One more important note: if you're using tax software to file your return, make sure you enter your 1099-G information correctly. The software should guide you through this, but many people make errors when entering unemployment compensation. The full amount from Box 1 of your 1099-G needs to be reported on Schedule 1 of your federal tax return, which then transfers to your Form 1040.

Thank you everyone for the help! Sounds like I definitely need to report the full amount from my 1099-G. I'm going to check if I can still set up withholding for my remaining benefits to avoid a bigger surprise next year. Not the news I was hoping for, but at least now I know what to expect.

UPDATE: Finally got through the ID verification! For anyone else with only a PO Box, I ended up doing the video call referee option. Had to wait about 45 minutes but the agent was super helpful. I showed them my driver's license, social security card, and explained my PO Box situation. They were able to verify me through their system by asking additional security questions about my history. My claim is now processing and they said I'll receive all the backpay for the weeks I missed while dealing with this. Such a relief!

I had to do this for my mom too. She's elderly and doesn't have internet bills or anything in her name. The video call thing worked but she had to wait like 2 hours to talk to someone! That was back in November though so maybe its faster now

Just called the tax department (took FOREVER to get through) and they confirmed these refunds are legit but the rep said NOT EVERYONE will get one! You only qualify if you had unemployment income AND your adjusted gross income was under $150,000. Also they said some people might get notices AFTER the refund is deposited so don't panic if you haven't gotten an email yet!

I just checked my NY tax account online and there's a new section that shows "Unemployment Benefit Adjustment" with a status. Mine says "Processing - Expected issue date: May 13, 2025" with the amount! Everyone should check their online accounts if they have one set up.

One more thing to keep in mind - make sure you check both your old and new claim inboxes for any messages requiring action. Sometimes when you file a new claim right at the BYE date, they might send identity verification requests or additional questionnaires that can hold up both claims if not addressed quickly.

UPDATE: Great news! My payment did come through today as normal. It was about 4 hours later than usual, but it's in my account now. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. For anyone else in this situation - it seems like it can go either way based on everyone's different experiences. Some get paid normally, others have delays. Fingers crossed for anyone else dealing with this!

By the way, for anyone who had a name change recently, I had to go through a whole separate verification process because my November email had my married name but the check system still had my maiden name. So if your name changed and you don't get your check when you should, that might be why!

Update: I deposited my check through mobile deposit and it cleared this morning. No issues. For anyone worried about the delay - a friend of mine called using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and found out his check was sent to his old address even though he updated his info online. They're resending it but said it'll take another 2-3 weeks. Might be worth checking if you've moved in the past year.