Can part-time independent contractors qualify for NY unemployment benefits?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but independent contractors generally don't qualify for regular unemployment in NY. You'd need to have W2 income to qualify for traditional benefits. The partial work wouldn't matter as much as your classification as an independent contractor. This is one of those situations where the system just doesn't work for people in the gig economy.

I was in a similar boat last year. Found a solution that actually worked - there's this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to someone at unemployment when I couldn't reach anyone. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. Best thing I did after weeks of frustration. Check out their process here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

From personal experience, you can file but whether you qualify depends on your work history. The system mainly cares about the base period (first 4 of last 5 completed calendar qtrs). Did you have any W2 work during that time? If yes, you might qualify based on that. Also, NY does look at your weekly earnings - if you make less than $504 per week (changes annually) you could qualify for partial benefits even while working. Worth applying anyway - worst they can say is no.

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of your situation and options: First, understand that in NY unemployment is primarily designed for W2 employees, but there are nuances: * If you have ANY W2 employment in your base period, file immediately. The base period is either the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters OR the last 4 completed quarters (alternative base period). * Report your current self-employment income accurately during weekly certifications. * The weekly benefit amount in NY is roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum ($504). * For partial benefits, NY uses a calculation where you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit rate without reduction. I strongly recommend: 1. File anyway - let them make the determination 2. Appeal if denied initially 3. While waiting, use claimyr.com to get through to someone on the phone - they'll connect you directly with an agent who can clarify your specific situation 4. Document EVERYTHING Don't give up - the system is complex but there are ways through it!

The ny unemployment website says part-time workers can qualify for partial benefits. If you report your earnings each week, they'll reduce your benefit amount but you'll still get something. I'm pretty sure they have a formula like if you work less than 4 days and make under a certain amount. Anyone know the exact numbers?

OMG THE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS SUCH TRASH 🤮 My gf is an independent contractor and they denied her 3 times before finally approving her claim. The whole thing is designed to make u give up. Keep applying and appealing!!

Could you possibly be misclassified? A lot of employers call people independent contractors when legally they should be employees. Look up the factors that determine classification - if you work set hours, use their equipment, get training from them, etc. you might actually be an employee and not know it. Worth investigating.

i just went thru this. the key is having some w2 income in ur base period. if its ALL 1099 work ur probably not gonna qualify for regular UI. But applying is free so might as well try it. the nys unemployment website makes everything 100x more confusing than it needs to be.

Anyone tried appealing? I got denied first time around as an IC but filed an appeal and won. Took forever but was worth it.

Have you considered filing for Partial UI benefits? Even with those few hours of work, you might qualify for something. I was in a similar situation (though not as a contractor) and received partial benefits. Better than nothing!

If you haven't already, make an account on the NY unemployment site and start the application. The questions will help determine if you're eligible. Just be super honest about everything - your work status, how much you earn, etc. I thought I wouldn't qualify as a part-timer but ended up getting some benefits.

Stop wasting time on the website and just call them directly. If you can't get through (lol who can?), use a service like Claimyr. I banged my head against the wall for weeks before I just paid to have someone get me through to an agent. Totally worth it to actually talk to a person who could answer my specific questions.

Fun fact: if u receive any benefits and they later determine u weren't eligible, they can make u pay everything back 🙃 Ask me how I know...

Have u tried reaching out to your state rep? Sometimes they can help navigate the system or even intervene on ur behalf. Worth a shot if you get stuck in unemployment purgatory.

I'm in a similar situation and just went through this process! As an independent contractor, your eligibility really depends on whether you have ANY W2 income in your base period. Since you mentioned having a part-time W2 job about a year ago, definitely check if that falls within your base period (first 4 of last 5 completed calendar quarters). Even if you're not sure, apply anyway - the worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised. Also, with your current $170/week from remaining clients, you'd likely qualify for partial benefits if you do have that W2 history. The key is being completely honest about all your income when you certify weekly. Don't let the confusing website discourage you - many people think they won't qualify but end up getting benefits. Good luck!

I was in almost the exact same situation last year! Independent contractor for about 8 months, lost my main client, still had some small work coming in. Here's what I learned: definitely apply even if you're unsure about qualifying. The system is confusing but there are more pathways than you'd think. Since you had that W2 job a year ago, calculate your base period carefully - it might still count. I ended up qualifying for partial benefits even while doing some freelance work. The key is reporting everything honestly during weekly certifications. Also, don't get discouraged if the initial application seems overwhelming - I almost gave up halfway through but I'm so glad I didn't. You've got nothing to lose by applying and potentially a lot to gain. The worst case scenario is they say no, but at least you'll know for sure rather than wondering "what if.