I'm in a similar boat - been doing freelance web design but one client was basically my full-time job for 6 months. They controlled everything about how I worked. Wondering if I should look into this misclassification thing too?

@Zoe Dimitriou - Based on what you've described (company laptop, required office hours, specific schedule), you definitely sound like you were misclassified as a contractor when you should have been an employee. This is actually pretty common unfortunately. I'd recommend filing that determination request with NYS Department of Labor ASAP since it can take weeks to process. While you're waiting, also check if you qualify for any emergency assistance programs through your county's social services department - they might have rent assistance or food programs that can help bridge the gap. Document everything about your work arrangement (emails about schedules, equipment they provided, etc.) because you'll need that evidence for your case.

The whole NYS Department of Labor system is a mess when it comes to tax documents. I filed my unemployment claim online but they still insist on mailing paper forms to an old address even though I updated everything multiple times. It's like they want to make it as difficult as possible for people to get their tax paperwork.

I had a similar issue last year and found that the tax documents section might be under "Document Center" or "My Documents" in your my.ny.gov account. Sometimes it takes a few clicks to find it. Also, if you filed your claim before a certain date, you might need to call and request to have your 1099-G reissued electronically. The paper forms usually arrive by mid-February, but if you need it sooner for early filing, definitely try calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid the worst hold times.

Is the 1099-G also available if you had a pending claim that was eventually denied? I had a complicated situation where I filed, received 2 payments, then they determined I wasn't eligible and I had to pay it back. Not sure if I'll get a form or if I need to report anything.

Just wanted to update - I noticed they've also added a feature where you can download ALL your previous years' 1099-G forms at once. Super helpful if you need to amend old returns or just want to keep your records organized!

I'm going through something similar right now - got hit with a forfeit notice last month for allegedly not reporting some side work properly. From what I've been reading here and my own experience, they should keep paying you during the appeal process. I've been getting my weekly payments while waiting for my hearing date (still 2 months out 😤). The scary part is if you lose, you have to pay back everything you received during the appeal PLUS serve the forfeit period. So definitely start setting aside some money just in case. I've been putting 30% of each payment into a separate account as my "oh shit" fund. Also, gather EVERY piece of documentation you have about that income from April - bank statements, pay stubs, screenshots, emails, literally everything. The more evidence you bring showing you tried to report correctly, the better your chances. Good luck with your hearing in November!

Hey, I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar situation right now. Got a forfeit notice three weeks ago and have been panicking about whether they'll cut off my benefits. Reading through everyone's responses here is super reassuring - sounds like they do keep paying during the appeal process which is a huge relief. I'm definitely taking the advice about saving some money just in case I lose. The idea of having to pay everything back is terrifying but at least now I know what to expect. Also going to start gathering all my documentation like everyone suggests. Has anyone had success with those callback services that keep getting mentioned? I've been trying to call unemployment for weeks with no luck and I'm getting desperate to talk to someone about my specific case.

Listen up because this is important. NY Unemployment considers several factors when determining if refusing work is valid: - Childcare responsibilities are a legitimate reason if you can't find reasonable care - The hours must be during normal business hours unless that's standard for your industry - You need to document everything - Keep proof of your childcare's hours - Save all communication with the employer When reporting, be clear and detailed. If you need to speak with someone directly about this, use claimyr.com - they'll get you through to an agent fast. Better to handle this correctly now than deal with issues later. Source: Been through this myself and helped others navigate the system.

Just want to add that you should also check if your childcare provider can give you a letter stating their hours of operation. This kind of documentation can be really helpful if unemployment asks for proof of the conflict. Also, if you haven't already, look into whether there are any evening childcare options in your area - even if they're not feasible, showing that you explored alternatives demonstrates good faith effort. Stay strong mama, the system should work for parents not against us! 💪