I just got laid off from my accounting job last week due to budget cuts. Starting to look at filing for unemployment benefits in New York but I'm confused about this ID.me thing. Do I need to complete the ID.me verification first before I can even create my unemployment account? Or is that something that comes later in the process? I tried calling the hotline but after waiting for 2 hours yesterday I had to hang up for another appointment. The website isn't clear about the exact order of steps. Has anyone gone through this recently who can explain the correct sequence? Really need to get this sorted ASAP as I've got rent due in 3 weeks.

Recently noticed my unemployment payments have decreased by about $60. After checking my payment history, I realized taxes are now being withheld which wasn't happening before. I never changed any settings or requested this! Been getting benefits since April after a company layoff, and for the first 3 months everything was fine with full payment amounts. Starting in July, they suddenly began taking out federal and state taxes. Already tried looking through my online account settings but can't find where to change tax withholding preferences. Called the main unemployment number multiple times but can't get through to a real person. Tried emailing through the contact portal last week but no response. Has anyone dealt with this? How do I stop the tax withholding and go back to receiving my full benefit amount?

I submitted my unemployment claim on August 12th and it's been almost 2 months with absolutely nothing. No payments, no updates, nothing. I've sent 4 messages through their message center and haven't gotten a single response. Tried calling at least 30 times but can't get through to a human - just endless automated messages and then disconnects. Is it possible to physically go to their office in Albany to speak with someone face-to-face? This is getting ridiculous. My savings are almost gone and rent is due next week. Has anyone successfully visited their office in person or found another way to actually reach a real person?

My backpay situation is driving me crazy. The NY unemployment office told me about 3 weeks ago that they were going to release my backpay for the period when I was unemployed from September to December last year. They said it would take 7-10 business days to process, but I haven't seen a penny hit my account yet. I've been calling every single day for the past two weeks trying to follow up but can't get through to anyone. The automated system just keeps me on hold forever then disconnects after like 45 minutes. I've emailed them 4 times with no response. I'm owed almost $6,900 and I desperately need this money for rent and bills. Has anyone had success getting through to a real person lately? Any tricks or tips? I'm at my wits end here.

I sent in my wage verification forms back in March 2022 (nearly 2 years ago!) and STILL haven't received a single payment. I've been calling every single day, sometimes 15-20 times a day and hitting redial like it's my new full-time job. The few times I've actually gotten through to a human, all they tell me is "there's no timeframe we can give you" and basically brush me off. I've tried emailing, sending messages through the portal, and even tried contacting my local representative. Nothing has worked. My savings are completely drained at this point. Does ANYONE know how to actually get some movement on this? I'm desperate here.