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This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also laid off and considering starting freelance marketing work. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the main takeaways are: 1) Be completely transparent and report everything, 2) Keep detailed records, 3) Consider timing of business activities to maintain "availability for work" status, and 4) Look into SEAP if you want to go full-time on the business. The insider info from Lucas about the dedicated business line (1-888-581-5812) is amazing - I'm definitely calling that number instead of the main line. Has anyone here successfully transitioned from unemployment to full-time self-employment through this process? I'm curious about the long-term success stories and whether the business income eventually replaced the unemployment benefits for people.
Great summary of all the key points! I'm actually in week 12 of this process and can share that it's definitely working out. Started with small freelance projects while being super careful about reporting everything, and my consulting income has grown to about 60% of what my unemployment benefits cover. Planning to transition off unemployment completely in the next month or two as client work picks up. The key really has been that detailed record-keeping everyone mentioned - I track every hour worked, every dollar earned, and every job application I submit. The business line Lucas shared has been a lifesaver when I've had questions. One thing I'd add is to keep screenshots of your weekly certifications showing you reported business income correctly - gives you proof you were transparent if any issues come up later. The whole process has been way less scary than I expected once I understood the rules!
I'm in a similar situation to many here - got laid off from my job in finance two months ago and have been thinking about starting a small bookkeeping service while collecting unemployment. This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the "availability for work" distinction that Lucas mentioned - I was only focused on the income reporting part. The fact that unpaid business activities during business hours could still affect eligibility is something I definitely need to factor in. I'm going to call that dedicated business line (1-888-581-5812) tomorrow to get official guidance before I do anything. Has anyone here had experience specifically with service-based businesses like bookkeeping or accounting while on unemployment? I'm wondering if there are any industry-specific considerations I should be aware of. Also planning to look into the SEAP program since several people mentioned it - sounds like it could be perfect for my situation if I can get accepted. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, this is exactly the kind of real-world advice you can't find on the official websites!
I can share some insights about service-based businesses from my experience! I started doing freelance accounting work while on unemployment last year. The good news is that service businesses like bookkeeping are generally viewed favorably because they demonstrate marketable skills and don't require huge upfront investments. However, you'll want to be extra careful about client meetings and work hours since bookkeeping often involves regular scheduled work that could conflict with interview availability. I found it helpful to be upfront with potential clients that I could only meet/work during certain hours due to my job search activities. Also, consider how you'll handle tax season if you're doing bookkeeping - that's when demand spikes but it might also be when you're busiest with job interviews. The SEAP program could be perfect for your situation since it would eliminate the availability restrictions. Definitely call that business line Lucas shared - they were really helpful when I had questions about client confidentiality requirements and how they intersect with unemployment reporting. Good luck!
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ugh the whole work search thing is such a hassle, like we're not already stressed enough about finding jobs. At least now I know what counts, been doing mostly online apps but will try some other activities too
One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple spreadsheet with all my work search activities. I include columns for date, company name, position title, method of contact (online application, phone call, etc.), and any follow-up actions. NYS Department of Labor may ask for this documentation later, so having it organized from the start saves a lot of stress. Also, don't forget that informational interviews and reaching out to your professional network can count as valid work search activities too - they're not just looking for formal job applications.
That's a great tip about the spreadsheet! I'm just getting started with my unemployment claim and feeling overwhelmed by all the requirements. Do you have any suggestions for what to put in the "follow-up actions" column? Also, when you mention informational interviews - how do you typically reach out to people for those? I'm worried about coming across as pushy or desperate when networking.
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This thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 4 weeks for my waiting week credit and getting absolutely nowhere with the regular DOL number. Definitely going to try that Teleclaim line (888-209-8124) tomorrow morning at 8am. The glitch issue where it shows "served" but isn't actually credited sounds exactly like what's happening to me. Has anyone had luck getting through later in the day with the Teleclaim number or is early morning still the best bet? Really appreciate everyone sharing their actual experiences instead of just the generic "keep calling" advice you get everywhere else!
I tried the Teleclaim line around 11am a few days ago and still got through in about 45 minutes, so it's definitely better than the main number even later in the day. But honestly, 8am seems to be the sweet spot based on what everyone's saying. The glitch thing is so real - mine showed "served" for weeks but turns out it was never actually processed on their end. Really hoping you get it sorted tomorrow! The fact that so many people are having the exact same issue makes me think there's some kind of systematic problem with their waiting week system right now.
Just wanted to add my experience to help others! I was stuck in waiting week limbo for 5 weeks and finally got it resolved last week using the Teleclaim number (888-209-8124) that @e48375666769 shared. Called at 8:05am and got through in about 25 minutes. The rep immediately saw the issue - my waiting week was showing as "served" in the system but hadn't actually been credited due to what she called a "processing error." She fixed it on the spot and I got my backpay 4 days later. For anyone still struggling, definitely try the Teleclaim line early morning and specifically mention you need them to check if your waiting week credit was properly applied, not just served. Don't let them brush you off saying "it's processing" - ask them to verify the credit actually went through. This thread literally saved me weeks of frustration!
This is exactly the kind of detailed info people need! The "processing error" vs actually being credited is such an important distinction that I bet most people (including me) wouldn't even know to ask about. Definitely saving this thread for reference and sharing with others who are stuck in the same situation. It's crazy how many people are dealing with this same glitch right now. Thanks for taking the time to share your success story! 🙏
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Congrats to everyone who finally got approved! This thread has been super helpful - I'm dealing with the same issue and filed in early February. Still stuck on pending review. Going to try the UI-578E form today and also look into Claimyr. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits we're entitled to, but at least there are some workarounds. Really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them instead of just complaining. Fingers crossed I'll have good news to share soon too!
Just wanted to add my experience - I filed in mid-January and was stuck on pending for 7 weeks. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: submitted the UI-578E form, contacted my state assemblyman's office, AND used Claimyr to get through to an agent. The agent discovered my claim was flagged because I had worked in both NY and NJ in the past year, which triggered their multi-state verification process. She was able to clear it up immediately once we spoke. One thing I learned - don't just submit the UI-578E form and wait. Follow up with multiple approaches because sometimes these claims get stuck for really specific technical reasons that only a human can resolve. The whole process is frustrating but there ARE ways to get through it. Keep pushing and don't give up!
@Liam Sullivan Any way you can tell me where to access that form? Im having trouble finding it. Thank you. I filed first week of May and did interview still havent received any determination.
Lucas Kowalski
UPDATE: I FINALLY got through!!! Used a combination of the advice here. Called the appeals number at 7:56am, mentioned the "economic hardship expedite request" specifically, and they transferred me to someone who could help! My claim was stuck because of a verification issue with my last employer. They're releasing the payments within 3-5 business days. THANK YOU all for the help - would still be stuck without these tips!
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Isabella Russo
•Great to hear! The expedited hardship flag makes a big difference in the current backlog. For anyone else reading this with similar issues, remember to check your message center regularly after requesting assistance, as some departments will send follow-up questions there rather than calling.
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Olivia Martinez
•So happy you got through! It's crazy how difficult they make this process. I wish they'd fix the system instead of making us jump through all these hoops!
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Connor Gallagher
Congratulations Lucas! This gives me hope - I've been stuck in the same situation for about 6 weeks now. Going to try that exact combination tomorrow morning (appeals number at 7:56am + mentioning the hardship expedite request). Quick question - when you called the appeals number, did you immediately ask to be transferred to regular claims, or did you go through their initial questions first? Want to make sure I approach it the right way when I finally get someone on the phone.
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