I got a text message and email from NY unemployment today warning about identity theft and account security measures. The text says they're implementing new verification steps to protect accounts from fraud. It asks me to log in through their portal to confirm my identity by uploading documents. I'm really nervous about doing this because I've heard so many scam stories lately. The text came from a 5-digit number and the email looks official with their logo, but these days scammers are getting so sophisticated. I haven't had any issues with my claim yet - been receiving payments normally since I got laid off in August when my company downsized. The message says I need to complete verification within 10 days or my benefits might be suspended. Has anyone else received this? Is this actually legitimate or should I ignore it? I don't want to lose my benefits but also don't want to get scammed.

I'm freaking out right now. I filed for unemployment in October after being let go from my job, and everything seemed fine for about two months. Yesterday, I logged into my account to claim my weekly benefits and found out someone had hijacked my unemployment claim! They changed the direct deposit info to some bank I've never heard of. I immediately called the fraud department but got stuck in the automated system for hours. This morning I checked my email and found a notification about tax forms being available. When I logged in to check, there was a 1099-G showing about $12,400 in benefits paid out - but I've only received around $4,800 since October! Someone has been collecting MY benefits using MY social security number for months without me knowing! I've tried calling the NY unemployment office 23 times today but can't get through to a human. Their website is useless - there's no clear process for reporting identity theft related to benefits. Has anyone dealt with this before? What should I do? I'm worried about tax implications and my credit score being wrecked.

My previous unemployment benefits expired in May 2021 and I immediately filed a new claim. It's now October and I haven't received a single payment. When I check my account online, it shows my new claim starting 03/29/2021 with a benefit year ending 04/03/2022, but both my weekly benefit amount and maximum amount payable are stuck at $0.00. I still have 104 effective days remaining. Every transaction since 09/03/2021 just says: "We are continuing to work on your application and are determining the amount of benefits you will receive. You may get a call from us if we require further information. You will receive a status update as your application progresses through the system." All my weekly certifications show $0 under the "Effective Days" column, even though they should be weekly payments for $700. My account online literally displays: Start/Effective Date: 03/29/2021 Benefit Year Ending Date: 04/03/2022 Weekly Benefit Amount: $0.00 Maximum Amount Payable: $0.00 Effective Days Remaining: 104 I've called over 50 times and either get disconnected or can't get through to anyone who can actually help. The system recognizes I have a claim and shows all my information, but won't actually pay me anything. I'm about to be evicted from my apartment and have no income. I've been waiting for almost 7 months now with zero progress and zero explanation. My savings are completely depleted. Does anyone know how to get this fixed? Is there a specific department I should be asking for when I call? Should I file an appeal or complaint somewhere? I'm desperate at this point.

Starting to lose my mind over here. Been waiting since April for my unemployment claim to move forward. It's been sitting in this 'pending review' status for over 4 months now! Every time I call they just say 'we see your case is under review' and nothing else. I've sent emails, left messages, tried the online portal... nothing changes. How is anyone supposed to survive like this? I've burned through all my savings and am now running up credit card debt just to pay rent. Is this happening to anyone else or am I just uniquely cursed with bad luck? The worst part is not knowing if I'll ever actually get approved or not.

Just got this letter from NY unemployment saying that federal benefits are ending on September 6, 2021. I'm currently getting the extended benefits after my regular UI ran out in July. They're saying this is the last month I can get payments through these extensions, and I'm still struggling to find work. I've had a few interviews but nothing solid yet. The letter states: "This is a reminder that per federal law, federal unemployment benefits and extensions are scheduled to expire on September 5, 2021." It specifically mentions that this includes benefits in the following programs: - Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) - Extended Benefits (EB) - $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement - $100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) supplement - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) The letter says "Our records indicate that you are currently receiving or eligible for PEUC or EB benefits. If you are still out of work, the last week to certify for full or partial benefits through these programs is September 5, 2021 through September 11, 2021." It also mentions that to be eligible for a new unemployment insurance (UI) claim, I must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment (generally employment where a W-2 is issued). I've been relying on these payments to cover rent and basic bills. Really worried about what happens next month when everything stops. Does anyone know if there are any other options after this runs out? Anyone else in the same situation or know what alternatives might exist once these benefits end?