Unfortunately, you generally need to certify for each week you're claiming benefits, even during an appeal or review process. However, you can request retroactive certification for those weeks when you speak to an agent. Explain that you didn't understand you needed to continue certifying after the initial denial. They can often make exceptions for this, especially in cases where there was confusion about eligibility. Make sure to compile a list of all the weeks you were unemployed and available for work since January. The agent may ask you to verify your availability and job search activities for each of those weeks, so be prepared with that information.

I've seen the retroactive certification work out for people in similar situations. Just be honest about why you stopped certifying (the denial letter made you think you weren't eligible) and they're usually understanding. Good luck - please update us when you get it resolved!

I want to add something important for anyone else reading this thread with similar issues: If you're approaching your BYE date but still have a balance remaining, you should continue certifying without interruption. The system will prompt you if a new claim is needed. For those who do need to file a new claim after BYE expiration, here's what typically happens in NY as of 2025: 1. File the new claim immediately after BYE date expires 2. Continue certifying weekly without interruption 3. Complete any DocuSign forms within 48 hours of receiving them 4. If no payment after 2 weeks, contact NYSDOL directly The current NYSDOL guidelines state that backpay should be released within 2 weeks of new claim approval, but as we've seen in this thread, it often requires direct intervention by an agent.

Quick update for anyone with similar issues: I received the remaining backpay this morning! All 9 weeks hit my account at once. The key really was getting someone on the phone who could manually review my claim and release the payments. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. This community has been a lifesaver!

im in a similar situation except im the other parent who gets to claim our kid this year. my ex got all the advance payments last year but now i should get the full credit minus what they already got. its confusing but actually works out fair in the end if you alternate years claiming the kid

Just to be clear about one thing - this isn't specific to New York. The Child Tax Credit is a federal program administered by the IRS, not by New York State or NYSDOL. The tax implications would be the same regardless of which state you live in. You may have received notifications through your NY.gov account as a courtesy, but the program itself is federal.

ok so im in a slightly difrent situation but I had this break in claim thing happen to me also. What I learned is dont skip weeks of certifying even if u think you dont qualify that week! This triggers the break in claim thing. Just certify every week no matter what and be honest about hours. they do eventually sort it out.

Thanks everyone for the advice! My son selected 'lack of work' and we're making sure he certifies every week without fail. The certification went through this week but payment is still showing as pending. We'll give it another week before considering calling NYSDOL. It's such a relief to know others have dealt with this seasonal work situation successfully!

Yes, NY offers temporary disability benefits through NYS Disability Insurance for short-term conditions. If his doctor expects he'll return to work in a few months, this might be a better fit. The benefit amount is different from unemployment though - 50% of his average weekly wage up to a maximum of $1,147 per week in 2025. His doctor would need to complete part of the application. He can potentially transition to unemployment later when he's able to work but hasn't found a job yet.

Important update for you: If your brother's cancer qualifies as a serious medical condition under NY law, he might also be eligible for NY Paid Family & Medical Leave, which typically provides higher benefits than basic disability. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,482 in 2025. His doctor would need to certify his condition, but it's worth exploring both options to see which provides better benefits in his situation.