btw i use freetaxusa instead of turbotax and it automatically knows the ein for unemployment in each state. saves time and its cheaper too

Just wanted to follow up and say HUGE thanks to everyone who helped! I was able to complete my tax filing using the EIN number 11-2868823 that several of you provided. TurboTax accepted it without any issues and my return has already been submitted. For anyone else running into this same problem - definitely check if your 1099-G form has the EIN in box 9 first, but if it's missing like mine was, you can safely use 11-2868823 for NY unemployment benefits. This community is a lifesaver! I was so stressed about missing the tax deadline but you all came through with the exact info I needed. Really appreciate how helpful everyone has been here.

I can really relate to this anxiety - I went through something very similar about two years ago when I suddenly started worrying about my 2020 unemployment claim. The sleepless nights and constant worry were honestly exhausting. What helped me was realizing that the vast majority of reporting errors during that chaotic period were genuine mistakes, not fraud. The system was overwhelmed, the guidance wasn't always clear, and so many of us were navigating unemployment for the first time while dealing with job loss stress. From what I learned during my research spiral, NYS Department of Labor typically focuses their audit resources on cases with clear patterns of fraud or significant red flags, not isolated confusion about reporting requirements. The fact that you're worried about this and recognize you may have made honest mistakes actually demonstrates the good faith intent that matters so much in how these situations are evaluated. I know it's easier said than done, but try to remember that you were doing your best with the information and understanding you had at the time. That counts for something, even if the reporting wasn't perfect. The anxiety about old claims is real and valid, but don't let it rob you of peace in the present when there may be nothing to actually worry about.

I completely understand your anxiety about this - the uncertainty around old unemployment claims can really consume your thoughts. What I've noticed from reading through these responses is how common your situation actually is. The confusion about reporting part-time earnings, especially the gross vs net question, affected so many people during that period. From my understanding of how these audits typically work, they usually prioritize cases with obvious red flags or patterns suggesting intentional fraud. The fact that you're genuinely concerned about having made honest mistakes actually works in your favor - it demonstrates the good faith effort that matters when they evaluate these situations. While the technical timeframes allow them to go back several years, practically speaking, most audits I've seen discussed happen much closer to when benefits were received. The longer it's been without contact, the less likely it becomes that they'll revisit your case, especially if there weren't any glaring issues at the time. If it helps ease your mind, you could try gathering whatever documentation you still have from that period - pay stubs, bank statements, any correspondence. Even incomplete records can show you were trying to comply with the requirements. But honestly, the anxiety about "what might happen" is often much worse than any actual outcome, particularly when your intentions were honest from the start.

Just wanted to add that you should register ASAP because some people have had their claims held up for not completing the work registration requirement on time. Better safe than sorry with NYS Department of Labor - they're pretty strict about following all the rules.

I went through this process a few months ago and want to add that the work registration on jobs.labor.ny.gov also requires you to upload a resume. Make sure your resume is in a common format like PDF or Word doc - I had issues with other formats being rejected. Also, once you're registered, you can actually use job applications through their portal as part of your required 3 weekly job search activities, so it does serve a dual purpose. The key is doing it within that first week like Rachel mentioned - NYS Department of Labor is really strict about the timeline.

I just went through this process with my 17-year-old nephew last year when he lost his job at a local retail store. One thing I'd recommend is calling the restaurant where your daughter worked to confirm they properly reported all her wages and tips to the state - sometimes smaller restaurants can be inconsistent with their reporting. Also, when she files online, have her Social Security card, work permit (if she had one), and at least 3 months of recent pay stubs ready before starting the application. The system will ask for specific employer details like the restaurant's federal ID number, so you might want to call them for that info too. The whole process took about 2 weeks from application to first payment for my nephew, and he was able to collect benefits while still attending school full-time. Just make sure she's prepared to actively job hunt and document her search efforts - that's the part they really scrutinize!

My 16-year-old just went through this exact process last month after getting laid off from a local pizza place. The application itself is pretty straightforward, but I'd suggest gathering all her documents first - pay stubs, Social Security card, and any work permits. One thing that really helped us was creating an email dedicated just for her unemployment correspondence since they send a lot of updates and requests for information. Also, don't stress too much about the wage credit calculation - the system automatically figures that out based on what employers reported. The hardest part was honestly just getting her motivated to do the required job searches each week, but once she got into a routine it became second nature. The benefits weren't huge given her part-time hours, but it definitely helped cover some of her expenses while she found her next job. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions about the process!

This thread has been a lifesaver! I've been dealing with the exact same issue - my NY unemployment benefits stopped coming in February and I've been stuck with a "pending review" status for over 6 weeks now. Like so many others here, I've tried calling the main line dozens of times with no luck. After reading through all these experiences, I'm amazed at how widespread this problem is, especially for February 2025 claims. It's both validating and infuriating to know I'm not alone in this mess. The technical support line tip (888-209-8124, press 1 then 6) that Yuki shared and the 8:00 AM sharp timing strategy from Amelia are exactly what I needed. Lucas's success story gives me real hope that this might actually work. I'm going to set multiple alarms tomorrow morning and try that technical support line right at 8 AM. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely look into Claimyr and contacting my assembly rep like others suggested. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become detective investigators just to get benefits we've paid into, but this community has provided more useful information than weeks of trying to navigate NYSDOL on my own. Thank you everyone for sharing your strategies and experiences - I'll report back with any updates!

I'm so grateful I found this thread! I've been dealing with the same nightmare for 5 weeks now - my NY unemployment stopped coming in early February and my account just says "claim under review" with absolutely zero explanation. I've probably called the main line 100+ times and either get busy signals or that new automated message that basically tells you to use the website (which is equally useless). Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both heartbreaking and reassuring - heartbreaking because so many people are struggling with the same broken system, but reassuring because it confirms this isn't just my individual case but a massive systemic failure, especially for February 2025 claims. The technical support line tip (888-209-8124, press 1 then 6) combined with the 8:00 AM sharp timing strategy sounds like pure gold. Lucas's success story gives me real hope! I'm definitely setting my alarm for 7:55 AM tomorrow to try this approach. It's absolutely insane that we have to become amateur sleuths just to access benefits we've paid into our whole working lives, but this community has provided more actionable solutions than NYSDOL has in weeks. If the phone trick doesn't work, I'm also going to look into Claimyr and contact my assembly rep. Thank you all for sharing your strategies and keeping each other's spirits up through this mess - I'll definitely update with any progress!