NJ commissions earned last year but paid this year 1099, while collecting UI benefits (collect, receive)

[Contri]

Hello,
I am in New Jersey and recently collecting unemployment. I'm looking for jobs while still doing my hobby (no schedules that prevent me from working or looking). My hobby is being a travel agent for groups. I have a few groups which I sold their vacation last year, but they will travel this year which means that I will get paid after their travel AND while I am collecting. Certainly the monies received might be greater than 20% or 30% of my weekly UI benefit and this might disqualify me for the week in which benefits are being claimed. I am confused because the NJ benefits website discloses that you should report the week you earned not the week when you were paid, therefore I really get concerned here because this is a 100% commission based on a sale from last year but because the group travels this year I will get paid this year AND while collecting, it sounds tricky!.
Do I have to report those commissions? This will be a 1099 year end. I am afraid to be red flagged by the UI system by telling them I am earning this commission (thats it's not consistent), but it's a pretty decent commission when I receive it. I mean "red flagged" like they opening my case and investigating me Because Sales are like that, you might don't earn for months and when you do then you do well. As many people think...I would prefer not to report it, but I certainly want to be smart and avoid any audits/issues (i think they can audit 52 weeks after your last check). I know people get away with it (even under W-2).
Also, I might consider to start my own business doing this, will they assist me with the benefit while I try my own business in case I don't find a job? I miss my paycheck (salary) but trying my own business might be an option so I would take self employment assistance program (if any). Any help/insight and guidance is appreciated. Thank you!!

[Chyvan]

Originally Posted by Contri

I am confused because the NJ benefits website discloses that you should report the week you earned not the week when you were paid

You need to retell your story. UI is about when you do the work. If you did the work 5 years ago, and got paid tomorrow, you should have reported the work 5 years ago and the wages you anticipated receiving, not after you are paid.

WHEN did you book the trip?

Were you collecting UI?

If yes, then you already screwed up.

Do NOT do this type of work on UI. You're just asking for trouble.

[Contri]

Hi Chyvan, Thanks for your message! No i did not collect when I booked the trip! I would earn the commission in the near future when I will be collecting. I don't really live of this, I can't! It's been a hobby extra income.

[Chyvan]

Then you don't report the income.

Then do your hobby when you have a real job, not during a stint on UI.

The last thing you want is to go through an "able and available," "self employment," or "multiple separation" determinations.