Q: Do I have to look for work while I collect Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits during the COVID-19 crisis?
A: Generally, you do not have to search for work if:
you were laid off because your employer closed or reduced operations due to COVID-19, and your employer told you that you will be called back to work when the business reopens. Otherwise, you must search for work. It is a challenging time to try to find a job, but you must make your best effort. Essential businesses are still open and many are hiring due to spikes in demand.
New York State regulations require you to document your work search efforts and submit proof of them if we ask for it. According to the regulations, if you do not search for work, document your work search, and submit proof if asked, you could lose your benefits and have to pay back benefits you received.
A: Generally, you do not have to search for work if:
you were laid off because your employer closed or reduced operations due to COVID-19, and
your employer told you that you will be called back to work when the business reopens.
Otherwise, you must search for work. It is a challenging time to try to find a job, but you must make your best effort. Essential businesses are still open and many are hiring due to spikes in demand.
New York State regulations require you to document your work search efforts and submit proof of them if we ask for it. According to the regulations, if you do not search for work, document your work search, and submit proof if asked, you could lose your benefits and have to pay back benefits you received.