Opinion
September 23, 1993
Appeal from the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board.
In May 1989 claimant's wife and her cousins formed a corporation for the purpose of engaging in the business of recharging printer cartridges. Claimant and his wife testified that he had nothing to do with the enterprise until he stopped receiving unemployment insurance benefits in early September 1989. Claimant's wife testified, however, that the business was started with claimant in mind because he had lost his job. She also testified that, during the period in question, claimant would assist her in various business matters when she needed help. Claimant not only expended money on behalf of the corporation during the period he was receiving benefits, but he had the authority to and did in fact sign several checks for the corporation during the summer months. Given these activities, the conclusion reached by the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board that claimant was not totally unemployed is supported by substantial evidence (see, Matter of Gonyo [Roberts], 124 A.D.2d 884; Matter of Smalt [Ross], 82 A.D.2d 958). The unemployment insurance benefits he received were, accordingly, properly held recoverable (see, Labor Law § 597). Claimant's remaining contentions have been examined and found to be lacking in merit.
Mikoll, J.P., Yesawich Jr., Crew III and Casey, JJ., concur. Ordered that the decision is affirmed, without costs.