How to inform NYS Department of Labor about new job while on unemployment benefits
I just accepted a part-time position that starts next week and I'm not sure how to properly notify the NYS Department of Labor. I've been receiving unemployment benefits for about 2 months now and don't want to mess anything up or get in trouble for not reporting correctly. Do I report this on my weekly claim certification or is there a separate form I need to fill out? The job is only 20 hours per week so I think I might still be eligible for partial benefits but I want to make sure I do everything by the book.
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Amina Diallo
You'll report this when you file your weekly claim certification. There's a section that asks about any work performed during the week and wages earned. Since it's part-time, you may still qualify for partial benefits depending on how much you earn. Just be honest about your hours and gross wages - don't try to hide anything because they can verify with employers.
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Connor O'Brien
•Thank you! Should I report it the week I start working or can I wait until I actually get paid?
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GamerGirl99
report it immediately when you start working, not when you get paid. I made that mistake and they said I should have reported the work week it happened even though the paycheck came later
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Hiroshi Nakamura
The key thing is to report ALL work during your weekly certification, even if it's just one day. NYS Department of Labor calculates partial benefits based on your earnings for that week. If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $50, you'll still get some unemployment. But always report everything - they cross-reference with employer records and getting caught not reporting work can disqualify you from benefits entirely.
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Isabella Costa
•This is so confusing though! What if you work irregular hours week to week? Do you have to estimate or wait until you know exactly?
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Hiroshi Nakamura
•You report the actual hours worked and wages earned for each specific week when you file your weekly claim. If your schedule varies, each week's certification will be different based on what you actually worked that week.
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Malik Jenkins
Ugh the NYS Department of Labor system is such a pain for this stuff. I've been trying to get through to someone for weeks to ask about partial benefits but their phone lines are always busy. Does anyone know a better way to reach them?
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Freya Andersen
•I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. They have a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. I was able to speak with someone the same day I tried it and got my partial benefits questions answered. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Eduardo Silva
just started a new job last month and still getting partial benefits. make sure you keep track of your hours and wages because they might audit you later. also your job search requirements change once you start working - you don't have to do as many job contacts per week
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Mei Lin
Just went through this exact situation a few months ago! When you file your weekly certification, there's a specific question about whether you worked during that week. You'll need to report the exact number of hours worked and your gross earnings (before taxes). The system automatically calculates if you're eligible for partial benefits. At 20 hours per week, you'll likely still qualify for some benefits as long as your weekly earnings don't exceed your weekly benefit amount plus $50. Don't stress too much - the online system walks you through it step by step, and as long as you're honest about your hours and wages, you'll be fine. Good luck with the new job!
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Rachel Clark
•This is really helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was wondering - do you know if they make you pay back any benefits if you accidentally report something wrong the first time? I'm nervous about making a mistake on my first certification after starting work.
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