My cousin works for NYSDOL (not in unemployment though) and she said they're extremely understaffed right now. Apparently they lost like 30% of their call center staff since January and haven't replaced them. Not making excuses for them, just explaining why it's so hard to get through. The backpay requests are all going into a giant queue that's barely being processed.

Just wanted to update - I finally got my backpay issue resolved this morning! After seeing the suggestions here, I tried several approaches: 1. Called the Spanish line - got through but they just transferred me to the English queue where I waited 2 hours before being disconnected 2. Contacted my assembly member - they took my info but said it could be 2-3 weeks before they can help 3. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) - got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes The agent found that my backpay was held because of a "verification inconsistency" between my application and my employer's quarterly report. They fixed it on the spot, and said I should receive all payments within 3-5 business days. She also gave me a direct reference number for the case. Hope this helps anyone else in a similar situation!

I had a similar issue last year but with wage verification not identity. actually i think my problem started with identity verification then became a wage issue? anyway it was all very confusing. i was about ready to give up when i finally got through to a competent person who fixed everything. got all my backpay in one lump sum which was nice but didn't help with the 3 months of stress and late payments i had to deal with. btw, has anyone else noticed that if you call at exactly 7:58am right before they officially open, you sometimes get through faster? worked for me twice.

Update us when you get this resolved! So many of us are in the same boat. The system is BROKEN and they don't care because it's not their bills that are late and their kids going without. I've been telling everyone to document EVERYTHING and we should consider a class action lawsuit for the delays. They can't just sit on our money for months with no explanation!

I saw someone mention Safety Net Assistance - just a heads up that it has very strict asset limits. They check your bank accounts and everything. Unemployment doesn't have asset limits, just earnings requirements, which is why it's worth fighting for if you're close to qualifying.

Any update? Were you able to get through to anyone about recalculating your base period?

Quick update for those following this thread: I completed my extension process successfully, but I learned that the requirements became more strict in 2025. Now they require documentation of at least 5 job applications per week (used to be 3), and they're actually verifying them more frequently. Pro tip: Take screenshots of every job application confirmation page and save emails from employers. NYSDOL randomly selected me for a job search audit during my extension process, and I had to provide evidence for every week I certified.

When I went through this last summer, I had a similar experience where they told me to keep certifying while they processed additional funds. I was worried because I have kids and bills, so I totally understand your panic! In my case, I received a notice in my online message center about 10 days later asking me to verify some information about my previous employment. After I responded to that, it took another week before the extension was approved. So about 2.5 weeks total, and yes, they did backpay for the weeks I certified during the wait period.

i got denied after waiting 7 weeks. applying for a hearing now but thats another 2-3 month wait they said. this system is designed to make ppl give up istg

TIP: Call the TTY/TDD line instead of the regular number. It's 1-888-783-1370. Sometimes the wait is shorter there and they can still help regular claims. That's how I finally got through after two weeks of constant calling. The representative was able to see notes on my account and told me exactly what was holding things up.