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.

I went through this exact situation last year and wanted to share some additional tips that helped me. First, they will almost certainly keep your claim active - I've never heard of them suspending an entire claim just for an overpayment recoupment. They typically take 20-25% of your weekly benefit until it's paid back. However, here's what I wish I had known: if you have direct deposit, they'll automatically start deducting from your benefits once the determination is final. But if you need to dispute any part of the overpayment or request a hardship reduction, you need to act fast - usually within 10-15 days of getting the determination letter. Also, keep all your employment records handy (start date, pay stubs, etc.) because if there's any discrepancy in when you actually started work vs what they have on file, you might be able to reduce the overpayment amount. The whole process is stressful but very manageable if you stay on top of the paperwork and deadlines.

I'm in a very similar situation - just received a call from NYSDOL about a potential overpayment from when I briefly returned to work last year. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring! It sounds like the consensus is that they'll keep your claim active but deduct a percentage (usually 20-25%) from your weekly benefits until it's repaid. The key seems to be responding quickly to any determination letters and having documentation ready if there are any discrepancies about work start dates. I'm also planning to look into the financial hardship reduction option that several people mentioned if the standard deduction rate would be too difficult to manage. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps to know what to expect going into this process!

I'm in a similar situation - been collecting for about 16 weeks now and getting anxious about the time limit. What I found helpful was logging into my NY.gov account and looking at the "Payment History" section. It actually shows you how many weeks you've claimed so far, which helps you do the math on how many you have left. Also, I started keeping a spreadsheet tracking my weekly claims just so I have a clear picture of where I stand. The job market is definitely tough right now, but at least knowing exactly where you are in the 26-week timeline helps with planning. Has anyone had luck with temp agencies or contract work to bridge the gap while still looking for permanent positions?

Yes, you can work part-time or do temp work while collecting unemployment in NY and still receive partial benefits! The key is reporting all your earnings when you file your weekly claim. NYS uses a formula where they subtract a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. As long as you earn less than your weekly benefit rate plus $50, you'll still get some unemployment benefits. Just make sure to report every penny you earn - even one day of temp work - or you could face penalties. I did some freelance work during my claim period and it actually helped stretch my benefits longer since I was getting partial payments instead of using up full weeks. The important thing is to keep looking for permanent full-time work and document those job search activities too.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Even as a PRN employee receiving partial benefits, you'll need to complete job search activities unless you're on standby status. Document everything in case NYS Department of Labor requests verification during your claim.

As someone who just went through this process, I can confirm that PRN employees can definitely file for unemployment in NY! The key is documenting your work history well. I kept a spreadsheet of all my shifts for 6 months before filing, which made it much easier to show the reduction in hours. One tip - when you file online, there's a section where you can explain your employment situation. Be clear that you're PRN and describe how your hours were reduced due to circumstances beyond your control. The system is designed to handle these situations, even though it's not always obvious how to navigate it.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago with two kids as well. You absolutely can and should apply for both! Don't wait - the processing times can be weeks for both programs. For TANF cash assistance, you'll need to go to your local Department of Social Services office with documents like proof of income loss, rent/utility bills, and ID for you and the kids. They'll do an interview and calculate your benefits based on your household size and any other income including unemployment. The unemployment office doesn't need to know about TANF, but social services needs to know about your UI benefits. Also look into SNAP (food stamps) and emergency rental assistance programs - there are resources specifically for people in your situation. Hang in there, it gets better!

I'm going through something similar right now and wanted to share what I learned from my caseworker. When you apply for TANF, bring documentation of your job loss (like a layoff notice or termination letter) along with your unemployment claim confirmation. This helps speed up the process since they can see you're actively seeking benefits from both programs legitimately. Also, some local DSS offices have emergency food pantries or vouchers available while you're waiting for SNAP approval - definitely ask about those resources too since grocery money can be tight while waiting for everything to process. The whole system feels overwhelming at first but having both safety nets really does help when you have kids depending on you.