area and visit job fairs and job workshops to help improve your skills for being hired.
    3. Have interviews with employers.
    4. Complete a job application with your former employer.
    5. Submit an application and take a Civil Service exam for any open government job.
    6. Register with placement services located in schools, universities, professional organizations, colleges and unions.
    7. Actively use internet, telephone, online job-matching search engines, business directories, or referrals for job interviews.

    NOTE: You may be disqualified from receiving benefits if you do not make yourself available for jobs or you are unwilling to work. You may also be disqualified if you are not seeking work for which you have experience. If you are temporarily unemployed and have received benefits for 13 weeks, you must accept any type of work if you are unable to have a precise date as to when you will return to work. This is applicable even if a new job pays less than the previous one.

    What You Need for Work Registration

    New York law mandates that ALL individuals applying to receive unemployment benefits must, unless otherwise excused, fulfill New York’s work registration process. You are required to do this PRIOR to receiving any unemployment benefits. To search jobs in New York, visit:

    In order to complete your work registration sign-up online, you will need the following information: