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Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like you have a strong case with the employer dispute since you have documentation about the layoff. One thing that helped in my situation was submitting a detailed timeline document through the secure message system. Create a chronological list of every interaction you've had with NYSDOL, including dates, names of representatives, and summaries of what was discussed. This shows you're organized and serious about resolution. Also, I recommend calling first thing Monday morning right when they open - the representatives seem to have more time and patience early in the day compared to later when they're overwhelmed.
Small update - I spoke with my Assembly Member's office yesterday and they've assigned a caseworker to help me. They're going to contact NYSDOL directly on my behalf. I also got through to NYSDOL again (took 3 hours on hold) and specifically asked for an Issue Resolution Specialist as suggested. They said one would call me back within 5-7 business days. Feeling slightly more hopeful but not holding my breath just yet.
I had this happen in January and it was soooooo stressful. I needed to pay rent and couldn't access my money!!! I ended up having to go to an ATM and withdraw the daily maximum for two days in a row to get enough cash. The whole online system is terrible. I miss when they just mailed checks. :
UPDATE: Finally got through to someone after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Turns out there was a system-wide issue this morning that affected a bunch of accounts. The agent was able to reset my account immediately. I'm back in now! Thanks everyone for your help.
UPDATE: I finally got my check cashed! Had to go to Bank of America (where the check is drawn from) and bring all the paperwork plus two forms of ID. The manager had to call some special verification number but it worked! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. For anyone else having this problem - definitely bring all documentation that came with the check and be prepared to wait while they verify it.
My check had the wrong address on it (I moved last year) and now they're saying I need to wait for them to reissue it which could take 4-6 weeks??? Has anyone dealt with this particular issue? The whole tourism bonus thing seemed straightforward until it wasn't.
I work in IT (not for unemployment lol) and this sounds like a database sync issue to me. Their systems probably have temporary problems connecting to your account data. I'd give it 24-48 hours before panicking.
UPDATE: My claim is back! It suddenly reappeared this morning. Looks like it was just system maintenance after all. Payment is pending and should arrive tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!
StormChaser
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.
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Sofia Gomez
•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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Dmitry Petrov
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.
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Sofia Gomez
•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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Dmitry Petrov
•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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