This is an unusual question - I'm trying to STOP collecting Unemployment. I found freelance work so I've stopped claiming UI. Will Unemployment contact my new employer to verify i'm back at work?

by Mgan
(NYC, NY)

I was collecting unemployment for a few weeks, then found a freelance job. I stopped claiming because I will get paid more at the freelance than collecting UI. And frankly, having to meet their job search requirements is a waste of time - they send me irrelevant jobs, so I'd rather look on my own that I know am qualified and trained to do.

Anyways, right before I found the job, I was called in to attend a mandatory meeting with a DOL Workforce rep, and I'm scheduled to meet her 2 more times with records of my job search. But after the first meeting, I stopped claiming, so technically I have no need to report for the 2nd and 3rd meeting. I was given a sheet to bring to my next meeting, and there's a section that says "If you've returned to work please provide Employer name, address, start date, rate of pay." I'd really prefer not to list the employer name and address because I don't want my new employer knowing I was on UI. Am I legally bound to provide this info? Will they actually contact my employer, and if so, what will they ask them?




Answer me one question. How can you be a freelancer if you have an employer?

All employer's are required to report new hires if the new hire is considered an employee .. vs. an independent, self employed freelancer.

I wouldn't see the need to report that information if you stopped filing when you started freelancing .. but if you need to reopen ... it could pose some kind of problem .. I suppose.