Started new job (only 1 hour so far) - how to report this on ny unemployment claim?

You should report the 1 hour of work and the amount you earned, but select NO for returned to work since you havent actually started the job yet. Only paperwork doesnt count as starting work.

I was in the same situation last month. Struggled to reach someone at ny unemployment to get a straight answer. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in about 20 minutes. They confirmed I should report the hours worked but mark 'no' on returned to work until I started my regular schedule. Best money I've spent to get my question answered quickly! Check out their youtube too https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Here's how it works: if you report that 1 hour, put the actual money earned. Then answer NO to returned to work. When you start your regular hours next week, THEN you answer YES to returned to work. I've done this several times with seasonal work.

Its confusing but you are only considering 'returned to work' when you start your regular scheduled hours. Today was just onboarding/orientation which is different. Report the 1 hour and whatever you got paid but don't say you returned to work yet.

The ny unemployment system is so freaking confusing. I went through this EXACT thing and ended up accidentally saying I returned to work. Had to call them to fix it and waited on hold for 3 hours. 😩 Definitely say NO until you actually start your regular schedule.

Definitely just report the 1 hour and earnings but say NO to returned to work. The question is basically asking if you're fully employed now. You're not - you just did some paperwork. Next week when you start for real, then you answer YES to that question.

You're overthinking this fam. Just say No to returned to work but accurately report the 1 hour. When you actually start next week then you say Yes to returned to work. That's it.

The EXACT same thing happened to me literally last month! I was so worried about messing up my claim that I called unemployment (took forever to get someone). They told me to report the hour worked but select NO for returned to work until I actually started my regular schedule. Once I started my actual job responsibilities, then I selected YES on returned to work the next time I certified.

I'm going to go against what everyone else is saying - I had a similar situation and was told by an unemployment agent that ANY paid work counts as 'returned to work' even if it's just orientation. But that was back in 2021 so maybe the rules have changed?

I've worked for ny unemployment (contract position). Here's the official answer: Paperwork/orientation is reportable work (report the hour/earnings) but does NOT count as 'returned to work' - that question is asking if you've returned to REGULAR employment. Say NO until you start your actual job duties on a regular schedule.

Here's what I learned after dealing with NY unemployment for 18 months during the pandemic: 1. Always report ANY paid hours, no matter how small. Report the exact amount earned. 2. Only answer YES to 'returned to work' when you've actually started regular employment. 3. Paperwork and orientation don't count as 'returned to work' - you're not actually doing your job yet. 4. Document everything! Take screenshots of your certification every week. 5. If you're really concerned, call them directly. Use claimyr.com to avoid the endless hold times - it calls for you and connects when there's a real person. The system is designed to be confusing, but don't stress. Just be honest about the 1 hour, say NO to returned to work, and you'll be fine. When you start your actual job schedule next week, then answer YES.

Am I the only one who thinks the unemployment system is deliberately confusing so people make mistakes and they can deny benefits? lmao

IMPORTANT INFO: 'Return to work' is a specific term in the unemployment system that means you are now regularly employed. One hour of orientation/paperwork is NOT considered 'returned to work' - you should report the hour and earnings but answer NO to that question until you begin your regular work schedule.

just went thru this! report the 1 hour but NO to returned to work. when u start for real next week THEN put YES to returned to work. also congrats on the new job!! 🎉