To summarize for the original poster: 1. Yes, you can receive partial unemployment while working part-time 2. Report all hours and earnings accurately when you certify weekly 3. Be aware of the thresholds: working 30+ hours or earning $595+ in a week makes you ineligible for that week 4. Continue doing and documenting your four work search activities each week 5. Keep detailed records of all your work hours, pay stubs, and certifications 6. Consider having taxes withheld from your benefits While the system isn't perfect, partial unemployment can definitely help bridge the gap while you're working reduced hours and searching for full-time employment.

Just went through this exact process last month! A couple things that helped me get started: When you apply online, there's a specific section where you indicate you're working part-time - don't skip over it or the system might flag your claim as suspicious. Also, make sure you have your last full-time employer's info ready (dates, wages, reason you left) since that's what your benefit amount will be based on, not your current part-time job. One thing I wish someone had told me - your first payment might take 3-4 weeks to come through even if everything goes smoothly, so don't panic if it seems slow. The system has to verify your previous employment first. Good luck with your application!

For anyone dealing with this issue, I recommend taking screenshots of your certification confirmation page every time you certify. That way if there's ever a dispute about what days you claimed, you have proof. The system is supposed to show this in your payment history, but sometimes that information is incomplete or missing entirely.

This is so helpful to read! I just started collecting unemployment last month and had no idea this was even a possibility. I've been certifying every Sunday without really paying attention to the payment amounts - just assumed they were correct. Going to start screenshotting my certifications and checking my payment history more carefully from now on. Thanks for sharing your experience and congrats on getting it resolved!

As someone who just joined this community, this entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening about how complicated the NY unemployment system really is. I'm currently employed but have friends who've struggled with similar issues, and reading through everyone's experiences here gives me so much more understanding of what they've been going through. The fact that the system is so confusing that people need third-party services just to get through on the phone is honestly shocking. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences - especially Zainab for updating us on your resolution. This kind of community support and information sharing is exactly what people need when dealing with bureaucratic nightmares like this.

This thread has been such an educational read! I'm relatively new to the workforce and had no idea how complex the unemployment system could be. Reading Zainab's journey from confusion to finally getting answers really demonstrates the importance of persistence and community support. The breakdown of the 599 program, BYE dates, and effective days is information I never knew existed - it's like there's this whole hidden language around unemployment benefits that they don't teach you anywhere. I'm saving this thread as a reference because even though I'm currently employed, the job market is so unpredictable these days. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical information that can make a huge difference when people are already stressed about their financial situation.

UPDATE: I decided to file and was upfront about my business during the application. Got approved! They did ask for some additional documentation about my business income and I have to report any earnings weekly, but my claim is active. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Congratulations on getting approved! Your success story is really helpful for others in similar situations. I'm curious - how long did the whole application process take from when you first filed to getting your approval? And did they give you any specific guidelines about what level of business income might start affecting your benefits? I'm in a somewhat similar boat with a side business that's not making much, so your experience is really valuable to know about.

Just wanted to add that even if you can't get unemployment, you should look into other programs. There might be small business assistance or other safety net programs available. Don't give up!

Another option to consider is applying for SNAP (food assistance) or other emergency aid programs while you figure out your business situation. These programs don't have the same employment requirements as unemployment insurance. You can apply online through ACCESS HRA or myBenefits.ny.gov. Also, some local food banks and community organizations offer emergency financial assistance for small business owners - it's worth calling 211 to see what resources are available in your area.