just FYI everyone i noticed if u put dollar signs $ in your post it almost always gets hidden. also words like "appeal" "denied" "fraud" get posts hidden too

For those concerned about missing updates, here's a comprehensive system I've developed to stay informed without relying on Facebook: 1. Check your NY.gov account Message Center every morning (this is where official notices appear) 2. Set up direct deposit alerts with your bank so you know when payments arrive 3. Add the NYSDOL phone number to your contacts with a distinctive ringtone 4. Create a calendar reminder for your weekly certification day/time 5. Sign up for the NYSDOL text alerts by texting "NYSDOL" to 468311 This combination ensures you won't miss critical updates regardless of what happens with Facebook groups.

my cousin works for nys unemployment and she says theres a huge backlog right now because they switched computer systems in january and tons of claims are stuck in limbo. shes working overtime every weekend trying to fix the mess. not saying its right but thats why everythings so messed up right now

hang in there! I went thru something similar last year and it was sooo stressful but it did eventually work out. sending positive vibes your way!

hi everyone quick question thats kind of related but a bit different... if i only certified for unemployment for 1 day of work missed instead of the whole week, can i go back and fix that? sorry to hijack the thread but figured someone here might know

Update: I finally got through to NYSDOL after using Claimyr (thanks for the recommendation!). The agent reviewed my case and said they would allow me to certify for the missed weeks because I had documentation showing I was waiting for an eligibility determination and missed the notification. They're backdating 9 weeks! I have to wait 2-3 weeks for processing but at least it's approved. For anyone else in this situation - definitely call, have documentation ready, and be polite but persistent!

Did you get the targeted EIDL advance email or is this for a different SBA program? Just wanted to clarify because different programs might have slightly different requirements.

Thank you all so much for your help! Based on everyone's advice, I'm going to: 1. Report only my 2019 Uber/Lyft income from my Schedule C 2. Put zeros for 2020/2021 since I only had unemployment those years 3. Have my documentation ready in case they ask for verification I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge - this has been super helpful!

UPDATE: I finally spoke with someone at NYSDOL! Used that Claimyr service and got through in about 25 minutes. Turns out I did hit my maximum benefit amount, but the agent helped me apply for extended benefits and walked me through the 599 program application since I'm interested in a coding bootcamp. She also pointed me to rental assistance resources. Such a relief to finally talk to someone who could help! If anyone else is stuck trying to reach NYSDOL, seriously consider using Claimyr - worth every penny for the stress it saved me.

They said 599 approval typically takes 3-5 weeks, but can be longer if they need additional information. Unfortunately, I won't receive any benefits while waiting for approval, which is tough. But the agent did help me apply for emergency rental assistance to cover next month while I sort everything out. She recommended applying for SNAP benefits too, which I'm doing today.

One more thing to consider - check your NY.gov account and messages. Sometimes employers do respond, but NYSDOL needs additional information from you before processing. I've seen cases where people were waiting for employers when actually there was another issue or document needed. Just log in and check if there are any action items or messages you might have missed.

so what happened?? did u contact them? im in the same boat now and need to know if it worked!

I was in your exact situation last year. After my benefits ran out, I focused on getting any work I could - even temp jobs and gig work. It all counts toward your work history for your next claim. Also, make sure you're still registered with NY's job service and checking their listings regularly. Sometimes they have programs specifically for people who've exhausted benefits.

The job listings are hit or miss honestly. But sometimes they post about job fairs or training programs that aren't advertised elsewhere. I ended up getting a lead through a virtual job fair they posted about. Worth checking weekly at least.

One more tip: make sure you keep track of your balance! The KeyBank unemployment card doesn't have overdraft protection, so if you try to withdraw more than what's available, you'll get hit with a declined transaction fee. I recommend downloading the KeyBank app to check your balance before making withdrawals.

Thank you everyone for your help! I was able to register on the KeyBank site and set up a transfer to my checking account. The money should be there tomorrow. This is so much easier than I thought it would be!

I've been on disability for 3 years now. Just wanted to say don't get discouraged if you get denied at first. Almost everyone does. That's just how the system works unfortunately.

No lawyer for the initial application, but I did get one for the appeal. They only take payment if you win (from your backpay), so it didn't cost anything upfront.

UPDATE: Just checked my payment history and the missing day's payment hit my account this morning! Only took 2 days. So relieved but still annoyed I had to call for something that should've been automatic.

For anyone dealing with this issue, I recommend taking screenshots of your certification confirmation page every time you certify. That way if there's ever a dispute about what days you claimed, you have proof. The system is supposed to show this in your payment history, but sometimes that information is incomplete or missing entirely.