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?

I want to follow up on my earlier advice about Form TC-403B. If you've already submitted a backdate request and it's been more than 3 weeks, you should also submit Form UI-44.1 (Request for Reconsideration). This specifically asks them to review a previously submitted but unanswered request. Also, while you're pursuing these multiple avenues, keep a detailed log of: - Every contact attempt (date, time, number called) - Every submission (form number, date, confirmation number) - Names of any representatives you speak with This documentation can help if you need to escalate further or if you eventually need to pursue an appeal.

Update: I got through to someone! I tried several of the suggestions here. The assembly person's office was helpful and started the process, but I was still worried about timing with the eviction deadline. I ended up using Claimyr and got connected to an agent in about an hour. The agent found that my backpay had been flagged for "identity verification" but no one had ever notified me! She was able to verify my identity on the call and release ALL my backpay - it should deposit within 3 business days. She also said I should have received multiple notices about this requirement but they were never sent. I also called 211 and applied for ERAP as a backup plan in case the unemployment money doesn't arrive before my eviction deadline. Thank you all so much for your help during this crisis. I was really at my breaking point.

Just to clarify for everyone: NY does allow partial benefits when you work part-time. The current formula reduces your weekly benefit by 25% for each day you work, regardless of hours (even 1 hour counts as a day). If you work 4+ days or earn more than your maximum benefit rate, you get nothing for that week. OP, when you call, specifically ask if your account has a "partial benefits flag" or if it's under review. Sometimes they need to manually verify your part-time work, especially if this is a new part-time job that wasn't on your original claim.

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at unemployment this morning! There was indeed a flag on my account requiring manual review because I started reporting part-time work. The agent released all my payments and said I should receive everything within 2-3 business days. She said this is happening to a lot of people right now. Thanks everyone for your help!

did u try the automated status line? sometimes works better than main number. 888-581-5812

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through with any of these methods? The situation with the phone lines has been particularly challenging this quarter due to the system migration.

Hey everyone just want to chime in - just delt with this for my partner who had trouble with 2025 back pay and it was a big mess. What everyone is saying about the separate department is true. What worked was we kept calling the 1-888 numbr everyday at 8AM sharp and asking specifically for a tier 2 specialist who can handle back payments. Took 6 days of calling but finally got someone who fixed it that day!!!! Dont bother with the message system completly useless. Hope this helps somebody!!

Update to my earlier comment - I forgot to mention that there's a specific form you might need to fill out for expediting back payments. It's called the Request for Back Payment Processing (Form BP-2025). It's not on their main website - you need to navigate to the "Forms and Publications" section, then "Specialized Claim Forms" and it should be there. This form goes directly to the Back Payment team and bypasses some of the regular processing queues. Include a copy of your determination letter when you submit it.