I've been on this journey since October 2022 when I lost my job in the tech industry during all those layoffs. It's been a rollercoaster trying to navigate the NY unemployment system while looking for work. This group has been my lifeline - from helping me understand why my payments were delayed to giving me tips about the job search requirements. I finally landed a new position starting next month! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who answered my panicked questions at 3am and shared your own experiences. The solidarity here made me feel less alone during one of the toughest periods of my life. Special shoutout to those who explained how the heck to fill out those weekly certifications correctly and helped me realize I wasn't the only one struggling with the glitchy website. Sending good vibes to anyone still fighting the good fight.

I've been freelancing as a graphic designer for about 3 years and had to file for unemployment back in August when all my clients dried up. Been receiving partial benefits (around $230/week) since then because of my self-employment status. Yesterday I get this email saying I need to verify my identity through ID.me within 48 hours or my benefits will stop. My benefits are literally scheduled to end next Wednesday anyway! What is the point of making me jump through these hoops with only 5 days left? Has anyone else dealt with this nonsense? I'm already stressed about finding new clients and now I have to deal with this pointless verification when my benefits are about to end anyway.

So frustrated with all the conflicting information about what happens after September 5th, 2021. From what I can tell, if you're not in your first 26 weeks of regular UI or your first 13-week extension, ALL benefits will stop, not just the extra $300. I got a notice on August 12 saying NY dropped below some federal threshold, and now Extended Benefits are only for 13 weeks max. The exact update states: "New York State has fallen below the rate established by the Federal government in order for the state to qualify for the highest level of Federal Extended Benefits (EB). Effective August 9, 2021, EB will be available for a maximum of 13 weeks." The notice also clearly states "Claimants who have received 13+ weeks of EB will no longer be eligible for EB on their existing claim after the benefit week of August 9, 2021, but may be eligible for PEUC or PUA benefits through September 5, 2021." This is what's driving me crazy - the notice says I should continue to certify weekly, and that "Claimants who will exhaust EB on their existing claim will be contacted by email and text message." But I haven't received any clear communication yet. They also included this reminder: "under Federal law, benefits through the PUA, PEUC, FPUC, and EB programs are available for eligible claimants until September 5, 2021." But what happens after that? They say we can reapply for new benefits or extensions but "most applications won't be approved." Has anyone gotten clear answers from actual people who know what's happening? The reps I talked to seemed just as confused as everyone else. I'm seriously worried about what happens in September when all these programs end. The notice even says "PLEASE SHARE WIDELY" at the bottom like they're desperate to get the info out, but the info isn't clear at all!

Filed my 2020 taxes early last year and got my regular refund in March. When I look at my transcript, I can see that the "Refund issued" of $3,052.00 was processed on 03-18-2021. Then after losing my job and collecting NY unemployment, I had to file an amended return in June because of the unemployment tax break. Got a letter from the IRS around September saying I should be getting an additional refund, but nothing has shown up in my bank account. Looking at my account transcript now and I'm totally confused. Here's what I'm seeing: 290 Additional tax assessed 20201705 05-12-2020 $0.00 766 Credit to your account 04-16-2021 -$2,900.00 846 Refund issued 03-18-2021 $4,052.00 291 Reduced or removed prior tax 07-27-2021 -$547.00 assessed 971 Notice issued 07-27-2021 $0.00 846 Refund issued 07-15-2021 $550.79 776 Interest credited to your account 07-27-2021 -$3.79 This Product Contains Sensitive Taxpayer Data I see a "refund issued" of $550.79 from July 15th and "reduced or removed prior tax assessed" of $547.00 from July 27th, plus some interest of $3.79. Does this mean they already sent the refund? I never received anything in my account. Was the $550.79 supposed to be my unemployment tax break refund? That seems really low compared to what I was expecting. First time dealing with amended returns and unemployment taxes so any help understanding this transcript would be great. Should I be contacting the IRS about the missing refund at this point?

I've been trying to update my direct deposit information for the last two weeks because I switched banks in May. Every time I log into my account and navigate to the payment options section, the system either freezes or gives me an error message saying 'unable to process request at this time'. I've tried using different browsers, clearing my cache, even using my roommate's laptop and nothing works. I've called the unemployment office five times and spent hours on hold only to be disconnected or told by representatives that they can't help with technical issues. One agent even told me to just 'keep trying' which is ridiculous. Meanwhile my payments are still going to my closed account and probably bouncing back. Has anyone successfully updated their banking info recently? Is there some trick to making the system work or a specific department I should be asking for when I call?