


Ask the community...
Did you get the targeted EIDL advance email or is this for a different SBA program? Just wanted to clarify because different programs might have slightly different requirements.
Perfect, then the advice everyone has given is correct. For the EIDL program, they want your actual business revenue. Unemployment compensation is not counted as business revenue. Since you only had Uber/Lyft income in 2019, you'll report that amount for 2019 and zeros for 2020/2021 when you were on unemployment. Make sure you keep documentation of your 2019 income (Schedule C, 1099s, etc.) handy as they may request verification.
Thank you all so much for your help! Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to: 1. Report only my 2019 Uber/Lyft income from my Schedule C 2. Put zeros for 2020/2021 since I only had unemployment those years 3. Have my documentation ready in case they ask for verification I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge - this has been super helpful!
UPDATE: I finally spoke with someone at NYSDOL! Used that Claimyr service and got through in about 25 minutes. Turns out I did hit my maximum benefit amount, but the agent helped me apply for extended benefits and walked me through the 599 program application since I'm interested in a coding bootcamp. She also pointed me to rental assistance resources. Such a relief to finally talk to someone who could help! If anyone else is stuck trying to reach NYSDOL, seriously consider using Claimyr - worth every penny for the stress it saved me.
They said 599 approval typically takes 3-5 weeks, but can be longer if they need additional information. Unfortunately, I won't receive any benefits while waiting for approval, which is tough. But the agent did help me apply for emergency rental assistance to cover next month while I sort everything out. She recommended applying for SNAP benefits too, which I'm doing today.
I've been on disability for 3 years now. Just wanted to say don't get discouraged if you get denied at first. Almost everyone does. That's just how the system works unfortunately.
No lawyer for the initial application, but I did get one for the appeal. They only take payment if you win (from your backpay), so it didn't cost anything upfront.
This is good advice. Statistics show approval rates increase significantly with legal representation during appeals. Most disability attorneys work on contingency as mentioned - typically taking about 25% of backpay with a cap around $7,000. For a complicated case with a year-long disability already, it's often worth considering legal help even for the initial application.
my claim was stuck forever too and i finally found out it was because my former employer contested it? but nobody told me until i finally got through. make sure you have your employment records handy when you finally reach someone. and maybe check if theres anything weird with your previous job that might be holding things up?
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I tried that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and I was honestly shocked when it actually connected me with a rep in about 15 minutes. Turns out there was an issue with my identity verification that nobody had bothered to tell me about. The agent was able to fix it right on the call, and she said my claim should be processed within 2-3 business days with all backpay included. Such a relief after 10 weeks of stress! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Omar Fawzi
my cousin works for nys unemployment and she says theres a huge backlog right now because they switched computer systems in january and tons of claims are stuck in limbo. shes working overtime every weekend trying to fix the mess. not saying its right but thats why everythings so messed up right now
0 coins
Zara Malik
•OF COURSE they'd implement a new system with ZERO planning or training! This is exactly how government agencies operate - they don't care who gets hurt when they mess up their "upgrades." Meanwhile people are losing their homes and cars waiting for benefits they EARNED and are ENTITLED to!!
0 coins
Luca Greco
hang in there! I went thru something similar last year and it was sooo stressful but it did eventually work out. sending positive vibes your way!
0 coins