8 weeks of NY unemployment backpay missing since February - can't reach anyone

I was in a similar situation last month with 6 weeks of backpay. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an agent. I was skeptical at first, but after weeks of failed attempts, I gave it a try and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. The agent was able to see that my backpay was held up because of an identity verification flag that nobody told me about. After that call, I got all my payments within 3 days. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

the NYSDOL backpay system is a COMPLETE DISASTER!! i've been waiting since january for mine... called like 60+ times, nothing. its disgusting how they treat ppl who are struggling. not surprising tho, gov agencies never care about regular people

Have you tried the callback request form on the NY DOL website? It's under the "Contact Us" section. I had success with that after about 4 days of waiting for a callback. Make sure to specifically say it's regarding backpay in the comment section. Also, try reaching out to your state assembly member's office - they sometimes have dedicated staff for unemployment issues and direct channels to DOL representatives.

Try calling exactly at 8:30am. I got through after trying for weeks by calling at exactly that time. Also, don't press any options when the automated system starts - just stay silent and it will eventually transfer you to a person (at least that worked for me last week). Good luck!

i got thru last week by calling the spanish line and then asking for english lol

I was struggling with 10 weeks of backpay issues in March, and after getting nowhere through regular channels, I finally tried that Claimyr service mentioned above. Connected to an actual agent in about 30 minutes. Found out there was a flag on my account because my former employer contested something. The agent removed the hold right there on the phone. Got my backpay direct deposited within a week. Best decision I made after wasting months trying to get through on my own.

The issue you're experiencing is likely related to the new verification protocol implemented in January 2025. When there's backpay pending for more than 4 weeks, the system automatically flags it for manual review to prevent fraud. Unfortunately, these reviews aren't prioritized unless you speak with an agent directly. Here are some specific steps that could help in your situation: 1. Document exactly which weeks you're missing (dates) 2. Check if your 1099-G statement shows those weeks as paid (they might appear there even if you didn't receive payment) 3. Make sure your direct deposit information hasn't changed 4. Request your payment history through your online account 5. If you reach an agent, ask specifically about "Backpay Manual Review Status" - this is the internal term they use The system backlog is currently about 11-14 weeks for uncontested backpay claims, unless you can speak directly with an agent who can expedite it.

My cousin works for NYSDOL (not in unemployment though) and she said they're extremely understaffed right now. Apparently they lost like 30% of their call center staff since January and haven't replaced them. Not making excuses for them, just explaining why it's so hard to get through. The backpay requests are all going into a giant queue that's barely being processed.

Just wanted to update - I finally got my backpay issue resolved this morning! After seeing the suggestions here, I tried several approaches: 1. Called the Spanish line - got through but they just transferred me to the English queue where I waited 2 hours before being disconnected 2. Contacted my assembly member - they took my info but said it could be 2-3 weeks before they can help 3. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) - got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes The agent found that my backpay was held because of a "verification inconsistency" between my application and my employer's quarterly report. They fixed it on the spot, and said I should receive all payments within 3-5 business days. She also gave me a direct reference number for the case. Hope this helps anyone else in a similar situation!