Just want to add - make sure the contract work doesn't interfere with your job search requirements. You still need to be doing your required work searches even while working the contract, unless NYS Department of Labor specifically waives that requirement for your situation.

Another important consideration - since this is web development contract work, make sure you understand how NYS Department of Labor handles self-employment income. As a 1099 contractor, you're technically self-employed for those weeks you're working. If you're working full-time hours on the contract (even if it's temporary), you might not be eligible for benefits during those weeks regardless of the income amount. The key is whether you're "totally unemployed" vs "partially unemployed" during each claim week. I'd recommend calling to clarify your specific situation before starting the contract.

Connor, I'm really sorry to hear about your restaurant closing - that's such a difficult situation to face suddenly. The great news is that business closure absolutely qualifies you for unemployment benefits in New York since it's considered an involuntary job separation. I actually work as a benefits counselor and see cases like yours regularly. A few things to keep in mind when you file: make sure to have your Social Security number, employment dates, and your employer's business information ready. When asked about the reason for separation, select "lack of work" or "business closed permanently." Don't worry about needing documentation from your employer upfront - the NYS DOL will verify the closure during their standard review process. Since you worked there for 2 years, you should have a strong earnings history for benefit calculation. File online as soon as possible at labor.ny.gov and start your weekly certifications right away, even while your initial claim is being processed. The system can seem intimidating at first, but it's designed to help people in exactly your situation. You should be approved without any issues given the circumstances. Best of luck with everything!

Hey Connor, really sorry to hear about your restaurant closing - that's such a tough situation to deal with, especially when it comes so suddenly. Just wanted to chime in and confirm what everyone else is saying - you definitely qualify for unemployment benefits since this was completely out of your control. I actually just went through the NYS Department of Labor application process myself a few months ago when my job ended, and it's really not as intimidating as it seems at first. The online portal at labor.ny.gov is pretty user-friendly once you get started. One small thing I'd add to all the great advice here - when you're gathering your information before applying, try to remember your exact start date at the restaurant if possible, since they ask for specific employment dates. If you can't remember the exact day, even just the month and year works fine. Also, don't worry if you feel overwhelmed by all the information on the site - you can save your application and come back to it if you need to take a break or look up any details. You've got this, and it sounds like you have a really solid case for benefits with the business closure. Good luck with everything!

The key thing is intent. If you can show it was an honest mistake rather than deliberate fraud, that makes a huge difference in how they handle it. Document everything about your attempts to correct the situation.

I went through something similar last year and can share what I learned. For amounts under $5,000, NYS Department of Labor typically treats it as an overpayment rather than criminal fraud, especially if it's your first offense. The process usually involves: 1) They send you a notice of overpayment, 2) You can request a hearing to explain your situation, 3) They set up a repayment plan if you can't pay in full. The penalties are usually 15% of the overpaid amount plus interest. Criminal charges are rare unless there's evidence you deliberately tried to defraud the system. My advice: contact them proactively to discuss voluntary repayment - it shows good faith and they're more likely to work with you. Don't wait for them to find out on their own.

Try checking your claim status through the automated phone system instead of the website. Sometimes it has more updated info than what shows online. Call 888-581-5812 and follow the prompts.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my new claim 3 weeks ago and still showing $0 balance even though I got the new BYE date. It's so frustrating because you don't know if you should wait longer or if something is actually wrong. I've been certifying every week like everyone says to do, but it's nerve-wracking seeing that zero balance. Really hoping it updates soon because I'm running out of savings. Thanks for posting this - at least I know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess!

I went through something similar when I started part-time work while on unemployment. The key thing to remember is that NYS uses a formula where they reduce your weekly benefit amount by 25% of what you earn over $50. So if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $300 from part-time work, you'd get $300 - (0.25 × $250) = $237.50 in unemployment benefits that week. Always report your gross earnings (before taxes) for the week you actually worked, not when you get paid. The system is designed to encourage people to work part-time while looking for full-time employment, so don't let fear keep you from being honest about your earnings.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - started a new part-time retail job while still collecting unemployment. The weekly certification process asks very specific questions about work performed and earnings, so there's really no ambiguity about what you need to report. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of my hours and gross pay each week, including any tips or bonuses. NYS Department of Labor also has a work search requirement waiver if you're working part-time, which is a nice benefit. The partial unemployment system actually makes it easier to transition back to full-time work without the financial cliff you'd face if benefits cut off completely. Just make sure you understand whether your part-time job affects your work search requirements too.