One additional piece of advice: New York requires you to register with NY JobZone and create an active job search plan within 7 days of filing your unemployment claim. Many people miss this step and it can delay your benefits. Since you're part of a mass layoff, you should also check if your company is covered under the WARN Act, which might entitle you to additional benefits or services.

Based on the responses here, it's clear your situation should result in approval. To summarize the key steps: 1. File immediately 2. Select the correct reason for separation (layoff due to business closing) 3. Upload/provide the employer letter when prompted 4. Begin weekly certifications right away 5. Register with NY JobZone within 7 days 6. If you encounter any issues reaching NYSDOL, consider using a service to get through Most bankruptcy-related claims are processed within 2-3 weeks, so you should receive your first payment before your rent is due if you file immediately.

wait i just realized something totally different - are u on regular unemployment or some other kind? cuz the rules r different depending on which program ur in

One more thing to keep in mind - when you're getting close to the end of your benefits (like your last 2-3 weeks), make sure you start looking into whether you qualify for an extension. The process takes time and you don't want a gap in payments if you're still unemployed. Even with 11 weeks left, it's good to keep this on your radar.

Update: I followed the advice to list it under 'Job Search Preparation' > 'Attended workshop' and included all the details about the virtual job fair. I also contacted one employer directly after the fair, which I listed separately as an 'Employer Contact.' Just wanted to thank everyone for their help!

Does ANYONE else find it RIDICULOUS that they make the form so CONFUSING?!? Even their own activities don't fit neatly into their categories!!! This is a PERFECT example of how BROKEN the system is!!! I spent 3 HOURS last week trying to figure out where to put my career counseling session!!

Awesome! Make sure you take screenshots of the confirmation page just in case. NY unemployment has a habit of

Great idea - just took screenshots of everything including the confirmation number. Better safe than sorry!

my sister had this same problem but her name changed cuz of divorce not marriage. she had to go to the office in person and bring all her papers

UPDATE: I finally got verified!!! I took everyone's advice here and did the video call with the ID.me Trusted Referee. The woman was super helpful and understood my situation right away. I showed her my driver's license and social security card, explained the name change situation, and she was able to manually approve my verification! My NY unemployment claim is now processing and they said I should receive all my back benefits within 3-5 business days. THANK YOU all for your help - I would have given up without your suggestions.

make sure ur tax guy didnt send it to the wrong department. happened to my brother and they never forwarded it to the right place, he had to start over

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! Turns out my tax guy sent it to the general tax department email instead of uploading it through the unemployment portal. The agent was able to look it up and confirm they never received anything from him. I'm uploading my tax documents myself right now. Thanks everyone for your help!

anyone else notice how the deadline dates keep changing from year to year? last year it was june 30, now may 15? so annoying they can't keep anything consistent

Just as a follow-up: I noticed in your original post you mentioned sending 2023 earnings for a 2025 claim. As the claims rep pointed out, you'll likely need 2024 earnings documentation instead. The base period for unemployment calculations is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. Double-check your notice to confirm exactly which year they're requesting.

this happend to me back in january. my payment was late but only that 1 week. turned out they were doing fraud reviews on random accounts. never had to do anything and money came 4 days late

UPDATE: Her payment just came through about an hour ago! Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance. Seems like it was just the system delay after all.

anybody else notice theres been TONS of unemployment fraud lately?? like 3 people at my job had this happen in the past 2 months. the system is broken!!

Quick update on the child support aspect: When unemployment fraud affects child support payments, you should also contact the New York Child Support Helpline at 1-888-208-4485 and request to speak with their Fraud Investigation Unit. Specifically ask for Form CSE-2025-F, which is their new specialized form for reporting benefits intercepted through identity theft. Also, have your child's mother contact them separately to verify her payment method preferences are correct in the system. Sometimes fraudsters change not only your information but recipient information as well to redirect payments.

my cousin didnt send his form back cuz he thot it was a scam email. big mistake! took him like 6 weeks to get his benefits back on. dont mess around with this!!

One more thing to add - after you submit the form, take a screenshot of the confirmation page or save the confirmation number. Sometimes their system glitches and there's no record of your submission. Having proof you submitted it within the deadline has saved several people I know from benefit interruptions.