Approved UE claim but I need to stop driving for Uber (collect, receive)

[reasons321]

Hello, question????

Was terminated from FT on end of 7-23, appealed and received letter that UE claim is approved (never did the ID verification). I never used the claimed b/c I was doing Uber which pays more than the weekly benefits.

Unfortunately, my car has died and I don't have the money to fix it.
Would I be able to start the UE claim I never used? And do I have to explain to UE why I never claimed?

Thanks

[Rabrrita]

If you have an approved claim, you'll need to reopen that claim and collect off of it until the benefit year ends or the approved monetary amounts runs out, whichever comes first. Now, you may be denied as UBER will likely claim that you quit because you can not meet the requirements (no vehicle) of the job.

[reasons321]

So I will have to tell the UE office I was driving for Uber when I re-open the claim. And even thought I cant afford a new car or to repair the car, it will be considered quitting. WoW..... I cant catch a break

[Rabrrita]

If you are in NJ as your profile indicates, Yes, you will have to tell Unemployment about the UBER work. NJ's settlement with UBER requires they report who worked for them on a ongoing basis. You are not require to tell Unemployment your car broke down. You can simple say the cost of working (gas, maintenance, extra insurance, etc.) made it impossible to earn a living based on the pittance income from driving and thus you are also unable to keeps the vehicle is a safe operating condition. From there, you let UBER tell their story if they tell a story at all.

[reasons321]

Thanks, much appreciated