Can we talk about how they're sending these "important notices" but their website STILL crashes every Sunday when everyone tries to certify?? They need to fix their broken system before adding more requirements. Last Sunday I tried for 3 hours to certify and kept getting error messages!! Anyone else dealing with this garbage?

Just to make sure everyone has the complete information, here's what else was in the email that hasn't been mentioned yet: 1. They're launching a new mobile app in June 2025 for certifications and status checks 2. Direct deposit payments will process 1 day faster (48 hours instead of 72) 3. The monetary determination process is being streamlined from 10 days to 5 days for most claims 4. They're adding Saturday call center hours (8am-2pm) starting in May Overall, while there are some stricter requirements, there are also several improvements to the system that should help claims process faster.

The NYSDOL phone system is an absolute nightmare right now. I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through before I finally reached someone. What worked for me was calling at 8:00am sharp, pressing 2 for existing claims, then 1 for payment issues, then 2 again. Don't give up if it says high call volume - sometimes it says that but still puts you in queue if you stay on the line. I finally got through last Friday and they fixed my issue in 5 minutes after weeks of stress. Good luck!!!

Following up on this - if your claim has been pending for 3+ weeks and you've submitted all required documentation, you should definitely try to speak with an agent. The normal processing time is 2-3 weeks currently, so being just outside that window means it might need manual review. When you do get through, ask specifically about any "outstanding issues" on your claim and whether there are any documents or information they're waiting for.

Update: I finally got through on the Tel-Service line and completed my certification! Took about 12 tries but eventually connected. Thanks everyone for your help. For anyone else having trouble, keep trying the phone system at 1-888-581-5812. The website is still giving me the error message.

websites back up now just fyi

I just went thru this last weekend!!! The phone system is totally different - the voice sounds like a younger guy and some of the questions are in a different order. But my payment posted today (Tuesday) just like normal. One thing I did notice was the process took about 2 minutes longer than it used to.

Has anyone else noticed that the website has been extra glitchy lately too? I wonder if they're doing a bunch of updates to everything at once. My friend who certifies online said the website looks different too now.

UPDATE: My payment just came through! So it took exactly 2 business days from when it showed as released. Thanks everyone for your help and for calming my anxiety!

Did anyone else notice that the unemployment website was down yesterday? I tried to check my payment status around 8pm and got an error message. I wonder if maintenance delays can affect payment processing timeframes too??

I tried Claimyr last week for the same issue (stuck in ID verification with effective days showing 0). Finally got through to someone who could help after trying for weeks on my own. The agent told me there was a flag on my account because I had two employers in my base period, and they were waiting on information from my second employer. She was able to override it since they had already waited past the employer response deadline. Got paid all my back weeks 2 days later. Before using the service I was on the verge of taking out a payday loan just to make rent.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes! You guys were right - it was an ID verification issue combined with them waiting for info from my previous employer. The agent was able to see that they had sent a request to my employer who never responded, and since it was past the deadline, she manually approved my claim! She said I should see all my back payments within 3 business days. THANK YOU all for your help - I was seriously about to have a breakdown over this.

I didn't think of checking online! I'll do that right now. Hopefully there's more information there than what was in the letter.

Just checked and there is some additional info! Looks like they found a discrepancy between the unemployment income reported on my W-2G form versus what the department had on record. Mystery solved! Thanks for the suggestion!

ok i just tried that other way too and it worked for me too!! finally got my form after months of trying the wrong way i guess. this system is so confusing!!

Glad to see you got your form! For anyone else reading this thread with the same issue: 1. Try the alternate path through NY.gov ID → Unemployment Services → Get Your NYS 1099-G 2. Try early morning or late night when server traffic is lower 3. If those don't work, file an extension (Form 4868) by April 18, 2025 4. You can also request the form via the automated phone system 5. If all else fails, estimating from bank statements and amending later is an option Hope this helps future tax filers!

One more thing to try - if you have any documentation from when you were receiving benefits (like payment confirmations or emails), those usually show your YTD (year to date) payment amounts. Might be worth checking old emails if you haven't deleted them.

UPDATE: I managed to get through! Used the Claimyr service and got connected with an agent in about 20 minutes. They verified my identity and gave me my total benefits for the year. They also helped me update my email address which is why I wasn't getting the reset emails. Finally got back into my account too. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Does anyone know if its different if you go to CANADA instead of another state?? I'm planning a trip to Toronto next month and now I'm worried!!!!

I'm back from my trip and everything worked out fine! I certified while in California on Sunday, answered 'no' to the residence question since I wasn't relocating, and my payment was deposited as normal today. Thanks everyone for the help!