I'm in a similar boat - just started collecting unemployment last week and have been stressing about my small tutoring side business. Reading through these responses is super reassuring! One thing I learned from my caseworker is that you also need to keep good records of your freelance income in case they ever audit your claim. I've been tracking everything in a simple spreadsheet with dates, client names, and amounts earned. Also wanted to add that the $504 threshold Hannah mentioned can change year to year, so it's worth double-checking the current amount on the NYS DOL website when you file your weekly claims.

Great thread everyone! Just wanted to add that when you're reporting your freelance income on the weekly claims, make sure you report it for the week you actually EARNED it, not when you got paid. So if you completed a project on Tuesday but didn't get paid until the following week, you report that income for the week you did the work. This tripped me up initially because I was reporting based on when payments hit my bank account. Also, if you have any business expenses related to your freelance work (like software subscriptions, supplies, etc.), you can usually deduct those from your reported income - but definitely verify this with NYS DOL since rules can be specific about what qualifies as legitimate business expenses.

UPDATE: I finally got it working! After trying literally everything suggested here, what ended up working was using my phone but turning OFF wifi and using cellular data instead. For some reason that made the CAPTCHA appear! I was able to certify for this week. Thank you all for your help and suggestions. If anyone else runs into this problem, try connecting through your cellular network instead of wifi!

Wow, what a journey this thread has been! I'm so glad you finally got it working @Yara - the cellular data trick is brilliant and makes total sense given what @Amina explained about IP address issues. I'm bookmarking this thread because I have a feeling this CAPTCHA problem is going to keep happening to people until NYSDOL properly fixes their system. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions and workarounds here - this is exactly the kind of community help that makes a difference when dealing with government tech issues!

Just wanted to add that even if EB isn't available, you might want to look into other programs. Sometimes there are state-specific assistance programs or you might be eligible to file a new claim if you worked enough since your original claim started. The job search requirements stay the same though - you still need to do your three job contacts per week.

Same boat here! Mine runs out next month and I'm terrified. This whole process is so stressful when you're already worried about finding work.

wait so if extended benefits arent available you just get nothing?? that seems really unfair, people are still unemployed even if the state's unemployment rate goes down. this whole system is backwards

You might also want to check if you qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or any other federal programs, though most of those have ended. Another option is to look into job training programs through the NYS Department of Labor - some of them provide stipends while you're learning new skills. The One-Stop Career Centers can help connect you with these resources. Also consider gig work or part-time employment to bridge the gap - you can sometimes still collect partial unemployment benefits if your earnings are low enough. It's tough but there are usually some options even when regular benefits run out.

I just went through this exact same situation in February and wanted to share what worked for me. After my UI benefits exhausted, I was panicking about rent too. Here's what helped me get through: 1. Applied for emergency rental assistance through my county's DSS office - got approved for 3 months of rent within 2 weeks 2. Started doing Uber Eats immediately while job hunting - not amazing money but helped with groceries and gas 3. Got connected to a local food pantry through 211 - saved me probably $200/week on groceries 4. Applied for LIHEAP (energy assistance) which covered my electric bill for several months The key thing is to apply for EVERYTHING at once, don't wait. Most assistance programs understand that people exhaust UI benefits and they're set up to help bridge that gap. Also, temp agencies can be surprisingly helpful right now - I got a 3-week assignment that turned into a permanent offer. I know it feels overwhelming but you're taking all the right steps by reaching out here and exploring options. The job market is tough but there are more safety nets available than most people realize. You've got this! 🙏

I'm new to this community but going through something similar - my benefits just ran out last week and I'm honestly terrified. Reading through everyone's responses here has been so helpful though! I had no idea about programs like 211, mutual aid groups, or that libraries have job search resources. One thing I wanted to add that helped me this week was reaching out to local churches and community centers, even if you're not religious. Many have emergency assistance funds or know about resources that aren't well advertised. The community center near me connected me with a local nonprofit that helps with utilities and groceries while people are between jobs. Also, @Luis Johnson - you mentioned documenting your job search, which is smart. I've been using a simple Google Doc to track applications, but I just learned that some workforce development programs give you points or priority for having detailed records of your search efforts. Might be worth organizing everything you've already done in case opportunities come up later. This thread has given me so much hope and practical steps to take. Thank you everyone for being so generous with your advice and experiences! 💙