just report everything and let them figure it out thats what i do

I was in a similar situation last year and can confirm what others are saying about the 1/4 rule. Just to clarify the math for you Oliver - with your $320 weekly benefit, you can earn up to $80 without any reduction. Since you're making $240 ($15 x 16 hours), they'll subtract the excess $160 from your unemployment check, so you'd get $160 from unemployment plus your $240 wages = $400 total per week. That's actually more than just the $320 unemployment alone! The important thing is to report your gross earnings for the exact week you worked, and don't stress too much - the system calculates it automatically once you input the correct information.

i had 2 go through this last month. nightmare situation. the number u need is 518-402-0205. BUT good luck getting thru lol. i ended up using this service called claimyr after trying for 3 days straight with no luck. they got me connected to someone in about 30 min and i was able to reschedule. website is claimyr.com if ur desperate like i was

I've been dealing with NY unemployment for months and here's what finally worked for me when I needed to reschedule my hearing: 1. Try calling 518-402-0205 (the direct hearings line) at exactly 7:59am and keep hitting redial until 8:15am. This narrow window is your best shot. 2. If that fails, go to your local Career Center in person with your hearing notice. The staff there can access the hearings system directly and reschedule you on the spot. I drove 45 minutes to mine but it was worth avoiding the phone nightmare. 3. As a backup, send a certified letter to the address on your hearing notice explaining your medical procedure and requesting a reschedule. Include your claim number, contact info, and preferred dates. At least you'll have proof you tried to contact them. The system is intentionally frustrating but don't give up! Missing the hearing without notice will automatically rule against you. Also document every attempt you make to contact them - screenshots of call logs, emails, etc. This will help if you need to appeal later. Hope this helps and good luck with your medical procedure!

The NYS Department of Labor overpayment system is SO frustrating! They make it seem like you're automatically guilty and have to prove your innocence. I fought mine for months and they STILL took money out of my tax refund even though I thought I was following their appeal process correctly. Make sure you file that appeal paperwork exactly right!

I went through something similar last year. The key is to act fast on that appeal deadline - don't wait! When I got my overpayment notice, I immediately requested all my records from NYS DOL through their online portal. You can log into your NY.gov account and access your claim history, which will show exactly what you reported each week. Compare that against your actual work records to see where the discrepancy might be. Also, if you can't afford to pay the full amount even if you lose the appeal, they do offer payment plans. Don't panic - you have options!

Sometimes i wonder if the real DOL and the scammers are playing good cop/bad cop 🤣 One is impossible to reach, the other won't leave you alone!

You did the right thing hanging up! That's 100% a scam. I've been dealing with NY unemployment for months and they communicate through your online account or official mail - never cold calls asking for personal info. The fact that they got pushy when you wanted to verify through official channels is the biggest red flag. Real government workers understand security concerns and will never pressure you like that. I'd definitely report that number to the FTC and maybe block it. Stay safe out there!

Also remember you need to be registered with the state job service and keep your resume updated. And if you're offered a job that's considered 'suitable work' you generally have to take it or risk losing benefits. The definition of suitable work can be tricky though.

@Evelyn Kelly - Just to summarize the key weekly requirements since there's a lot of info here: 1) File your weekly claim by midnight Sunday at my.ny.gov, 2) Complete 3 job search activities and keep detailed records (company name, position, date, contact info), 3) Report ANY work or income even if it's just a few hours, 4) Be available and able to work each day. The job search log doesn't have to be on a special form - you can keep your own records as long as they're detailed. I'd recommend filing your weekly claim earlier in the week rather than waiting until Sunday to avoid any system issues. Good luck with your claim!