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I'm completely stuck with this ID.me mess on my NY unemployment account! I created an ID.me account last week to verify my identity for unemployment benefits, but now I can't login to my NYSDOL account at all. Every time I try using my regular username and password, it redirects me to ID.me verification again, then gets stuck in some weird loop. I've tried resetting my password THREE times but nothing works. The worst part is there's literally no phone number to contact ID.me directly about this issue! I'm missing my weekly certifications and freaking out about losing benefits. Has anyone figured out how to fix this ID.me nightmare or found a way to contact an actual human at NYSDOL who can help? I'm desperate here...
I had something kinda like this happen back in January. My payment jumped up by around $200. Turned out they had recalculated my base period wages and I qualified for more than they initially thought. I got a letter about it a week later. Maybe check your mail?
That gives me some hope! I'll keep checking my mail. Nothing has come yet but maybe it's on the way.
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Just to follow up - were you able to get an answer about this? If it was indeed a recalculation of your benefit amount, you should have received a Monetary Determination Notice (T402) showing the updated calculation. This would explain the increase and confirm whether it's permanent going forward.
That's great news! Glad it worked out and you can actually use the money!
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nice! more money is always good lol
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I called this morning using that Claimyr service I mentioned and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed there's a system-wide delay affecting direct deposits right now. She said they're working on resolving it and most payments should be processed by early next week. She also mentioned they can expedite payments in hardship situations - you need to specifically ask about the "emergency payment process" when you speak to an agent.
This is incredibly helpful info! I'm going to try calling tomorrow and specifically ask about the emergency payment process. Thank you so much for sharing what you learned!
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my payment finally came thru this morning! took exactly 9 days like the other person said. check ur account it might be there
Just checked and YES! Mine finally came through too! Such a relief. Thanks everyone for all your help and advice through this stressful situation!
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Did you try emailing them? I've had success with uiclaimadjudication@labor.ny.gov for document issues in the past. Include your full name, NY phone number, last 4 of SSN, and explain your situation clearly. They usually respond within 5-7 days.
That email address has been changed. The current one for claim issues is correctionrequest@labor.ny.gov, and for document submission specifically it's documents@labor.ny.gov as I mentioned in my previous comment.
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Thanks for the correction! The system changes so often it's hard to keep track of the current contacts.
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update????? did u get thru?? im having similar probs with them losing my stuff
Quick update - I used the Spanish option trick that someone suggested here and actually got through yesterday! Waited about 25 minutes instead of hours. They confirmed they received my fax but said I was missing one form (even though I sent it!). The agent was able to note in my account that I'm overseas temporarily and gave me a direct fax number to send the missing form. So if you're still having trouble, definitely try the Spanish option!
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Update for everyone following this thread: For situations like this with short-term out-of-state employment (under 6 weeks), you need to request a "Non-Qualifying Employment Exclusion" from NYSDOL. This requires: 1. Proof of the short duration (termination letter with dates) 2. Evidence you've returned to NY (lease, utility bill, etc.) 3. Form UI-BK-28 (Interstate Wage Exclusion Request) Once processed, they can reinstate your original NY claim as if the out-of-state employment never happened. But you must speak to a Combined Wage Claims specialist at NYSDOL, not a regular claims agent.
Thank you so much for this detailed information! I got through to someone today using that Claimyr service and they're processing my exclusion request now. The agent confirmed everything you said and told me I should see my claim reactivated within 10 business days. Such a relief!
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My cousin works for unemployment and says they've been swamped with these exact cases since so many people are doing gig work and temp jobs in different states. The system wasn't designed for how people actually work these days.
That makes sense. Did your cousin mention if there's any plans to fix the system to handle these situations better?
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She said they're supposed to get a new system in 2026 that handles multi-state work better but who knows if that'll actually happen lol. Government tech projects always run late.
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Just wanted to update - my claim was approved! Looks like sending both the photo and scan wasn't an issue at all. Thanks everyone for helping calm my nerves!
Great news! Glad it worked out for you. Hope your payments start flowing without any further issues.
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nice 👍
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Quick question to piggyback on this thread - do they accept digital W2s from tax prep services? I don't have a paper copy of mine anymore...
Yes, NYSDOL accepts digital W2s from tax services like TurboTax, H&R Block, etc. Just make sure all the information is clearly visible and includes your employer's EIN, your SSN, and wage information. A PDF or clear screenshot of the digital W2 is perfectly acceptable.
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My boyfriend had to send in bank statements showing the PayPal deposits too. They wanted to see the money actually going into his account not just PayPal receipts. Just something else to consider.
Thanks for mentioning this! I can definitely include my bank statements too. I'll gather everything - PayPal reports, invoices, bank statements, and tax returns with Schedule C. Sounds like more documentation is better than not enough.
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As a follow-up - I spoke with a NYSDOL agent recently about this exact issue. For self-employment in 2025, they're specifically looking for: 1) Tax returns with Schedule C from previous year, 2) Any 1099s you have, 3) Organized payment records (PayPal/bank/etc.) showing consistent work, and 4) Client invoices or contracts. The more of these you can provide, the better your chances of approval without delays. They understand not everyone has the same documentation, especially freelancers.
This is incredibly helpful! I'm going to put together a complete package with all these documents. Really appreciate everyone's advice here - feeling much more confident about my application now.
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As a follow-up to my earlier comment, I'd suggest keeping detailed records of all your communications with NYSDOL. Note the date and time of any calls, the name of representatives you speak with, and summaries of what was discussed. This documentation can be invaluable if there are any disputes or delays with your claim. Also, make copies of everything you submit as proof of income.
I'll definitely start keeping better records. So far I've just been submitting things through the online portal without much follow-up. Sounds like I might need to be more proactive.
am i the only one who thinks it's RIDICULOUS they demand all this paperwork years later?? like we already qualified once! why are they making us prove everything again?? the whole system is designed to be impossible to navigate so they can deny people!
fr its just a way to not pay ppl
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Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm feeling much less panicked now. I've collected my bank statements showing the deposits, found some old work emails in my archive, and I reached out to my former supervisor who agreed to write a statement. I'm also requesting my tax transcript from the IRS today. Will try calling DOL tomorrow to explain my situation and see if they can add notes to my file. I'll update once I hear back from them.
Good luck! That sounds like plenty of documentation. Remember to be super persistent with calling - early morning (right when they open) is usually the best time to get through.
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Is anyone else having trouble getting into the NY unemployment website this morning? I've been trying to log in since 7am to certify my weekly benefits but keep getting a blank screen after entering my NY.gov ID. Tried on both Chrome and Edge browsers, even restarted my computer. The site shows the login page fine but just hangs after I enter my password. Really need to certify today - I'm already a day late and worried about missing my payment. Anyone know if there's system maintenance or something going on?
works for me now fyi
Still not working on my end. This is ridiculous!!
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Just want to give everyone a heads up - when this happened back in February, some people who certified by phone had their payments delayed by 2-3 days. It's not a big deal but just so you're not surprised if it doesn't hit your account on the usual day.
Good to know, thanks! At this point I'm just glad to have certified at all.
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Anastasia Sokolov
did u try making a whole new id.me account? my cousin had to do that
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Sean O'Connor
Creating a new ID.me account when one is already linked to your SSN can actually cause more problems and verification flags. It's better to fix the existing account connection.
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ShadowHunter
UPDATE: I finally got it fixed!! The cookie deletion method helped but didn't completely solve it. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above to get through to a real person at NYSDOL. Got a callback within an hour and the agent knew exactly what the problem was. Apparently my ID.me verification was stuck in some kind of pending status on their end even though it showed completed on mine. They did a manual override and had me log in while still on the phone with them. Everything works now! Most importantly, the agent was able to let me backdate my certifications for the weeks I missed, so I won't lose any benefits. Such a relief after almost two weeks of stress!
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Diego Ramirez
Great news! Glad you got it resolved. For anyone else with this issue, it seems like the fastest solution is getting through to an actual agent who can do the manual override on their end.
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Luca Conti
SHOCKING that the only way to fix their broken system is to talk to a human...who they make nearly impossible to reach!! But glad you got it fixed!
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