This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a very similar situation - just got offered some part-time 1099 consulting work while I've been collecting unemployment for about 5 weeks. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me so much confidence about moving forward with it. I'm definitely going to set up that tracking spreadsheet that several people mentioned, and the tip about screenshotting weekly certifications is brilliant. One question I still have - has anyone dealt with clients who want to pay through platforms like PayPal or Venmo for 1099 work? I'm wondering if there are any special considerations for reporting earnings that come through those payment methods versus traditional checks or bank transfers. The client I'm considering working with prefers to pay through PayPal, and I want to make sure I handle the reporting correctly from the start. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is amazing!

I've been doing 1099 work while on unemployment for about 8 months now and wanted to share one more crucial tip that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand your state's "substantial gainful activity" threshold. If your 1099 earnings consistently exceed a certain percentage of your previous wage (usually around 80%), NYS Department of Labor might determine you've returned to substantial employment and close your claim permanently, even if the work is temporary. This happened to a friend of mine who was doing very successful freelance web design - her income got too consistent and high, and they closed her claim even though she was still actively job searching for full-time work. The good news is that at 15-20 hours and $600-800/week, you're probably well below that threshold, but it's something to keep in mind if the work grows. Also, I highly recommend keeping a simple log of your job search activities separate from your 1099 work tracking - during my one phone interview with NYS DOL, they asked very specific questions about both my freelance work AND my job search efforts to make sure I was still genuinely seeking permanent employment. The 1099 work has been a lifesaver financially and has actually led to several job leads, so I'd definitely encourage you to take the opportunity!

I'm going through this exact same issue right now and this thread has been absolutely incredible! I was feeling completely lost about what this employer registration number even was, let alone where to find it. After reading through everyone's detective work here, I'm starting to feel like there's actually hope of tracking this thing down. I'm going to begin with checking Box 15 on my W-2 for any "SUI" related numbers, then work through old paystubs looking for terms like "ER UI Acct" or "State UI Account #". If those don't pan out, I'll dig through any quarterly statements I might have saved and search my email for forgotten HR messages. It's honestly mind-blowing that something so essential for unemployment filing can be labeled in dozens of different ways and scattered across random documents with zero explanation from the system. This community has basically created the comprehensive troubleshooting guide that NYS DOL should have provided from day one. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and making what felt like an impossible task actually seem doable!

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating situation! This thread has been such a lifesaver - I had no idea this employer registration number could be hiding in so many different places with so many confusing names. I'm going to start with checking Box 15 on my W-2 like so many people have suggested, then work through old paystubs looking for abbreviations like "SUI#" or "ER UI Acct". It's honestly ridiculous that the NYS DOL system doesn't explain what this number is or provide any guidance on where to find it - especially when you're already stressed about unemployment. The fact that it can be labeled as literally dozens of different abbreviations scattered across random documents is just adding unnecessary confusion to an already overwhelming process. Thanks to everyone who shared their detective work here - you've basically created the comprehensive guide that should have existed from the start!

I'm currently on day 9 of waiting for my Monetary Benefit Determination letter after filing my initial claim. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring - it's clear that 10-14 business days is the normal range and I shouldn't panic yet. I've been making the same mistake as several others by just checking the main dashboard instead of the Correspondence section. Going to shift my focus there and try to be patient for a few more days. It's really valuable hearing about everyone's weekly benefit amounts too since it helps set realistic expectations. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and experiences - this community support makes the waiting so much more bearable!

I'm on day 14 since filing my claim and just got my Monetary Benefit Determination letter this morning! It showed up in the Correspondence section around 8 AM. The letter clearly states "APPROVED" right at the top and shows my weekly benefit amount of $312 (I was making about $55k annually). It includes all the details everyone mentioned - base period earnings, benefit year dates (mine runs for a full year), and work search requirements that need to be completed within 7 days. The letter also specifies that I can start filing weekly claims beginning this Sunday. For anyone still waiting, don't lose hope - 14 days felt like forever but it finally came through! The system just takes time to process everything properly. Make sure you're checking that Correspondence section daily because there's no email notification when it appears.

This thread is like finding a goldmine after days of frustration! 🏆 Just spent the last 4 days trying to call Way2Go with absolutely zero success - just endless automated menus and disconnections. Reading through all these actual working solutions has me feeling hopeful again! Already downloaded the app and wow, that secure messaging feature is buried deeper than buried treasure. Just sent my message about a transaction dispute with all the screenshots. Also gonna try that lunch hour timing trick tomorrow if I need to follow up by phone. It's absolutely wild that we had to become customer service archaeologists just to figure out how to contact them, but this community is pure gold for sharing what actually works! Thank you all for doing Way2Go's job better than they do 😅🙏

Just went through this exact nightmare last month! Here's what finally worked for me: Try calling right at 8:00 AM sharp on weekdays - that's when their queue resets and you have the best chance before it gets flooded. Also found out if you press 3 for "report fraudulent charges" it connects you to a priority line with way shorter wait times. I know it sounds sketchy but once you get through just explain your actual issue - they'll transfer you to the right department but at least you're talking to a human! Got through in 15 minutes vs the usual 3+ hour torture. Hope this helps! 🤞

just took contract work last month and it was fine, no issues with reporting it on my weekly claims. the unemployment office doesn't care as long as you're honest about hours and pay

I went through this exact situation a few months ago! The key thing that helped me was keeping really detailed records - I made a simple spreadsheet tracking exactly which days I worked, how many hours each day, and what I earned. When you file your weekly claim, you'll answer "yes" to working during that week and then enter the total gross earnings and hours worked. The system will automatically calculate your reduced benefit amount. One tip: if your contract work spans multiple claim weeks, make sure you're allocating the earnings to the correct weeks based on when you actually performed the work, not when you submitted invoices or got paid. This kept me out of trouble with audits later on.