I just went thru this last weekend!!! The phone system is totally different - the voice sounds like a younger guy and some of the questions are in a different order. But my payment posted today (Tuesday) just like normal. One thing I did notice was the process took about 2 minutes longer than it used to.

Has anyone else noticed that the website has been extra glitchy lately too? I wonder if they're doing a bunch of updates to everything at once. My friend who certifies online said the website looks different too now.

Just to set realistic expectations - while the Senate/Assembly route is effective, keep in mind that if there's a complex issue with your claim, even the legislative offices can't always get it resolved immediately. Common issues like ID verification, employer disputes, or out-of-state wage investigations might still take additional time even after the initial contact. \n\nThat said, the benefit of going through your representatives is that you'll actually get a human being who can explain what's happening and give you a realistic timeframe, which is far better than endless pending status with no explanation.

That makes sense. I just need someone to tell me what's going on! My claim is pretty straightforward - I was laid off after 3 years at the same company, and they've confirmed they don't dispute my claim. So hopefully once I get through to someone they can resolve it quickly.

When I had to do ID.me last year, it was actualy kinda easy. But my sister couldnt get it to work at all on her phone, she had to use a laptop. So maybe try different device if it gets stuck?? Also they asked for my electric bill as proof of address so maybe have some bills ready just in case.

Just to follow up on the certification issue - the NYSDOL online system has been updated in 2025 to be more flexible about certification days, but the guidance documents and some representatives haven't fully caught up with these changes. This is likely why you received conflicting information. If you certified online and received a confirmation number, you should be fine. The system will record your certification for the correct benefit week regardless of which day you certified.

Update for everyone: Since this seems to be a common issue, I wanted to mention that the NY unemployment system is currently undergoing another system update in February 2025 that's supposed to improve backpay processing. If you're having issues, now is actually a good time to get your case reviewed before the transition. Cases still pending during the system migration might experience additional delays.

I FINALLY GOT THROUGH TO SOMEONE! Used Claimyr this morning and spoke to an actual helpful agent. Turns out my backpay got stuck in review because of an employer dispute that was resolved months ago but never properly updated in the system. They've escalated it to the special payments unit and said I should see movement within 2-3 weeks. Finally some progress! Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

I had to do this back in January and my experience was TERRIBLE. The video verification was scheduled then canceled TWICE without notice. I ended up waiting 23 days - well beyond their "14 day" promise. When I finally got someone on the phone, they claimed my verification had been approved a week earlier but "hadn't been entered into the system correctly." Sure. Magically fixed it while I was on the phone. ALWAYS follow up before their deadline - don't just trust the process!

When I did my video verification last year, it actually went pretty fast. Got approved in 4 days. But I think I just got lucky with timing honestly. I remember the agent said something about how they were catching up on a backlog. Anyway, I'd just keep checking the website every morning, that's when they usually update the system. By the way, my brother is applying for benefits now too. Does anyone know if he needs to do the video verification or is it only for certain people?