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

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.

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!

my sister had this happen and she just started doing doordash and instacart till she could find another regular job. not ideal but at least some money coming in

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I managed to get through to NYSDOL this morning (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - totally worth it). The agent confirmed I don't have enough wages in my base period for regular UI. She suggested applying for Safety Net Assistance through the NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance instead. Starting the application today and also applying for some quick gig work to bring in something while I job hunt. Will update if I run into more issues with the application!

One last thing - just be prepared that your benefit amount might be drastically reduced or eliminated during those December weeks depending on how much you earn. New York uses the following formula: For each day you work, your weekly benefit rate is reduced by 25%. Plus, if you earn more than $200, any amount over $200 further reduces your weekly benefit. So if you're working 5 days a week in December, you'd get $0 for those weeks regardless of how much you earn. But that's okay - your claim stays open and when you go back to working 4 days in January, you'll start receiving partial benefits again for that 1 day you're not working.

Wow I didn't know you could be collecting unemployment while working at all?? I thought once you get a job even part time you're done with unemployment. the whole system makes zero sense to me 🤦‍♂️