NY unemployment keeps asking if I was self-employed but I wasn't - will this affect my benefits?

Had the exact same issue last month! The system is completely broken. I found that if you wait until after 7pm to certify, sometimes the glitch doesn't happen. Also, try using a different browser or clearing your cache. Worked for me after trying for days.

After weeks of frustration with the system and not being able to reach anyone, I finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback with an actual human agent within an hour. Talking to the agent fixed my certification issue immediately - they manually corrected something in my file that was causing the self-employment questions. Best decision I made because it got my benefits flowing again. Check out this video on how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

This issue is actually pretty common rite now. My roommate had the same problem. You need to call and talk to a tier 2 rep - the first person who answers usually cant fix this. Ask to be transfered to a claims specialist. They can override the system issue.

The whole ny unemployment system is a disaster. I had the same issue last year. What's happening is there's a flag on your account because the system thinks you might have been misclassified as an employee instead of a contractor. The DOL has been cracking down on this since so many gig workers filed during covid. You HAVE to speak to a real person to get this fixed.

Yep, its a technical issue in their system. To get around it try this - log out completely, clear browser cache, wait 30 min, then login again but use the mobile site instead of desktop. For some reason the self employment question doesn't trigger that way for some people. If that doesn't work tho u gotta call 😩

Look, I'm gonna be honest with you as someone who worked in the unemployment office before (not in NY but similar systems). CALL THEM. There is no workaround for this specific issue because it's a flag in their system. The self-employment question is triggering because something in your employer's reporting doesn't match what you entered. Only an agent can override it. Pro tips for getting through: 1. Call right when they open 2. If that fails, try 30 minutes before closing 3. Wednesday is usually the lowest volume day 4. If you're really desperate, use that Claimyr service (claimyr.com) - my sister used it and it worked Once you get someone on the phone, be super clear and concise. Tell them exactly the error message you're seeing. Make sure to mention you were a W-2 employee, not self-employed. They should be able to remove that flag from your account so you can certify normally.

i swear ny unemployment is broken by design so people give up. had similar issue. ended up contacting my state assemblymans office and they fixed it within 2 days. try that route if calling doesnt work.

Did you work anywhere else before your retail job? Even part-time? The system might be picking up on old employment info. My bf had this happen and it was bc he did some freelance work like 2 years before.

double check your W2 from the retail job and make sure the EIN matches what you entered in your initial claim. sometimes the system flags this as a potential self-employment issue if they dont match exactly. had this happen to me and spent weeks trying to fix it.

Why is everyone saying to call when OP already said they tried calling 20 times? 🤦‍♂️ Listen, the call center is literally IMPOSSIBLE to get through to right now. There was a major layoff at NYSDOL call centers last month so wait times are insane. Try these alternatives: 1. Email them through the contact portal (slow but works eventually) 2. Contact your state rep/assemblyperson (they have dedicated DOL contacts) 3. Try that Claimyr thing others mentioned (claimyr.com) - I was skeptical but it worked for me 4. Tweet at NYSDOL (seriously, their social media team sometimes responds faster) I feel your pain, was in the exact position a few months ago 😫

Anyone else notice how these problems always happen rite when rent is due??? Not a coincidence IMO. The system is designed to be frustrating so people give up.

After u get this fixed make sure u go back and claim for all the weeks you missed!! they owe u backpay. theyll try to act like they dont but they do. the agents can release all those payments at once once ur issue is fixed. speaking from experience.

I'm a former unemployment office worker here. The self-employment question is actually a new identity verification measure they rolled out recently. The system is checking if you might be trying to claim benefits for both regular unemployment AND self-employment income (which would be fraud). It's poorly implemented though. You NEED to talk to a claims specialist. Regular call center workers often can't help with this specific issue. When you do get through, ask for a "claims examiner" specifically. They have higher level access. I know calling is a nightmare. Check out claimyr.com if you're desperate - it's a service that waits on hold for you and connects you with an agent. Several people in my former office actually recommended it to people off the record when the wait times were ridiculous.

dont bother calling the main number nobody ever answers. try this secret number instead: *** *** **** [Comment removed by moderator - no posting of unauthorized phone numbers]