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I filed for unemployment in March after getting layed off from my warehouse job. I got approved pretty fast and started getting weekly payments direct deposited. Then in May everything stopped. No payments for like 3 weeks. I checked my account online and saw a message about needing to verify my identity through this ID.me thing. I had no idea what to do. Tried calling the unemployment office but kept getting hung up on. I finally found the ID.me website but I'm totally confused about how to upload my documents. I tried using my phone camera but the pictures weren't clear enough I guess? Then I tried to use the video chat option but waited for 2 hours and nobody ever connected. My rent is due next week and I'm down to my last $120. Has anyone dealt with this ID.me verification process? Does it actually work or is this just another way to delay our payments?
I'm an IT guy who had to help my mom with ID.me last month. Here's my advice: 1. Use a computer, not a phone 2. Make sure your browser is updated (Chrome works best) 3. Clear your cookies/cache before starting 4. Use an ethernet connection if possible, not WiFi 5. Have all docs pre-scanned at high resolution 6. If you get stuck in the verification loop, completely log out, wait 24 hours, then try again with a different email address The system is poorly designed but eventually works if you're persistent. If all else fails, getting a human on the phone is your best bet. I've heard good things about claimyr.com for that part.
This is super helpful, thank you! I'm definitely not tech savvy so this breakdown really helps.
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the logging out and waiting 24hrs advice is key! their system gets stuck in loops sometimes
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I found out that if you have an iPhone 8 or newer you can actually create a digital state ID in your Apple Wallet and use that for ID.me verification! Skips the whole document upload process. Wish someone had told me that before I spent days fighting with their system.
Wait really?? That would be so much easier! Is there a tutorial somewhere?
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Just google "apple wallet digital ID setup" - only works in some states tho, NY is one of them
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So I've been struggling with this verification thing for ny unemployment. Lost my job in October due to downsizing and applied for benefits right away. Everything was going smoothly until two weeks ago when they suddenly stopped my payments and told me I needed to verify my identity through ID.me. I completed all the steps on November 5th - uploaded my license, did the face scan, answered security questions, even had a video chat with someone. It seemed like everything went okay but my dashboard still says 'pending verification' when I log into my unemployment account. It's been 9 days now and still no payments. I've tried calling but can't get through to a real person. How do I know if my verification actually worked? Has anyone else dealt with this? I'm getting really worried because rent is coming up and I have no idea if or when my benefits will start again.
check ur messages in ur online account. sometimes they send a message there but dont email u about it 🙄 classic NYSDOL, making everything as confusing as possible
One thing nobody tells you: if you log into ID.me directly (not through the NYSDOL link) you can see your verification status. If it shows verified there but not in your unemployment account, that means NYSDOL hasn't processed it yet. That's when you need to get on the phone with them.
Just checked and ID.me shows I'm verified! So that means the holdup is definitely on NYSDOL's end. Thanks for this tip!
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Just got a letter in the mail saying I need to verify my identity through id.me for my unemployment benefits. Super annoying they decide to do this now when my benefits are almost finished. The letter doesn't even have the actual website address to go to! Anyone know the correct link for id.me verification for NY unemployment? Don't wanna click on some random site and get scammed. I've been getting benefits since September and NOW they decide I need to verify? Makes no sense.
Anyone else notice how id.me verification makes you wait in line again if you make ANY mistake during the process? I had to restart THREE TIMES because my internet glitched while uploading my license photo. Then waited 4 hours for a video call 😤
Went through this whole process last week. You need a smartphone with a good camera that can do the facial recognition stuff. If you have an older phone you might have trouble. Took me about 45 mins total to get verified but then another 3 days for unemployment to actually recognize it in their system.
I've got an iphone 11, should be ok right?
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Yeah that'll work fine! Just make sure you're in good lighting when doing the facial scan part.
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check ur spam folder. deadass they sent all my important emails there and i almost missed the deadline to submit docs.
In case nobody mentioned it yet, there's a separate email specifically for backlogged claims: backlog@labor.ny.gov - it's not advertised but sometimes gets faster responses than the main channels.
Is this email still active? I tried it last month and my message bounced back.
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Oh dang, maybe they shut it down. Try unemploymentassistance@labor.ny.gov instead. That one worked for my cousin recently.
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I submitted my unemployment application about 6 months ago in February. I realized I made a serious error on the question about "Did you file an Unemployment Insurance Claim during the COVID-19 Pandemic?" where I incorrectly checked "Yes" when I should have selected "No". I've been trying to reach someone at the unemployment office every single day for the past 6 months but no one ever picks up. I ordered the debit card but haven't received any payments because of this mistake. I'm getting desperate because my savings are almost gone now. I even signed the E-Signature Disclaimer where "I certify that the information I have given on this form is correct" and "I understand that I may be asked to provide proof to verify the correctness of this information." I checked the box confirming "I have read and understand the e-signature disclaimer." The form clearly stated "I know that Federal funds are provided and that penalties are prescribed by law for willful misrepresentation or concealment of material facts in order to obtain assistance payments which I am not entitled to receive under the act." But my mistake wasn't willful - it was just an accident! I think my application might be stuck because the system shows I applied during COVID-19 when I didn't. The form mentioned "You cannot apply for PUA until you apply for regular unemployment insurance first and we inform you that you are ineligible for regular benefits. Once you are informed that you are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance you may apply for PUA benefits." The website says I should "Claim PUA benefits online by using the Department of Labor's website: www.labor.ny.gov/signin" and then "enter your NY.gov username and password, click 'Unemployment Services,' and then choose 'Claim weekly benefits.'" But I can't even get to that point because of my original error. Has anyone dealt with this same issue? How did you fix it? The form mentions "If you are denied Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits you have a right for a hearing before an administrative law judge at no cost or obligation to you" - should I request a hearing? Any advice would be appreciated because I can't keep going like this.
Have you tried faxing them? I know it sounds ridiculous in 2023 but sometimes the old school methods work when everything else fails.
I actually did this! Sent a fax explaining my situation and included my phone number. Got a call back 3 days later. Totally worth finding a fax service online.
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If ur having trouble with the covid question specifically, mention that when u do get someone on the phone. They have a special team that handles those issues and they can transfer u directly.
The notice code on April 27, 2020 is what you need to follow up on. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask about that specific notice. They can tell you exactly what it was for and resend it if needed.
lmao welcome to the wonderful world of the IRS where they make changes without telling you and expect you to figure it out 🤡 I had FOUR cancellations and reissues before I finally got my money last year
I thought NY unemployment was bad until I dealt with IRS 😂 At least with unemployment I could eventually get someone on the phone!
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facts!! and when you finally reach someone they just tell you to wait 6-8 more weeks 💀
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Former bank employee here. ACH transfers (which is what KeyBank uses for these deposits) only process Monday-Friday. Even if NY unemployment releases the payment on a weekend, the actual transfer won't begin processing until Monday morning. Then it depends on your bank's posting policies - some post pending deposits right away, others wait until the transfer fully clears.
Thanks for the insider perspective! This makes a lot of sense.
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Anyone else notice that the ny unemployment system runs slower on Fridays too? I swear its like they start the weekend early 😒
FACTS! Trying to do anything on the site Friday afternoon is useless. System probably running on some ancient server that needs a weekend nap too 🤣
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Someone might have reported your account as fraudulent. My roommate had an ex who did this to him out of spite and his account got locked immediately. Had to go through a whole identity verification process to get it back.
There's a secret phone number that actually works better than the main one. DM me if you want it. Got through in 20 min last time instead of hours.
Can you share that number with me too? Been trying to get through for days 😩
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Just DMed you. Hope it helps!
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I bet a million dollars that if you call and talk to an actual person, they'll fix it in 5 minutes. The problem is getting through to them...
The way that I finally got through to someone at ny unemployment was using claimyr.com - it makes the calls for you and connects when an agent answers. Totally worth it after I wasted days trying to call myself.
wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just the usual BS?
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it works. they dial for you and wait on hold, then call your phone when a human answers. saved me literally days of frustration
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Diego Ramirez
I stoped trying to call them after spending literly 6 hours on hold one day. Then my friend told me about claimyr.com - they call for you and connect when someone answers. Got my issue fixed in like 20 minutes once I was talking to a person. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent.
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Anastasia Sokolov
did this cost money though?
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Diego Ramirez
Yes but worth every penny to not lose my sanity sitting on hold all day. And I got my benefits fixed which was WAY more $$$ than what the service cost.
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Sean O'Connor
call on tuesday around 10:30am. for some reason thats when the wait times are shortest. idk why but it worked for me twice.
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