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If anyone is having trouble getting through to the NY Tax Department about this issue, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents quickly. I was trying for days with no luck, but with Claimyr I got through in about 15 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE They basically call and wait on hold for you, then call you when an agent is on the line. Really helpful when dealing with these time-sensitive tax issues.
Update: I finally got through to the tax department (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above - worked great). They confirmed I do owe the tax but said I can set up a payment plan. The agent also said I could request penalty abatement by writing a letter explaining I was confused by the federal exclusion. Still not happy about this but at least I know what I'm dealing with now. Thanks everyone for your help!
Glad you got it resolved! For anyone else in this situation, make sure to get the payment plan in writing and keep records of all your communications with the tax department.
good to know! gonna try to call them tomorrow
I was in event management before everything collapsed in 2020. I've never done customer service but at this point I'd be willing to try anything remote. Do you know if they offer training or if they need prior experience?
they train everyone! its entry level so no exp needed. dm me and i can send u the link to apply. pay isnt amazing but its something and totally remote
I had this problem back in January. After trying to call for two weeks straight, I finally tried calling at exactly 7:30am when they open instead of during normal hours. Got through in only 20 minutes! The agent told me my verification was actually complete but there was a system glitch preventing it from updating my status. She fixed it while I was on the phone and my payment was released the next day. Also, make sure you're still doing your weekly certifications even while your claim is pending - they'll backpay you once approved, but only if you've been certifying each week!
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious if calling early worked or if you tried another method.
Yes! I actually tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and it worked perfectly. Got connected to an agent in about 45 minutes. Turns out there was a mismatch between my address on my driver's license (which was my old apartment) and the address I entered on my application. The agent was able to override it since I'd uploaded a current utility bill too. My claim was approved the next day and I received backpay for all three weeks! Such a relief - NYSDOL really needs to improve their communication about these issues.
Here's what's actually happening with the "release" situation: When a NYSDOL representative tells you they just need to "release" your payment, they're referring to removing a temporary system hold. These holds can happen for various legitimate reasons: - Identity verification checks (especially if you've recently updated any personal information) - System flagging patterns that require manual review - The October 2025 system migration that affected many accounts - Break-in-claim verification requirements The frustrating part is that these holds require manual intervention - there is no automatic resolution after a certain timeframe. And with the current call volume, many legitimate claims are stuck in limbo. I recommend: 1. Continue trying to call early morning (7:55am) and be ready to hit redial repeatedly 2. Use the secure message system with very specific subject lines ("Payment Release Request - Claim #XXXX") 3. Contact your state representative as another commenter suggested 4. Document everything for potential interest penalties (NYS does pay interest on long-delayed benefits in some circumstances) This system-wide issue should improve by late December according to the latest NYSDOL communications.
Thank you for the detailed explanation! I'll definitely use that specific subject line for my next message. Do you think I'd qualify for interest since it's been over 4 months? And is there anything specific I should say when I actually get through to an agent to make sure they completely fix the issue?
Yes, at 4+ months you'd likely qualify for interest payments, but you'll need to specifically request it once your base issue is resolved. When you do reach an agent, ask these specific questions: 1. "What specifically is causing the payment hold on my account?" 2. "Is there any additional information you need from me to release ALL pending payments?" 3. "Can you verify there are no other issues that might delay payment after this is resolved?" 4. "What is the exact timeframe for receiving my payments once you process this?" 5. "Should I request interest payment now or through a separate process?" Get the agent's name and ID number if possible. This creates accountability and gives you a reference if you need to follow up again.
I finally got through to NYSDOL!!! Used Claimyr from the suggestions here and was connected to an agent in about 35 minutes (after trying for WEEKS on my own). The agent said there was a "verification hold" on my account from when I uploaded my ID back in August that never cleared properly. She removed it while I was on the phone and said all my back payments should process in 1-3 business days! Thank you all SO MUCH for the help - will update when the money actually hits my account. What a relief!!!
Great news! This is exactly the kind of hold issue we've been seeing. Make sure to keep certifying weekly as normal, and if the payments don't arrive within 3 business days, document that and call back. Glad you got it resolved!
lucky!!! might have to try that service myself... so tired of this waiting game
Louisa Ramirez
i got the same problem rn. money shows released on dol website since March 8 but nothin on my card yet. let me know if u figure it out!
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Laila Prince
•Will do! I'm going to try all the suggestions here tomorrow and I'll update with what works.
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Isabel Vega
One more thing to check - log into your KeyBank account online (not just the mobile app) and look for any alerts or action items. Sometimes they place a hold on deposits for verification but only notify you through the web portal, not the app. It's a ridiculous system but worth checking.
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Laila Prince
•Just checked the web portal and found an alert! There's something about 'additional verification required' that wasn't showing in the app at all. I need to call their verification department tomorrow. Thank you so much for this tip!
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Isabel Vega
•Great! That's likely your issue then. Call their verification department first thing tomorrow. They'll probably ask for ID verification or address confirmation. Once that's cleared, your funds should be released within 24-48 hours.
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