NY unemployment asking for 2025 proof of employment - paid in cash with no W2

The joint tax return might not be enough if it doesn't specifically show HER income. NY unemployment typically wants to see proof that directly connects your aunt to wages earned. Did she report the cash income on the tax return? If yes, and it shows as self-employment income on a Schedule C, that could potentially work. Otherwise, she might need to get a letter from the employer confirming the dates worked and wages paid.

i had something like this happen last yr!! they want like EVERYTHING to prove u worked. joint tax return prob not enough tbh. they asked me for bank statements showing deposits too. tell her to look for ANY proof - text messages with boss, emails about work, anything that shows she was employed

This is a common issue with cash employment. The Department of Labor has specific requirements for validating employment when traditional documentation isn't available. For 2025 verification requests, your aunt has several options: 1. An affidavit from her former employer stating employment dates, hours, and wages paid 2. Bank statements showing regular cash deposits that align with claimed work periods 3. If she filed Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax) with her return, that may help 4. Any business correspondence, emails, or text messages confirming work schedule or tasks 5. Receipts for work-related purchases like uniforms or equipment The DOL is primarily looking to verify that she actually worked during the periods she claimed benefits for. A joint tax return alone typically won't provide this specific evidence.

I was in this EXACT situation last month!!! The unemployment office is going CRAZY with these verification requests right now. I worked cash jobs in 2025 and they wanted proof too. Let me tell you what worked for ME: I couldn't reach one of my old bosses (restaurant closed) so I got SUPER STRESSED. But then I remembered I had some old work schedules I took pics of. I also found some Venmo transfers where the boss wrote "for work" in the notes. I submitted those + a written statement explaining my situation + the relevant page from my tax return where I reported some income. They ACCEPTED it last week!! Tell your aunt to literally submit ANYTHING that proves she worked - even if it seems minor!

your aunt should be careful. they're doing audits like crazy now and if she cant prove she worked they'll make her pay EVERYTHING back with penalties. happened to my cousin. joint tax return def not enough

Just curious - did your aunt actually claim unemployment benefits for the period she only worked a few weeks in cash? Or is this for some other time period? The reason I ask is because normally you need to have enough work history to qualify for unemployment in the first place. If she only worked a few weeks in 2025, I'm wondering how she qualified for benefits at all?

To respond to your question about deadlines - the standard response time for verification requests is 30 calendar days from the date on the letter (not the date received). Your aunt should not wait until the last minute though, as missing the deadline can result in an automatic determination that she must repay all benefits associated with that employment period. If she needs more time, she can request an extension, but must do so BEFORE the deadline passes. Extensions are typically granted for 14 additional days, but only with good cause.

One other thing I forgot to mention!!! If your aunt can't get documentation from that employer, she should write a detailed statement explaining EXACTLY why. Like if the business closed, the owner passed away, they refused to provide documentation, etc. The DOL sometimes makes exceptions if you can prove it's IMPOSSIBLE to get the standard documentation they want. Also - in my case, they asked for 2025 proof but accepted documentation from early 2026 that referenced the 2025 work. So tell her to look for ANYTHING even if the dates aren't perfect!

To address your question about the employer letter - it doesn't need to be notarized, but it should be on business letterhead if possible. If it's a small family business without letterhead, the letter should include the business name, address, phone number, and the employer's signature. It should state: 1. Your aunt's full name 2. Her job title/position 3. Exact dates of employment 4. Hours worked (approximate weekly average is fine) 5. Rate of pay and payment method (cash) 6. Reason for separation The more specific details included, the more credible the letter will be to DOL reviewers.

btw if she still has access to the email she used when she applied for unemployment, tell her to check there too. sometimes they sent confirmation emails when u certified that can prove u were reporting work/income

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and it's so stressful. I worked a cash job for 3 months in 2025 and now they want proof. I've been trying to call the unemployment office for weeks but can never get through to a real person. Has anyone actually been able to speak to someone there about these verification requirements? I'm worried about submitting the wrong documentation and getting denied.

my friend had to appeal and won because she had text messages with her boss from 2025 talking about work schedules. check if your aunt saved ANY texts!