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my cousin works for nys unemployment and she says theres a huge backlog right now because they switched computer systems in january and tons of claims are stuck in limbo. shes working overtime every weekend trying to fix the mess. not saying its right but thats why everythings so messed up right now
Did you get the targeted EIDL advance email or is this for a different SBA program? Just wanted to clarify because different programs might have slightly different requirements.
Perfect, then the advice everyone has given is correct. For the EIDL program, they want your actual business revenue. Unemployment compensation is not counted as business revenue. Since you only had Uber/Lyft income in 2019, you'll report that amount for 2019 and zeros for 2020/2021 when you were on unemployment. Make sure you keep documentation of your 2019 income (Schedule C, 1099s, etc.) handy as they may request verification.
Thank you all so much for your help! Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to: 1. Report only my 2019 Uber/Lyft income from my Schedule C 2. Put zeros for 2020/2021 since I only had unemployment those years 3. Have my documentation ready in case they ask for verification I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge - this has been super helpful!
UPDATE: I finally spoke with someone at NYSDOL! Used that Claimyr service and got through in about 25 minutes. Turns out I did hit my maximum benefit amount, but the agent helped me apply for extended benefits and walked me through the 599 program application since I'm interested in a coding bootcamp. She also pointed me to rental assistance resources. Such a relief to finally talk to someone who could help! If anyone else is stuck trying to reach NYSDOL, seriously consider using Claimyr - worth every penny for the stress it saved me.
They said 599 approval typically takes 3-5 weeks, but can be longer if they need additional information. Unfortunately, I won't receive any benefits while waiting for approval, which is tough. But the agent did help me apply for emergency rental assistance to cover next month while I sort everything out. She recommended applying for SNAP benefits too, which I'm doing today.
I've been on disability for 3 years now. Just wanted to say don't get discouraged if you get denied at first. Almost everyone does. That's just how the system works unfortunately.
No lawyer for the initial application, but I did get one for the appeal. They only take payment if you win (from your backpay), so it didn't cost anything upfront.
This is good advice. Statistics show approval rates increase significantly with legal representation during appeals. Most disability attorneys work on contingency as mentioned - typically taking about 25% of backpay with a cap around $7,000. For a complicated case with a year-long disability already, it's often worth considering legal help even for the initial application.
Kendrick Webb
just FYI everyone i noticed if u put dollar signs $ in your post it almost always gets hidden. also words like "appeal" "denied" "fraud" get posts hidden too
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Norman Fraser
•That's really good to know! Maybe we need a code word system to get around the filters? Like "d3n1ed" instead of "denied"?
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Anna Xian
For those concerned about missing updates, here's a comprehensive system I've developed to stay informed without relying on Facebook: 1. Check your NY.gov account Message Center every morning (this is where official notices appear) 2. Set up direct deposit alerts with your bank so you know when payments arrive 3. Add the NYSDOL phone number to your contacts with a distinctive ringtone 4. Create a calendar reminder for your weekly certification day/time 5. Sign up for the NYSDOL text alerts by texting "NYSDOL" to 468311 This combination ensures you won't miss critical updates regardless of what happens with Facebook groups.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•I DID NOT KNOW about the text alerts!!!! THANK YOU!!! just signed up!!!
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Norman Fraser
•This is amazing, thank you! Just set all of these up. Feel much better now knowing I have multiple ways to stay updated.
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