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has anyone else noticed the refund amounts are different than what the tax software estimated??? i was supposed to get like $870 but only got $721
That's common. The tax software estimates based on the information you provide, but the IRS makes the final calculations. The difference could be due to rounding errors, different interpretations of tax law, or corrections to reported income. If the difference is significant (over $200), it might be worth investigating.
UPDATE: I finally got through to the IRS using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Turns out they had the wrong direct deposit info for me (somehow a digit got changed). They're mailing me a check instead which will take another 2-3 weeks. At least I know what's happening now! Thanks everyone for your help!
Glad you got it sorted out! This happens more often than people realize. For anyone else reading this, always double-check your direct deposit details when filing - a single incorrect digit can cause weeks of delays.
I've been trying to call the helpline for three days about my missing card and it's IMPOSSIBLE to get through. Just constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting 40+ minutes. Anyone found a way to actually talk to a human being there??
I was having the same problem but found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 10 minutes. They basically call for you and connect you when they reach a live person. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
UPDATE: Finally got my virtual card today! Took exactly 12 business days after approval. For anyone still waiting, hang in there. The email came from a different address than I expected (nytourismrelief@ny.gov), so check your spam carefully. Now figuring out how to transfer to my bank account...
Great news! For transferring to your bank, after you log in to the portal, click on "Account Management" then "Transfer Funds." You'll need your routing and account numbers. The first transfer requires verification, which takes an extra day.
congrats! still waiting on mine... day 13 now 🙄
I know this doesn't help with your current situation, but once you get the card, make sure to set up the direct deposit preference properly for next time. In 2025 they changed the system so you have to verify bank info through the NY.gov ID portal separate from the unemployment system. It's super confusing and they don't explain it anywhere obvious.
EXACTLY THIS!!! they make everything IMPOSSIBLE to understand on purpose!! I filled out direct deposit info THREE TIMES and they still sent a stupid card! when i called they claimed i "didn't complete verification" whatever that means!!
Yes! It finally came yesterday - took 16 days total. The envelope was super plain like everyone said, I almost missed it. Thanks for checking in! Already transferred the funds to my bank account.
My heart goes out to you! I'm going through something similar but mine says I made way LESS than I actually did. So they're giving me like $187 a week when I should be getting the maximum benefit! This system is seriously rigged against us. I'm definitely going to request a hearing after seeing your post. Thank you for sharing this info!
Quick tip: While waiting for your hearing, continue certifying for benefits each week. Even though you're not getting paid right now, if the hearing goes in your favor (which it should if you have proper documentation), you'll receive backpay for all properly certified weeks. Missing a week of certification means losing that week of benefits permanently.
Elijah Knight
That's great you were able to speak with someone! Just to let you know, when you certify for those missed weeks, make sure you answer "Yes" when it asks if you were ready, willing and able to work during those weeks. Some people mistakenly say "No" because they're thinking about their current situation rather than the week in question.
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Sophia Carson
•Thanks for the tip! I definitely would have been confused by that question.
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Sophia Carson
FINAL UPDATE: It worked! I was able to certify for all my missed weeks this morning, and the system is now showing those payments as "pending" with a release date of next Tuesday. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
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Jessica Suarez
•Congrats! Always nice to hear when someone actually gets their problem solved with the unemployment system!
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