Part-time job while on NY unemployment - how do I answer the 'return to work' question?

I went through this last year. You answer YES to the return to work question. Then they'll ask how many days you worked and how much you earned. Report honestly. If you make under a certain amount, you'll get partial benefits. Just don't ever lie or they'll come after you later for overpayment.

After dealing with their impossible phone system for weeks, I finally got through using a service called Claimyr.com. They called and waited on hold, then connected me to an agent when they picked up. Talking to a real person cleared up all my certification questions and got my benefits moving again. Best decision ever after wasting days trying to get through myself. https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I work part time and I answer YES to the return to work question every week. Then I report the days I worked (even partial days count as full days) and my earnings before taxes. If you work 4 or more days OR earn more than $504 in a week, you get no benefits for that week. Otherwise you get partial benefits.

I think the wording of that question is confusing AF. Like, I already "returned to work" weeks ago when I started my part-time gig. But I still have to answer YES every damn week. NY unemployment system is designed to trip people up I swear 😤

Rule of thumb - if you worked AT ALL during the week you're certifying for, answer YES to return to work. Then report your days (count ANY day you worked even 1 hour as a full day) and gross earnings. Keep detailed records of hours/days/pay in case they ask for proof later.

PSA: If you get a part-time job, SAVE YOUR MONEY!! I learned the hard way that NY unemployment system is always backlogged with reviewing part-time work. They'll keep paying you for weeks then suddenly decide to "review" your case and stop all payments for months while they do it. Happened to me twice now.

When you say YES to returning to work, make sure you CAREFULLY count the number of days. NY has the weirdest system - even if you work just 1 hour in a day, that counts as a FULL DAY for unemployment purposes. This trips up so many people!

Actually there's an important thing most people don't know. If you get a part-time job, you NEED to call and tell them, not just report it on your weekly certification. Otherwise they might flag your account for fraud review when they notice the change. The whole system is a gotcha game.

Here's what you need to know about part-time work while on unemployment in NY (from someone who's been dealing with this for 7 months): - Answer YES to "did you return to work" EVERY WEEK you do any work - Count days worked - even 1 hour in a day = 1 full day - Report GROSS wages (before taxes/deductions) - You can work up to 3 days AND earn up to $504 per week and still get partial benefits - If you work 4+ days OR earn over $504, you get zero benefits that week but your claim stays open - Keep DETAILED records of all work and pay - they may audit you later - If your case gets flagged for review, try claimyr.com to get through to an agent quickly - it's the only way I finally got my case resolved when they suddenly stopped my payments The system is designed to be confusing, but if you follow these rules you'll be OK. Most important is to never lie or underreport - the penalties are serious. Good luck with your part-time job! Hope you find something full-time soon.

Its so messed up that 1 hour of work = a full day in NY. In California u report actual hours. NY system is straight trash 🗑

whatever u do DON'T LIE about your hours or pay. my roommate did that thinking they wouldn't notice and now he owes $7k back + penalties and they're talking about possible fraud charges. not worth it!!

Has anyone noticed if you start working part-time they suddenly put your account under review? Happened to me and 2 friends. Almost like they're hoping you'll get frustrated and stop claiming. Took me 3 months to get it sorted.

Good luck finding someone to help if they mess up your claim. Been trying to get through for WEEKS since I started my part-time job. The phone system is a joke.

When you start working part time, your first payment might be delayed. This is normal (annoying but normal). They often put your claim on hold for "review" when your status changes. Keep certifying every week even if payments pause.