Can I file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor if I do DoorDash delivery work?

Unfortunately, as an independent contractor with DoorDash, you typically won't qualify for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through NYS Department of Labor. Regular UI is for employees who lose their job through no fault of their own. Since DoorDash drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, you don't have the same protections. However, you might want to check if you have any W-2 employment from other jobs in the past 18 months that could establish a claim.

wait i thought they changed the rules during covid for gig workers? my cousin got benefits when uber cut his hours

If you had that restaurant job earlier this year, you should definitely apply! You need to have earned enough wages in your base period to qualify. For 2025, you need at least $3,300 in covered wages. When you file your weekly claims, you'll need to report any DoorDash earnings, and they'll reduce your benefits accordingly. But you might still get partial benefits if your gig work income is low enough.

I was in a similar situation last year trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about reporting gig work income. The phone lines are impossible - I must have called 200 times. Finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual agent in like 15 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

Just apply and see what happens! Worst case they deny you but at least you'll know for sure. The whole system is so confusing anyway.

Thanks everyone. I think I'll apply based on the restaurant job and see what happens. At least now I know how to report the DoorDash earnings properly if my claim gets approved.

Good luck with your application! Just wanted to add - when you report your DoorDash earnings, make sure to keep detailed records of your daily/weekly income since gig work can be so variable. NYS Department of Labor will want accurate numbers, and having good documentation will help if there are any questions later. Also remember that you need to be actively seeking traditional employment while collecting benefits, so keep applying for regular jobs too. The combination of partial benefits plus some DoorDash income might actually work out better than just doing gig work alone right now.