I had the exact same issue when I first filed! The 8-digit PIN isn't always obvious in the paperwork. Mine was actually printed on the back of one of the forms they sent - check behind all the pages. Also, if you filed online initially, they might have displayed it on the confirmation screen after you submitted your application. Some people screenshot that page but if you didn't, you're not alone in missing it. The PIN is definitely different from your SSN and claim number. If you still can't locate it anywhere, calling early morning (like 8:00-8:30 AM) tends to have shorter wait times than later in the day.

Just went through this nightmare myself last week! After reading through all these helpful responses, I want to add that if you're still stuck, there's actually a "Forgot PIN" option buried in the my.ny.gov system that I almost missed. When you get to the login screen where it asks for your 8-digit PIN, look for tiny text at the bottom that says something like "Reset PIN" or "Forgot PIN" - it's not obvious at all. You'll need to answer some security questions using info from your original application (like your mother's maiden name or previous employer details). It took me about 10 minutes to reset it this way, which was way faster than trying to get through on the phone. Worth a shot before spending hours on hold!

I'm in the same boat waiting for my 1099-G! Called the tax document hotline this morning and they said they're still processing them in batches. The rep told me that if you received unemployment benefits late in the year (like November/December), your 1099-G might not be available until mid-February. She also mentioned that they mail physical copies about 2 weeks after they're posted online, so definitely check your my.ny.gov account first. Hope this helps!

Just wanted to add that if you're still missing your 1099-G after mid-February, you can request a duplicate through the "Request Tax Documents" section on my.ny.gov. I had to do this last year when mine got lost in the mail and it was pretty straightforward - took about 5-7 business days to get a replacement mailed out. Also, make sure your mailing address is updated in your profile because they won't forward tax documents if you've moved since filing your claim.

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone even when they're open, I had success using a service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help you get connected to an actual agent without waiting on hold forever. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Just wanted to add that if you need to speak to someone urgently about your claim, you can also try calling first thing in the morning when they reopen tomorrow (Tuesday). The lines are usually less busy right at 8 AM when they open. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number and PIN ready before calling to speed up the process. Good luck with your certification!

I just went through this exact same situation two months ago and it was absolutely maddening! Got a new phone, forgot to transfer Google Authenticator properly, and got completely locked out right before I needed to certify. Here's what finally worked after a week of trying everything: The 844-891-1786 number that everyone's mentioning is legit - that's the NY.GOV ID tech support line. But here's the trick: don't just call at 7:30am. I had better luck calling at 7:29am and staying on the line when they opened. Sometimes the queue fills up instantly at 7:30. When you do get through (and you will eventually), have EVERYTHING ready: full name, DOB, SSN, current address, phone number, email, when you first filed your claim, your weekly benefit amount, and if you have it, your claim confirmation number from your original approval letter. The reset process took about 35 minutes once I got connected. They'll walk you through setting up new MFA and make sure to get ALL the backup options - SMS backup to your phone, email backup, AND print out those recovery codes they give you. One thing nobody mentioned - if you're really desperate, some local libraries have computer help desks and librarians who are surprisingly good at navigating government websites. Mine helped me figure out which forms to fill out while I was waiting to get through on the phone. Don't give up! The system is broken but there are real people who can fix it once you reach them. And definitely use that phone certification number in the meantime so you don't lose your payments.

I've been helping people with NY unemployment tech issues for years and want to add a few things that might help: First, the Google Authenticator phone transfer issue is SUPER common - you're definitely not alone. When you get a new device, the app doesn't automatically sync your accounts like other apps do. Here's what I've seen work consistently: 1. **Best calling strategy**: Call 844-891-1786 at 7:28am and stay on hold. Don't hang up even if you get the "high volume" message. I've seen people get through after 45+ minutes on hold when calling right before they open. 2. **Have your claim details ready**: They'll definitely ask for your weekly benefit amount, claim start date, and last employer info for verification. If you have your original determination letter, keep it handy. 3. **Multiple backup methods are crucial**: When they reset your MFA, you can set up SMS backup, email backup, AND get recovery codes. Do all three! I can't stress this enough. 4. **Time sync matters**: Make sure your phone's time is set to automatic before trying any authenticator codes. Even being off by a minute will cause codes to fail. Also, that claimyr.com service people mentioned is legit - I've referred several people to it when they couldn't get through after multiple days. It's not cheap but sometimes worth it to avoid missing payments. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but fixable once you reach the right person.

I went through this exact situation last year - my benefits ran out after 26 weeks and I was panicking. Here's what I learned: NY doesn't have any extensions right now, so once you hit 26 weeks, that's it unless you qualify for a new claim (which requires working again and earning 10x your weekly benefit rate). What saved me was applying for multiple assistance programs BEFORE my benefits ended. I got approved for SNAP, emergency rental assistance, and utility help through HEAP. Also look into the 599 Training Program that someone mentioned - it's legit and could extend benefits while she retrains. For the job search, tell her to cast a wider net. I ended up finding work through networking on LinkedIn rather than job boards. Marketing skills translate well to account management, customer success, and business development roles. The temp agencies suggestion is solid too - I got my current permanent job through a temp placement. Don't give up hope - the market is tough but there are options to bridge the gap!

Just wanted to add another resource that helped me when I was in a similar situation - the American Job Centers (One-Stop Career Centers) in NY offer free services that a lot of people don't know about. They have career counselors who can help with resume writing, interview prep, and they sometimes have job fairs with local employers. Some locations also offer short-term training programs that might help your cousin pivot into adjacent fields while she's job hunting. You can find locations on careeronestop.org. The staff there are usually pretty knowledgeable about local assistance programs too, so they might be able to point her toward resources others haven't mentioned yet.