You should report your "active hours" when certifying for UI benefits while working for Uber or DoorDash. Active hours are the time you're actually performing paid work (actively delivering food or transporting passengers), not just the time you have the app open waiting for orders/rides. The distinction is important because NYSDOL wants to know how many hours you're actually working and earning money. If you reported all dash/online hours (including time just waiting), you'd be overstating your work hours, which could unnecessarily reduce your benefits. When certifying, calculate and report: - Hours actively completing deliveries/rides - All earnings from these gigs (before expenses) Keep detailed records of your active work time and earnings each day. The NYSDOL may request documentation if there are questions about your certifications. The Uber/DoorDash apps typically provide reports showing your active time versus total online time, which can help you accurately report your hours.

Just to add to Aisha's excellent response - make sure you're also keeping track of your mileage and any business expenses related to your gig work. While you report your gross earnings to NYSDOL, you can deduct legitimate business expenses on your taxes later. Also, if you're working multiple gig apps simultaneously (like having both Uber and DoorDash running), be careful not to double-count overlapping active hours. Only count the time you're actually completing deliveries or rides, not the time you have multiple apps open waiting for requests. The key is being consistent and accurate with your reporting. NYSDOL audits are random but thorough, so having good records from day one will save you headaches later if you're selected for review.

@Ella Knight I just got through yesterday using a combination of these tips! Called at exactly 8:05 AM on a Wednesday (855-233-8223), pressed 1 for English, then 3 for card issues. The key thing everyone's missing - when the automated voice starts talking about options, DON'T wait for it to finish. Press 0 immediately when you hear "for other options" and it usually cuts through faster. Also had my card frozen for "suspicious activity" (aka buying groceries at a new store 🙄) and they unlocked it in under 5 minutes once I got through. The rep told me peak call times are 9 AM - 3 PM, so definitely stick to early morning calls. Hang in there, the system is trash but you'll eventually get your money!

Just wanted to share what worked for me after reading all these tips! Called this morning at 8:03 AM (855-233-8223) on a Thursday and got through using @Isabella Martin's method. Pressed 1 for English, then 3 for card issues, and there WAS a callback option (press 9)! They called me back in about 30 minutes. Had my card unlocked in 5 minutes once connected. The rep confirmed that Tuesday-Thursday mornings between 8-8:30 AM are definitely the best times. Also pro tip: they asked for the last 4 digits of my SSN first, then full card number, then zip code - have it all ready to go! Don't give up @Ella Knight, these strategies actually work! 🙌

I've been on UI for about 4 months and was also worried about audits at first. What helped me was calling the DOL directly to ask about their documentation requirements - they told me that as long as you're keeping records of at least 3 job contacts per week (which is their minimum requirement) with dates, company names, and how you applied, you're meeting their standards. I use a simple notebook to track everything and haven't had any issues. The rep also mentioned that most audits happen within the first few weeks of a claim if there are immediate red flags, so if you've been claiming for 6 months without issues, you're probably in good shape.

I've been on unemployment for about 8 months and never got audited. From what I understand, they mostly target people who have inconsistencies in their reporting or unusual patterns. I keep a simple Excel spreadsheet with all my job applications - date, company, position, how I applied, and any follow-up. Takes maybe 5 minutes each week to update and gives me peace of mind. The way I see it, if you're following the rules and keeping records, an audit would actually just confirm you're doing everything right. Don't let the anxiety consume you - focus that energy on your job search instead!

Just wanted to chime in with my experience! I got that exact same text message about 3 weeks ago after waiting since April for my phone interview. The payment hit my direct deposit account exactly 3 business days later on a Thursday morning. Since you've been waiting since May, you're going to get a really nice chunk of backpay all at once - mine was almost $4,000 for all the weeks I had been waiting! The relief when you see that deposit is incredible after months of stress. Make sure you keep doing your weekly certifications every Sunday and don't change anything with your payment method now. You're so close to the finish line - the text message is basically them saying "we're about to send you money" so just be patient for a few more days. Congrats on making it through the worst part! 🙌

This is so helpful to read everyone's experiences! I'm still waiting for my phone interview - filed back in early June and haven't heard anything yet. It's been almost 2 months now and I was starting to panic that something went wrong with my application. Seeing that you waited from end of May until recently for your interview gives me hope that they're just really backed up and working through claims chronologically. The fact that you got that text the day after your interview is really encouraging too - sounds like once they complete the interview process, things move pretty quickly from there. Definitely going to save the shortcode 41411 in my contacts so I don't miss that important text when it comes! Thanks for sharing your timeline, it really helps those of us still in the waiting phase 🙏

Just remember that even if your employer doesn't respond in 10 days, you still need to keep filing your weekly claims and doing your job search activities. The 10-day employer response window doesn't affect your ongoing requirements as a claimant.

@Sarah Ali - I went through something similar last year. In my experience, most employers either respond within the first few days or don't respond at all. The 10-day window is pretty firm, and the Department of Labor moves things along fairly quickly once that deadline passes. Since you mentioned not parting on good terms, just make sure you have any documentation that supports your side of things (like emails, write-ups, etc.) in case they do contest it. The good news is that the burden of proof is usually on the employer to show cause for termination that would disqualify you from benefits.