It really depends on the state. In CA, they don't much care about the 1099 work as being selfemployed. That state seems to realize that that is just the way things are coming to.
NY on the other hand, is a real stickler. Even the slightest whiff that you are joining the ranks of the self-employed, and they want to shut off your benefits. However that state does offer a selfemployment assistence program, and to do what you want to do there, you have to be in that program.
I don't have a clue what GA's stance on the matter is, so if you want to play it safe don't do it. If the person is truly a close friend, then they should put you on the payroll when they have a solid week's worth of work, pay you like you are an employee, and layoff when the week of work is over, and not try to game the system. Then you can reopen open your claim in your off weeks, and at the same time be building wage credits for a subsequent UI claim if it comes to that.

