Unemployment Laws in New York State Question.

Asked by heartofgold2010 (13

) December 18th, 2010

I work for a retail company that is closing one of their stores come the end of January. At the time they aren’t offering anyone any job security, but the general feeling is that they are going to be transferring all of us to different stores in the district.

Can I still collect unemployment since I’m being laid off if I refuse the re-assignment? Is their some sort of location rule like if the nearest store is so and so miles away?

Just trying to get a full understanding of this. I have worked for this company 2.5 years full time, and honestly don’t mind being laid off, because I was planning on moving down south as it is to test the job market since I have a bachelor’s degree and there is no jobs around here, but since this came up, I would rather be getting paid as I test the job market instead of not getting paid.

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3 Answers

Check out the NYS site regarding eligibility FAQs. Benefit eligibility is assessed for as long as you receive payments – therefore, refusing work (in the state, of the same nature/pay etc.) may very well reduce or eliminate eligibility – but there are a lot of factors to consider.

Do not be afraid to call the NYS Department of Labor and run some things past them. But note that for as long as you receive benefits, you must remain in the state – otherwise, your benefits for the time away will be reduced.

iamthemob (17221

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Yeah I’m going to call. What I mean though by offering another position, is if they offer me a position that is like an hour away from where I live. It’s not like I’m salaried here. lol

heartofgold2010 (13

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@heartofgold2010 – That could very well be reasonable…but I would talk to them about it. They will be the initial arbiter of whether your refusal was reasonable in the end.

iamthemob (17221

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