I understand that some companies (paving & construction companies), particularly those in northern states will have layoffs during the winter. Is it typical for drivers to draw unemployment during those time periods? Also, a quick google search states that one of the requirements is to ‘actively be seeking employment’. Is this true during a seasonal layoff as well? I realize that unemployment won’t pay versus much ($400-500 being around the max depending on each state) and that I may want to look for something during the winter. But on the other hand, after working lots of overtime during the summer, a 3-4 month break would actually sound very nice were I to move up north.
I remember in my thread about moving to Wisconsin, someone mentioned they drew unemployment.
Drawing unemployment during seasonal layoffs?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Zonno, May 17, 2025.
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Some haul fuel, some plow, and others do draw unemployment. Don't ask me the details because I never did but I know others who did.
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nextgentrucker Thanks this.
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I know a guy that drew it for a while. He was supposed to check at least two places a week to see about getting a job. He had to send in the name of places he checked and they might call in occasionally to verify it. He gave it up in a couple weeks decided it wasn’t worth it. Idk if it’s still that way, that was 17 years ago at least.
Zonno Thanks this. -
I can only tell you the laws in NY; you can draw UI for a max of 6 months, and you must be actively looking for work. You will be brought down to the local employment office within 1 month of applying to be interviewed. You must look for work and keep records of your searches. Your benefit (as of about 5 years ago) maxes out at something like $403/week, and is based as a percentage of your average earnings over the last 18 months (previous unemployment benefits not considered). where I live, there always used to be holiday mail trailer hauling jobs from late Nov to New Years, as well as pick-up work snow-plowing.
OldeSkool, tscottme, hope not dumb twucker and 1 other person Thank this. -
Used too get a letter showing in X amount of weeks, you’d be called back and not have to seek employment. They done away with that several years ago here in AR. 2 places a week… regardless.
OldeSkool Thanks this. -
The attraction of working for dirt merchants is winters off. Depends on your area if you supposed to actively looking for work. My area EI knows you be called back in the spring…if you are working out of union hall you never get asked to look for work outside your local.
My short experience hauling gravel all the drivers looked forward to winter off for ice fishing or whatever…majority were retired, hauling gravel just to pad their pension..OldeSkool Thanks this.
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