I just went through this exact same situation two months ago and it was absolutely maddening! Got a new phone, forgot to transfer Google Authenticator properly, and got completely locked out right before I needed to certify. Here's what finally worked after a week of trying everything: The 844-891-1786 number that everyone's mentioning is legit - that's the NY.GOV ID tech support line. But here's the trick: don't just call at 7:30am. I had better luck calling at 7:29am and staying on the line when they opened. Sometimes the queue fills up instantly at 7:30. When you do get through (and you will eventually), have EVERYTHING ready: full name, DOB, SSN, current address, phone number, email, when you first filed your claim, your weekly benefit amount, and if you have it, your claim confirmation number from your original approval letter. The reset process took about 35 minutes once I got connected. They'll walk you through setting up new MFA and make sure to get ALL the backup options - SMS backup to your phone, email backup, AND print out those recovery codes they give you. One thing nobody mentioned - if you're really desperate, some local libraries have computer help desks and librarians who are surprisingly good at navigating government websites. Mine helped me figure out which forms to fill out while I was waiting to get through on the phone. Don't give up! The system is broken but there are real people who can fix it once you reach them. And definitely use that phone certification number in the meantime so you don't lose your payments.

I've been helping people with NY unemployment tech issues for years and want to add a few things that might help: First, the Google Authenticator phone transfer issue is SUPER common - you're definitely not alone. When you get a new device, the app doesn't automatically sync your accounts like other apps do. Here's what I've seen work consistently: 1. **Best calling strategy**: Call 844-891-1786 at 7:28am and stay on hold. Don't hang up even if you get the "high volume" message. I've seen people get through after 45+ minutes on hold when calling right before they open. 2. **Have your claim details ready**: They'll definitely ask for your weekly benefit amount, claim start date, and last employer info for verification. If you have your original determination letter, keep it handy. 3. **Multiple backup methods are crucial**: When they reset your MFA, you can set up SMS backup, email backup, AND get recovery codes. Do all three! I can't stress this enough. 4. **Time sync matters**: Make sure your phone's time is set to automatic before trying any authenticator codes. Even being off by a minute will cause codes to fail. Also, that claimyr.com service people mentioned is legit - I've referred several people to it when they couldn't get through after multiple days. It's not cheap but sometimes worth it to avoid missing payments. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but fixable once you reach the right person.

Adjudication by definition is just bureaucratic speak for 'we're taking forever to make a decision.' I've been through this twice and both times it took over a month. Keep filing your weekly claims though because if you're approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you certified.

by definition adjudication means they're deciding if you qualify, could be anything really. mine was because my employer said i quit but i was actually laid off. took forever to sort out

One more important thing: if your hours increase again next week, you just stop certifying. There's no need to formally close your claim or notify them that you're back to full-time. The claim stays open for a year, so if your hours get reduced again, you can simply start certifying again during those weeks.

Just wanted to add - I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my restaurant cut my shifts due to slow season. Filed for partial unemployment for 3 weeks and it worked out fine. The key thing is being totally honest about your work schedule and earnings. Document everything - save your work schedule, pay stubs, any texts/emails about the hour reduction. That way if there are any questions later, you have proof that the reduction wasn't your choice. Also, don't stress too much about your employer - this is literally what unemployment insurance is for and one week won't impact their rates significantly.

Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims on time even during the move! I know someone who missed a week because they were busy packing and it caused all sorts of problems with their claim.

One thing to keep in mind is that some states have reciprocal agreements that make the transition smoother. When you get to your new state, you might want to register with their workforce development office too - not to file a new claim, but to access local job search resources and networking events. This can help you stay competitive in the job market while you're collecting from NYS. Also, make sure you understand the tax implications since you'll be living in a different state than where your benefits are coming from.

Great job filing! Now, make sure you certify for benefits every week going forward (you can do this starting Sunday). Missing weekly certifications is another common way people lose benefits. Set a reminder on your phone for the same time each week. If your backdating request is approved, you'll receive notification and be asked to certify for those past weeks as well. If denied, you have 30 days to request a hearing to appeal the decision. Good luck with your job search too!

Just wanted to follow up and say thank you to everyone who helped me understand the NY unemployment system! I filed my claim last week and just got confirmation that my backdating request was approved for 3 out of the 6 weeks I was unemployed. Not perfect, but way better than losing all those weeks. For anyone else in a similar situation - don't wait like I did! The sooner you file, the better your chances of getting all your eligible weeks. And definitely set up those weekly certification reminders that Oliver mentioned. I already have mine set for Sunday mornings. Still job hunting but at least the unemployment benefits will help cover my expenses while I search. This community has been incredibly helpful during a stressful time.