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.

Just to clarify something important: during this whole process of invalidation and reinstatement, you MUST continue to certify for benefits every week as if nothing changed. Even though you won't see payments immediately, the system is still recording your certifications and will pay you retroactively once the claim is fully processed. If you miss certifying for any week thinking "why bother, my claim is on hold anyway," you will not receive payment for that week when everything is finally processed.

@profile4 - Yes, it's confusing because what the specialist does on their end doesn't always reflect correctly in your online account right away. If you can't access the system to certify while your claim shows as invalid, you should call and speak to a representative who can take your certification by phone. Make sure to explain your situation so they understand why you're certifying by phone. Alternatively, once your claim is reinstated, you can request backdated certifications for any weeks you missed due to access issues. There's a specific form for this on the NY DOL website.

I want to add something important for anyone else reading this thread with similar issues: If you're approaching your BYE date but still have a balance remaining, you should continue certifying without interruption. The system will prompt you if a new claim is needed. For those who do need to file a new claim after BYE expiration, here's what typically happens in NY as of 2025: 1. File the new claim immediately after BYE date expires 2. Continue certifying weekly without interruption 3. Complete any DocuSign forms within 48 hours of receiving them 4. If no payment after 2 weeks, contact NYSDOL directly The current NYSDOL guidelines state that backpay should be released within 2 weeks of new claim approval, but as we've seen in this thread, it often requires direct intervention by an agent.

Quick update for anyone with similar issues: I received the remaining backpay this morning! All 9 weeks hit my account at once. The key really was getting someone on the phone who could manually review my claim and release the payments. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. This community has been a lifesaver!

Just wanted to update that we successfully helped my mother-in-law with this exact issue last week! What finally worked was getting an ID.me video call, but we had to use my computer since she doesn't have one. We sat with her during the call, and the representative was very understanding about her situation. They accepted her Medicare card, social security card, and a bank statement as verification even though she didn't have a current photo ID. So there is definitely some flexibility in the video verification process!

Update: Thanks everyone for your help! We were able to get through to NYSDOL using the Claimyr service someone recommended. The agent set up an in-person appointment for my mom at our local office for the Verification Alternative Process. She's going next Tuesday and bringing all the documents mentioned here. I'll update again after her appointment to let everyone know how it went in case someone else has the same issue.

I'm soooo confused about NY unemployment rules in general!! My friend got benefits while working part time but when I tried they denied me?? Maybe it depends on who you talk to during the interview?? The whole system seems totally random honestly.

my cousin did uber while on unemployment and didnt tell them and got caught they made him pay back like $8000! dont risk it