Can I accept 1099 work while on PA UC and still file a new claim when benefit year expires?

This is actually a common situation with PA UC. Here's what you need to understand: When your benefit year ends and you file a new claim, they look at whether you've earned at least 6x your weekly benefit amount in covered employment (W-2 work, not 1099) since your last claim started. If not, they'll likely deny the new claim. But, since your February layoff was from W-2 employment, that should already satisfy the requirement IF you earned enough during that job. The 1099 work shouldn't disqualify you from a new claim based on that February W-2 work. When you file the new claim, be very clear that you're filing based on the February W-2 employment loss, not your 1099 work. The examiner needs to understand you're filing based on that W-2 job loss.

DONT DO IT!!!! I was in almost the exact situation last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!!! I had a regular claim, took 1099 work thinking I could just report earnings, and then when my benifit year ended they DENIED my new claim saying I was "self-employed" and not eligable!!! Took me THREE MONTHS of appeals and hearings to finally get it sorted out. The PA UC system is BROKEN and they will use ANY excuse to deny claims!!

this happened 2 me last year but opposite... i turned DOWN the 1099 work cuz i was afraid of losing benefits but then my claim year ended and i had no job offers at all. wish i had taken the contract work when i had the chance! so maybe theres risk either way

Taking 1099 work while on UC is totally fine as long as you report your earnings each week. For your new claim question, what matters is if you had enough W-2 earnings in your base year for the new claim (which would be Jan-Dec 2024 if you file in June 2025). You mentioned being laid off from a W-2 job in February 2025, which unfortunately falls outside that base period. Did you have other W-2 work during 2024 that would qualify? Regardless, the 1099 work itself won't automatically disqualify you. What matters is if you're still able and available for full-time work while doing the 1099 gigs. If it's something you can adjust or quit if a full-time job comes along, you should be okay.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at unemployment to get a clear answer, I had a similar situation and used a service called Claimyr to get through to an actual PA UC rep almost immediately. The rep gave me specific answers about my situation that made my decision much easier. Check out their demo video (https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2) and website at claimyr.com - it saved me days of frustration trying to get clear answers about my 1099 work while on unemployment.

Not to confuse things but don't u need to look for full time work while ur on UC anyway? So u should probably be applying for jobs regardless. The 1099 might help u in meantime. Just report any $ u make each week. That's what I do with my side gig.

I think you have enough information now to make a decision. Based on what you've shared about your work history: 1. You have sufficient W-2 earnings in your base period (Jan-Dec 2024) 2. You were laid off from W-2 employment in February 2025 3. The 1099 work is flexible and you can still search for full-time work Taking the 1099 position shouldn't negatively impact your ability to file a new claim in June. Just make sure you: - Report all earnings accurately each week - Continue your work search activities and documentation - Keep records of everything related to both your W-2 layoff and 1099 work - When filing your new claim, clearly indicate you're filing based on your February 2025 W-2 job separation If you run into problems with the new claim, request a determination interview where you can explain your situation in detail.