Need help with ny unemployment proof for cash work - no W2s

This is tricky. I think the joint tax return might work if it shows any self-employment income. If she has any text messages with her employer discussing work hours/pay that could help too. Bank statements showing cash deposits around work dates might also work. But honestly, she's in a tough spot without official documentation.

After struggling with this EXACT same issue, I finally got through to someone who could actually help. I used claimyr.com which connected me to a live agent without the usual 4+ hour wait. Best thing I've done - talking to the agent directly got my problem resolved. Definitely worth checking out for your cousin: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

If she was doing housekeeping, maybe she has receipts for cleaning supplies she bought? Or possibly the people she worked for could write letters confirming she worked for them, with dates and amounts paid? NY unemployment sometimes accepts signed statements from employers even for cash work.

Been through this with my roomate. The DOL is going after everyone who cant prove eligibility now. The whole system is just designed to make it impossible for gig workers and cash workers to get help. It's all a scam to get people to repay benefits they already spent on surviving 🤬

The honest answer nobody wants to hear: if she didnt report the income on taxes and has zero documentation, she probably shouldn't have claimed unemployment based on that job. The system is designed to verify reported income, not under the table cash work. Not trying to be harsh but that's the reality.

I'm an accountant (not giving official advice), but here's what I'd recommend for your cousin's situation regarding NY unemployment verification: First, gather ANY evidence possible: - Any written communications with employers (texts, emails, notes) - Bank statements showing cash deposits matching work periods - Affidavits from clients she cleaned for (have them notarized if possible) - Calendar entries showing work schedules - Photos of her at workplaces if any exist - Receipts for supplies or transportation costs related to work Second, she needs to speak directly with a DOL representative to explain her situation. Regular phone lines are nearly impossible, but services like claimyr.com can connect you with an agent much faster. Third, be prepared to request a hearing if denied. The hearing officers often have more flexibility than the initial reviewers. Don't give up - many cash workers have successfully navigated this with creative documentation approaches!

My bf went through this whole mess last month. Try looking for anything with dates - even uber receipts to/from work locations. He literally printed out his google maps history showing regular trips to the workplace and they accepted that + a note from his former boss 👍

Tell her not to ignore this!! My sister didn't respond to a similar letter and they hit her with an overpayment notice for $11,200 plus penalties 😱 Even if she doesn't have perfect documentation, she needs to submit something and explain her situation.

i recomend trying to call and explain the situation but good luck getting anyon on the phone lmao 💀 i tried for 2 weeks straght everyday b4 i finally gave up

You're not alone! NY unemployment is sending these notices to thousands of people. There's a class action lawsuit brewing about this whole mess. In the meantime, document EVERYTHING and respond by the deadline even if the documentation isn't perfect.

Check if her phone has any location history from 2020 that might show her at the workplace consistently. Sounds weird but I know someone who used this successfully!

The whole point of emergency unemployment during the pandemic was to help EVERYONE including cash workers. Now they're trying to claw it all back. Absolutely disgusting how NY unemployment is treating people.