NY unemployment payments suddenly stopped - what's this ID.me thing everyone's talking about?

Suspicious text claiming NY unemployment refund links to fake IRS page offering $815.05 "Economic Impact Payment" - scam?

Impossible to reach anyone at NY unemployment - phone system just hangs up on me

I've been trying to reach someone at the unemployment office for over 3 weeks now. Every single time I call, I get the same recording about 'high call volume' and then it just disconnects me! No option to wait, no callback feature, nothing. I need to verify some info on my claim because my payments stopped suddenly in May - no explanation why. I've sent 8 messages through the online portal with zero response. My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking. I've tried calling at 7:59am right before they open, tried midday, tried an hour before closing - same result every time. Has anyone actually managed to get through to a human being? This system is completely broken!

Confusion about final week to claim ny unemployment benefits

I'm so confused about when my unemployment benefits are ending. My friend says the last day to claim is October 3rd, but my neighbor told me its actually the week of September 26th. I've been trying to get through to someone at unemployment for 3 days but just get a busy signal or disconnected. When I check online, the information seems contradictory - one page says benefits end on the week ending October 2nd, another says last payments will be processed for the week ending September 25th. Has anyone received official confirmation about which is the ACTUAL final week we can claim? I'm stressing because I need to plan my budget and figure out if I need to pick up extra work for that week. My weekly benefit amount is $421 so losing a week would really hurt me right now.

Been calling ny unemployment for a week straight - keep getting disconnected

Been trying to reach someone at unemployment since last Tuesday. Called everyday from Tuesday to Friday, and each time I get the same message saying they're experiencing high call volumes and then it just disconnects me. So frustrating! I've tried different times - early morning at 8:05, mid-morning around 10:30, lunch time, and even late afternoon before they close. Same result every single time with the 888-209-8124 number. I need to speak with an actual claim specialist about my case. Has anyone managed to get through lately? Any special tricks or times that work better? This is driving me crazy.

NY unemployment payments stuck for over 2 weeks after successful ID.me verification - claim shows active but still pending with eviction threat looming

NYS DOL email: August 8 benefits delayed due to "system event" - payment promised within 48 hours, anyone else affected?

Just received an email from NYS Department of Labor today saying there was some kind of system problem that caused a delay in payments for the week ending August 8 for some claimants. The email states: "An unforeseen system event has caused a specific delay in benefits for the week ending August 8 for some claimants. This particular issue on your claim is being resolved. If you certified earlier this week for last week's benefits and you were otherwise eligible, those benefits will be released within 48 business hours from today." They're saying the benefits will be released within 48 business hours from today, but I'm getting nervous because I really need that money for rent. The email mentioned if I don't see benefits released on my online account on Monday, August 16, to call the Telephone Claims Center at 888-209-8124 and an agent will assist me. The email also stated: "If you are still unemployed and seeking benefits for this week, you can and should certify beginning Sunday, August 15. These benefits should not be delayed." Has anyone else gotten this message or experiencing delayed payments? This is the first time I've had an issue since I started collecting in July. The email mentioned an "unforeseen system event" whatever that means... anyone know what's going on? The header of the email shows "WE ARE YOUR DOL" and it's signed "NEW YORK STATE" at the bottom.

NY unemployment increased my maximum benefit amount - what does this mean?

Yesterday I checked my payment history on the NY unemployment portal and noticed that my maximum benefit amount increased by $1,450. I originally had $11,232 when I first filed in August last year, and now it shows $12,682. My weekly benefit rate is still the same at $504, but they added more to my total. Does anyone know what this means? Is this normal or some kind of error? I don't want to get hit with an overpayment later if I keep claiming. I tried calling but after 2 hours on hold, I got disconnected. Anyone experienced something similar?

Need advice on returning NY unemployment overpayment - registered mail vs certified?

Just got a notice that I was overpaid $650 from NY unemployment after my job brought me back part-time in December. Apparently I reported my hours wrong for 2 weeks in January. I want to send the payment back ASAP but I'm paranoid about it getting lost. Has anyone returned money to the unemployment office before? Should I use registered mail or certified mail? I'm worried because my neighbor had a similar situation and sent a check that supposedly never arrived, and they ended up getting their tax return garnished anyway. If no one signs for the mail when it arrives, will they just return it to me? I'd rather just pay it and be done with this nightmare.

Started new job (only 1 hour so far) - how to report this on ny unemployment claim?

Finally got hired at a new place after searching for months. Today I went in just to complete paperwork and fill out tax forms - literally was there for 1 hour and got paid for it. Real work starts next week. Do I report this as 'returned to work' when I certify on Sunday? Or do I just report the 1 hour and say no to the returned to work question? It's been ages since I started UI and I'm confused about how to handle this. Don't want to mess up my remaining benefits before I get my first real paycheck.