From my experience dealing with NYS DOL, they primarily focus on cross-referencing your reported earnings with employer wage records and state databases. The most common triggers for deeper scrutiny are inconsistencies between what you report and what shows up in their systems - like unreported W-2 income or discrepancies in employment dates. If you're consistently accurate with your weekly certifications and job search documentation, you're unlikely to face any banking-related investigations. The system is more about catching people who aren't reporting income rather than monitoring everyone's bank accounts.

I work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate unemployment benefits, and I can confirm that routine bank account monitoring is not part of the standard NYS Department of Labor process. They use automated systems to match your reported information against employer wage databases and other state records. Bank account access typically only happens during formal fraud investigations when there's already substantial evidence of unreported income or misrepresentation. The best protection is simply being thorough and honest in your weekly certifications - report all work and earnings, even small amounts, and keep good records of your job search activities. Most people who follow the rules never encounter any financial scrutiny beyond the standard wage matching.

just put 00-0000000 if you dont know it, they'll figure it out later

If your small restaurant employer isn't responding to calls, you might also try checking if they have a business license posted somewhere visible - sometimes the FEIN is listed there. Another option is to look at any old paystubs you might have saved, as some employers include it. If all else fails, you can also try searching for the business on the IRS's online EIN database or contact the NYS Department of Labor's employer services division - they might be able to help you locate the FEIN using the business name and address.

I've been fighting this same battle for weeks! What finally got me through consistently was using Brave browser on mobile with these settings: 1) Enable desktop mode first, 2) Turn off all shields/ad blocking for the NY labor site, 3) Clear site data completely, 4) Use incognito/private mode, and 5) Try during off-peak hours (I've had best luck around 10-11 PM). The combination of desktop mode + no ad blocking seems to be the magic formula - their ancient site apparently breaks with any modern privacy features enabled. Also discovered that if you get stuck on the login page, don't refresh - just close the tab completely and start over. It's ridiculous that we need a PhD in browser troubleshooting just to file for unemployment in 2025, but this method has worked for me about 90% of the time. Hope it helps someone else avoid the endless frustration! 🙏

I was having the exact same mobile login nightmare until last week! Here's what finally worked for me after trying everything: Use DuckDuckGo mobile browser with desktop mode enabled. The trick is to also disable location services specifically for the browser while logging in - apparently their system has some weird geolocation conflicts on mobile. Also try switching your phone to airplane mode for 10 seconds, then back on to reset your connection before attempting login. I know it sounds random but it's been working consistently for me! The whole NY unemployment mobile experience is absolutely broken but at least this gets you through the login. Really hope they modernize this ancient system soon because these workarounds are getting ridiculous! 😤

One thing I wish I had known earlier - if you do any freelance or gig work while collecting unemployment, you have to report ALL income, even small amounts. I got in trouble for not reporting a $50 freelance writing job because I thought it was too small to matter. NYS Department of Labor can cross-reference with tax records, so it's better to be completely transparent about any work you do, even if it seems insignificant.

Another thing to consider is that unemployment benefits can affect your eligibility for certain means-tested programs if you're also receiving other government assistance. The unemployment income counts toward your total household income for things like SNAP benefits or Medicaid eligibility calculations. It's not necessarily a reason not to file, but it's worth checking how it might impact other benefits you're receiving. Also, keep really good records of all your job search activities - screenshots of applications, contact info for places you applied, etc. If NYS ever audits your work search requirement compliance, having detailed documentation makes the process much smoother.

I went through something similar a few months ago. Got fired for "performance issues" but really it was because I had to miss work for medical appointments. When I filed with NYS Department of Labor, I made sure to document everything - dates I was out, reasons why, any communication with my supervisor about it. They actually approved my claim after about 2 weeks of review. The key is being completely honest in your application and providing any documentation you have about your health issues if you have it. Even informal conversations with your supervisor about appointments can help your case. Don't let them intimidate you - you paid into the system and have every right to apply.

I'd definitely recommend applying right away like others have said. In my experience with NYS Department of Labor, they're actually pretty reasonable about medical-related attendance issues as long as you can show it wasn't just voluntary absences. Make sure to gather any documentation you have - doctor's notes, appointment confirmations, even text messages to your supervisor about needing time off for health reasons. The fact that you worked there for 2 years and never had formal warnings actually works in your favor. When they do the fact-finding interview (which they probably will), just be straightforward about your health situation and how it affected your attendance. They understand that sometimes people get sick and need medical care. Good luck with your claim!