How long does it take for NYS Department of Labor to find out you're working?
I just started a part-time job last week and I'm still filing my weekly claims. I know I need to report the work but I'm curious - if I didn't report it, how would NYS Department of Labor even know? Do they cross-check with employers right away or does it take months? I'm definitely going to report everything properly but just wondering how their system works for catching unreported work.
11 comments


Paolo Rizzo
They have access to wage databases and will eventually catch unreported work. Could be weeks, could be months, but they WILL find out. When they do, you'll face overpayment demands plus penalties. Always report any work on your weekly claims - even one day of work needs to be reported.
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Keisha Johnson
•Thanks for the warning. I'm definitely reporting everything, just was curious about their detection methods.
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QuantumQuest
NYS Department of Labor cross-references with the state's new hire database and quarterly wage reports from employers. Timeline varies but I've seen people get caught 3-6 months later with huge overpayment notices. The system is more connected than people think.
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Amina Sy
•Yep my cousin got nailed 8 months later for not reporting a temp job, had to pay back like $4000 plus interest
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Oliver Fischer
omg please just report your work!!! i made the mistake of not reporting a few days of work thinking it wouldnt matter and got hit with an overpayment notice months later. the stress isnt worth it and now i owe them money i dont have
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Keisha Johnson
•That sounds horrible! I'm definitely reporting everything properly. Did you try to appeal the overpayment?
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Oliver Fischer
•i tried but they said i should have known better since the rules are clearly stated when you file claims
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Natasha Petrova
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify reporting requirements, I found Claimyr really helpful for getting through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it when I had questions about reporting part-time work and got connected within an hour instead of waiting on hold forever.
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Javier Morales
•Never heard of that service but honestly anything is better than trying to call NYS Department of Labor directly
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Emma Davis
The detection timeline depends on when your employer reports wages to the state. Some employers report new hires within days, others might take the full 20 days they're allowed. Then there's quarterly wage matching. Bottom line - don't risk it, always report work immediately on your weekly claim.
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Lucas Bey
I work in HR and can confirm that we're required to report new hires to the state directory within 20 days, but most companies do it much faster through automated systems. NYS also gets quarterly wage reports from all employers. The cross-matching happens regularly, not just once a year. I've seen people think they're safe for months only to get hit with massive overpayment demands. Even if you only worked one day and earned $50, report it - the penalties for not reporting can be way more than what you'd lose in benefits.
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