Welcome to the group, Michael! So glad you found us and that things worked out for you in the end. Your story is really helpful for others going through the same multi-state wage verification issues. I'm dealing with something similar right now - filed my claim in December and it's been pending for almost 3 months. I also worked in NY and CT last year, so reading your experience gives me hope that this might be the root cause of my delay too. Did the agent give you any specific tips for getting through to someone in the future, or was it just persistence and lucky timing? I've been trying the 8 AM trick but haven't had success yet. Thinking about reaching out to my Assembly member's office like you did. Thanks for sharing your update - it's stories like yours that keep the rest of us motivated to keep fighting through this broken system!

Welcome to the group, Michael! Your experience with the multi-state wage issue is really valuable for others here. I'm so glad you were persistent and finally got through to someone who could actually explain what was happening with your claim. I've been helping people navigate the NY unemployment system for a while now, and the interstate wage verification delays are becoming increasingly common. It's frustrating that the system doesn't give claimants any visibility into what's causing the delay - you shouldn't have to wait 2 months just to find out there's a paperwork holdup between state agencies. For anyone else reading this who might have worked in multiple states, Michael's story shows how important it is to mention that specific detail when you finally reach an agent. The representatives can put notes in your file to expedite the interstate coordination process, but they need to know to look for that issue first. Thanks for taking the time to update us with your resolution - these success stories really help keep everyone's spirits up while they're dealing with their own claims!

just filed last week and already got my first payment! make sure you file right away because theres a waiting week

I'm in a similar situation as a substitute teacher in NYC and just wanted to share what I learned from filing last month. The application process was actually pretty straightforward online, but make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history ready. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of all the schools I worked at and the dates - NYS Department of Labor asked for specific employer information during the application. Also, don't wait to file thinking you need to exhaust all summer work possibilities first. You can file immediately after your last day of work and start the process. Good luck Carmen!

Just wanted to add - once you get the ID.me issue fixed, make sure you have a voided check or direct deposit form from your bank ready to upload. The system will ask for this to verify your bank account, and having it ready will save you from getting stuck in yet another waiting period. Also, the first direct deposit usually takes 1-2 payment cycles to activate, so don't panic if you get one more paper check after setting everything up.

I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago! The ID.me "account already exists" issue is super common with NY unemployment. What finally worked for me was using the live chat feature on ID.me's website (not just email) - you have to scroll way down to find it, but there's usually someone available during business hours. When I explained it was for NY unemployment benefits, they escalated it immediately and had my account sorted within 24 hours. Also, make sure you're using the exact same email address you originally used when you first applied for unemployment - sometimes people forget they used a different email and that's why the recovery options don't work. Hang in there, it's frustrating but totally fixable!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - my benefits ended about 3 weeks ago and I've been working part-time since December making around $550 a week. I was hesitant to apply for a new claim because I wasn't sure if I'd qualify, but reading everyone's experiences here has been really helpful. It sounds like as long as you've worked consistently for a few months, you should have a good chance of qualifying. I'm going to apply this week and hope for the best. Thanks for posting this question - it's exactly what I needed to see!

I was in a very similar situation last year! My benefits ended in February while I was working part-time at a retail job making about $580/week. I was nervous about applying for a new claim because I wasn't sure if my part-time wages would be enough to qualify. I ended up applying online and was approved for a new benefit year! The key things that helped me were: 1) I had been working consistently for about 4-5 months before my original benefits ended, 2) I made sure to have all my pay stubs organized before starting the application, and 3) I was completely honest about all my earnings. My new weekly benefit amount was lower than my original claim (since it's based on more recent, lower earnings), but it was still worth it given that I was only working part-time. Just make sure when you certify each week that you report your exact earnings - even being off by a few dollars can cause issues. The application process took about 3 weeks for me to get a decision, so try to be patient. Good luck - it sounds like you have a solid work history since November that should help your case!

I'm going through something very similar - filed in early August and my claim has been pending for almost 2 months now. I called last week and they told me the same thing about the "high priority unit" and gave me that same 518 number to watch for. It's incredibly frustrating because I've been doing everything right - certifying weekly, keeping detailed job search records, checking my messages daily - but still nothing. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring (knowing I'm not alone) and terrifying (seeing how long some people have been waiting). I'm definitely going to try some of these suggestions, especially the early morning calling strategy and maybe visiting a local office in person. The Claimyr service Ella mentioned sounds promising too - at this point I'm willing to try anything to actually talk to someone who can tell me what's really going on with my claim. The financial pressure is becoming unbearable. I never thought I'd be in a position where I'm rationing groceries and choosing which bills to pay late, but here we are. It's maddening that we're following all their rules and they can't even give us a realistic timeline or explanation for these delays. Hang in there everyone - hopefully some of these strategies will help us get through to someone who can actually resolve our claims.

I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to this exact problem. Filed my unemployment claim back in mid-July and I'm still stuck in pending status too. Got the same runaround about the "high priority unit" when I called in late September - they gave me that exact same 518 number to watch for. It's now been over 3 months and I haven't received a single call or update. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and deeply concerning. It's clear this isn't an isolated issue but a systemic problem with how NYSDOL is handling claims in 2025. The consistency of everyone getting told about this "high priority unit" but then waiting months with no follow-up suggests they're either completely overwhelmed or using it as a way to buy time. I'm definitely going to try some of the strategies mentioned here - the early morning calling approach, visiting a local office in person, and maybe that Claimyr service if I can't get through otherwise. At this point I'm willing to try anything because the financial stress is becoming impossible to manage. Bills are stacking up and I'm having to make impossible choices about what to pay. Has anyone had any luck with contacting state representatives? I'm wondering if escalating to elected officials might put some pressure on DOL to actually address these massive delays. We shouldn't have to fight this hard just to access unemployment benefits we've paid into. Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone - it helps to know we're not alone in this frustrating situation.