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Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get your claim filed? The mobile site trick works well, but if you're still having issues, try the NY unemployment office's alternate claim filing system at labor.ny.gov/altclaim (it's a simplified version they don't advertise much). Also, Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically have lower traffic than Mondays and Fridays.
Thanks for checking back! I actually ended up using Claimyr like someone suggested above and got through to an agent who helped me file over the phone. It took about 30 minutes but my claim is FINALLY submitted! The agent told me they've been having major issues with the employment history section and are working on a fix that should be rolled out next month. For anyone else reading this with similar issues - don't waste days like I did trying to fight with the website!
wht about twitter? i tweeted at the nysdol account with my issue (didnt include personal info) and got a DM asking for my info within a day. worth trying maybe?
UPDATE: I took several of your suggestions! I contacted my state assembly person this morning (thanks for that tip), and also used Claimyr to get through to an agent. The agent told me my claim had an "identity verification pending" flag that I was never notified about! Apparently I needed to upload additional documents but the notification email went to spam. The agent helped me submit everything right over the phone. Assembly person's office also said they'd follow up to make sure it gets processed quickly. Thank you all for the help - feeling hopeful for the first time in weeks.
That's excellent news! The identity verification issue is one of the most common reasons for extended pending status. Make sure to check your spam folder regularly and log into your account at least 2-3 times per week to check for new messages or required actions. Glad you're on the path to resolution!
hey my cousin works for social services and says you should apply for emergency cash assistance too, its different from unemployment and they can help faster when u have a baby
I just want to follow up - were you able to make any progress with your claim? Did you try any of the suggestions here?
UPDATE: I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone recommended. It actually worked! The agent found that there was an employer dispute about my termination reason that nobody told me about. They expedited my case since I have a baby, and said I should get a determination letter within 5-7 days. Also applied for emergency SNAP and got approved yesterday! Thank you everyone for your help - still waiting for the money but at least now I know what's happening.
My cousin works for the tourism board upstate and she said they're prioritizing businesses that can show they're retaining jobs through programs like Shared Work. So make sure you highlight that in your application - that you're using both programs together to keep people employed. Apparently they're looking for that specifically this year.
One important distinction that hasn't been mentioned: The 2025 Tourism Recovery Fund program requires you to demonstrate that at least 25% of your business revenue comes from out-of-state visitors. They're asking for different documentation this year than in previous programs, so start gathering: 1. Visitor logs/data showing geographic origins 2. Credit card transaction data showing out-of-state cards 3. Booking platform data showing customer origins This is in ADDITION to the financial loss documentation. The Shared Work program doesn't have this requirement since it's focused on employee retention rather than tourism specifically.
CosmicCommander
Just wanted to update - I used Claimyr this morning like someone suggested and actually got through to a real person! They confirmed my tourism recovery benefit check will be mailed May 25th. They also said there was indeed a flag on my account because I worked at the same place for over 4 years, but that it had already been resolved. AND they confirmed my current address was correct in the system. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
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Natasha Volkova
•Great to hear! For anyone else reading this thread, the Tourism Recovery Benefit program is separate from regular unemployment benefits, so you need to check both systems for accurate information. The NYSDOL has actually posted an updated schedule on their website showing all tourism recovery payments should be processed by June 15, 2025 at the latest.
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Malik Johnson
•Lucky you!! I'm STILL waiting for mine and now they're saying there's ANOTHER delay for hotel workers specifically. This whole program is a disaster!!!
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NebulaNomad
my cousin works at the unemployment office and she said their printer that makes the checks broke down for like a week lol that's why there were delays for everyone. such a mess!
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Malik Johnson
•OMG are you serious??? A BROKEN PRINTER is why thousands of us are waiting for money we desperately need??? This state is completely incompetent!!!
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Natasha Volkova
•That information isn't accurate. The tourism recovery checks aren't printed on-site - they're processed through the state comptroller's office and printed at a secure facility. The delays are related to verification processes and the phased distribution schedule, not equipment issues.
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