How does NYS Department of Labor know when you are working while collecting unemployment?
I'm collecting unemployment benefits and wondering exactly how NYS Department of Labor tracks whether I'm working or not. Do they have access to payroll systems in real time? I've been offered some part-time gig work but want to make sure I report everything correctly. What databases do they cross-reference with? I don't want to mess up my claim by accident.
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CosmicCommander
NYS Department of Labor has access to the State Directory of New Hires database which gets updated when employers report new employees. They also cross-reference with quarterly wage reports that all employers must file. When you file your weekly claim, you're required to report any work performed during that week, even if you haven't been paid yet. The system flags discrepancies between what you report and what shows up in their databases.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Thanks for the detailed explanation! So if I work a few hours this week but don't get paid until next week, I still need to report those hours on this week's claim?
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Natasha Volkova
yeah they definitely know... my cousin tried to work under the table while collecting and got caught. had to pay back like $4000 in overpayments plus penalties
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Javier Torres
•That's why it's always better to report everything honestly. Even part-time work can sometimes be allowed while collecting partial benefits, depending on how much you earn.
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Emma Davis
I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months trying to get through to someone about reporting part-time work correctly. Their phone lines are impossible! I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Finally got my questions answered about how to report irregular gig work properly.
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Malik Johnson
•Interesting, never heard of that service before. Did they charge you a lot to get through?
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Emma Davis
•It was worth it just to avoid spending hours on hold. The agent I spoke with explained exactly how to report freelance work and when it affects your weekly benefit amount.
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Isabella Ferreira
THEY KNOW EVERYTHING!!! The government tracks every penny you make. I got flagged for working ONE DAY and they demanded proof I reported it. The whole system is designed to catch you making mistakes so they can take your benefits away.
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CosmicCommander
•While NYS Department of Labor does have extensive reporting systems, the goal isn't to trap people. If you report work honestly on your weekly claims, you're protected. The problems arise when people try to hide income or don't understand the reporting requirements.
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Ravi Sharma
omg this is exactly what i needed to know! i just got offered some weekend shifts and was so confused about how to handle it with my unemployment
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