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the whole system is broken. i gotta certify every week but cant talk to nobody when theres a problem?? make it make sense!!!
Based on your description of payments stopping suddenly in February, this is likely related to the quarterly wage verification process that runs automatically in the system. For quickest resolution, log into your NY.gov account and check your messages and document section - there's often a request for additional verification that causes the payment pause. If nothing appears there, you absolutely need to speak with an agent. One effective method: use the 'request callback' feature on the website rather than calling directly. It became available in late 2024 and though it can still take 2-3 days, it's much more reliable than trying to call in. You'll find it under Account Settings > Customer Support > Request Callback.
I called Bank of America's customer service line and the rep told me there's actually a specific procedure for these tourism benefit checks! Apparently, they need to be processed differently than regular government checks. The hold is still in place but at least I know it's legitimate. For anyone else dealing with this - make sure to specifically mention it's a "New York State Tourism Recovery Benefit" check, not just a regular unemployment check. That seemed to help the customer service person find the right information. I'm also going to try the verification code approach that was suggested. Thanks everyone for your help! At least I know I'm not alone in dealing with this frustrating situation.
my cousin works at ny unemployment and said they got tons of calls about these checks. somthing about the printer they used making them look different from usual. they should really send an email warning people this might happen
I was in the exact same situation and was getting nowhere by using the standard channels. After weeks of frustration, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to someone at the tax department who could help. They have this video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. The agent explained that joint filers with combined income over $75K are in the final batch, scheduled for mid-October. They confirmed my adjustment was in the system but not finalized yet. At least now I know what's happening instead of wondering.
Thanks for sharing this! Might try this service if I don't see anything by mid-October. Did they charge you to use it?
UPDATE: I finally got an email from NY Tax Department yesterday saying my return has been adjusted and I should receive the refund within 2-3 weeks! Looks like they're working through the backlog after all. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I used that Claimyr service and got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed there was a system error that flagged my account for "inconsistent certification patterns" even though I certified at the same time every week. Apparently certifying too consistently can sometimes trigger their fraud detection system (which makes NO sense, but whatever). The agent cleared the flag, verified my missed certifications, and said I should receive all my backpay within 3 business days. She also added a note to my account to prevent this from happening again. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! I'll update again when the money actually hits my account.
Great news! Yes, this is exactly the issue I was referring to. Their fraud detection system sometimes flags accounts that are TOO consistent because they assume it might be automated. Completely counterintuitive, I know. Glad you got it resolved!
Charlotte Jones
has anyone else noticed that they NEVER send you email updates about backpay reviews?? like they'll email about regular stuff but when it comes to actually giving you YOUR money suddenly they go silent
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Harper Thompson
•YES!!!! i thought it was just me!! they email about literally everything else but when it comes to back pay its like they dont want to create a paper trail or something 🤔
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Angelica Smith
UPDATE: I just wanted to thank everyone for your advice! I tried calling using that Claimyr service that @profile6 mentioned, and I actually got through to a claims specialist in about 15 minutes! The agent confirmed my account was flagged for fraud review due to login attempts from multiple locations (which I never did - definitely someone trying to hack my account). She escalated my case and said I should see my back pay within 7-10 business days. She also noted that they needed an additional form of ID verification which I was able to provide while on the call. Fingers crossed this finally resolves it! Will update again when/if the money comes through.
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Logan Greenburg
•That's great news! Make sure to follow up if you don't see the payment within the timeframe they mentioned. Sometimes cases need a second push to get fully processed. Document the call details - the agent's name, ID number if provided, the call reference number, and exactly what they said would happen next. This makes follow-up much easier if needed.
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