Unemployment Insurance can be a false safety net

Unemployment Insurance can be a false safety net Yes, you should absolutely apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits. The government has lengthened the term on this too. You and your employer have been paying into it so get it. However, it will not last forever. There is also a stipulation that says you dont have to accept a job making greater than 20% less than you made in your last job. (OK, technically this is how it is worded) You are required to look for and be prepared to accept employment that pays the prevailing wage for similar work even if this is less than you earned on your last job or less than the salary you would like to receive. After you claim 13 full weeks of benefits, you may be referred to and are required to accept employment you are capable of performing as long as it pays the prevailing wage and pays at least 80% of your base period high quarter wages. But, at some point you may have the opportunity to take a short term orcontract job. Dont snub the idea. Instead, ask what the advantages would be of accepting it. The opportunity to keep your skills fresh The chance to test drive a new employer Learn how to adapt to a new work environment/job (building your flexibility) Work with other people and network Rejuvenate your self-esteem by feeling wanted and productive All that happens to your UI benefits is pause them. You have 12 months to use your benefits from the date you initially claimed. Once the assignment is over, you can restart your benefits for the remainder of the claim period. (Disclaimer, I am not the NYS DOL, all final decisions are ruled by them) Whats the harm in that? So lets say you have the opportunity to take a job making less money. Why wouldnt you take it? Sure you are worth more, but are there jobs paying that and are those employers knocking on your door right now? Could you take the job, if you got it, and when a better job comes along, jump ship? As long as you do so professionally (2 weeks notice with a smile and great thanks). Protect your best interests first. Do what needs to be done. Some money coming in is better than $0 coming in.