I HATE ID.me so much!!! It's just another hoop the government makes us jump through to get benefits we're entitled to! Why can't they just use the information they ALREADY HAVE about us?? They have our tax returns, social security info, everything! But nooooo, we have to go through this whole stupid verification process that half the time doesn't even work right!

Update: I finally got through the ID.me verification using just my phone! Didn't need to buy anything. The facial recognition part was a bit glitchy but after a couple tries it worked. Thanks everyone for your help!

Had the same issue back in January. Got super worried, but checked my bank account 2 days later and the money was deposited on schedule despite the website never updating correctly. The website and the actual payment system seem to be separate sometimes. I wouldn't worry unless your payment doesn't arrive on your usual day.

Final advice - if your payment doesn't arrive on schedule, don't wait around hoping it will resolve itself. Call immediately. For issues like this, getting ahead of potential problems can prevent weeks of delayed payments. When you call, mention specifically that you received the 'already certified' error message when trying to certify again, as that's evidence your original certification was recorded.

I wanted to update with some information I just verified. As of 2025, NY unemployment has actually added a new way to check forfeit day balances. If you have the NY.gov ID app on your phone, go to the Documentation section and look for 'Monetary Determinations'. Recent forfeit balance information should be available in the latest determination document. This feature was added in January but isn't widely known yet.

Update: I finally got the information! I tried the NY.gov app suggestion first but my documents weren't updated there. Then I used Claimyr to get through to an agent this morning. The agent was able to tell me my exact forfeit day balance (18 days remaining, which equals $972), and they emailed me a statement for my records. Thank you all for your help!

One important thing to note: there are daily and monthly transfer limits when moving money from the KeyBank card to your personal account. I believe the daily limit is $1,000 and monthly is $5,000. This typically isn't an issue for most unemployment payments, but something to be aware of if you have a large backpay amount.

Watch out for KeyBank's RIDICULOUS inactivity fees! If you don't use the card for 12 months they start charging $1.50 PER MONTH just for having money sitting there. Make sure you either use it or transfer everything out!

my cousin said they pay you more if you have kids is that true?? completely off topic but just wondering lol

New York's unemployment benefit amount is not affected by how many dependents you have. Some states do provide dependent allowances, but NY isn't one of them. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base period (roughly the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim).

my roomate works for NYSDOL and says they've been having system issues calculating wages correctly for people who worked multiple jobs or had gaps in employment. definitely appeal!!!

I'm glad you're going to appeal! Just wanted to update that my appeal took about 5 weeks from filing to getting a decision. It was stressful waiting, but worth it in the end. Make sure you submit your appeal request through your NY.gov account and keep checking for updates or requests for additional information. For the Partial Unemployment question - it's for people who are working reduced hours (less than 4 days and earning less than $594 per week in 2025). It wouldn't apply if you're completely unemployed, but it's useful for people with very part-time work. Good luck with your appeal! Let us know how it goes.

i waited 6 weeks to file and lost all that money too. its dumb but thats how it works. the unemployment office told me they only backdate for very specific reasons and "not knowing" isn't one of them. sucks but what can u do

For future reference (or for anyone else reading this thread), here's what everyone should know about NY unemployment timing: 1. File immediately after job loss - benefits start from filing date, not job loss date 2. There's a mandatory unpaid waiting week after filing (first week is never paid) 3. File your weekly claim certifications on time, even if your initial application is still pending 4. If you have a legitimate reason for late filing, request backdating immediately 5. Keep records of all attempts to file, including screenshots of errors The system definitely favors those who understand these rules from the beginning.

im also a seasonal worker for parks and rec every summer they lay us off and every winter its the same headache with unemployment. idk why they dont have a special system for state workers who they KNOW are legitimate???

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get your ID.me verification sorted out? If you're still having issues, there's a specific pathway for state employees. You can request a referral code from your agency's HR department that can sometimes expedite the ID.me process. Not all HR reps know about this, so you might need to specifically ask for the "Trusted Referee Vouching" option.

UPDATE: My son just got an email from his HR department about this program! They said they'll be providing all current employees who had hour reductions with the documentation they need for the application. So at least for larger hotel chains, it seems like they're being proactive about helping employees apply. His HR said applications should open June 15th and they expect high demand, so be ready to apply early!

ANOTHER UPDATE: I just saw on the news that they're now saying it might be delayed until July because they're "finalizing the application system" which is just code for THEY MESSED SOMETHING UP AGAIN!! I'm so sick of these constant delays. People are struggling NOW. The hospitality industry has been hit so hard and they keep dangling help in front of us only to pull it away at the last minute. This is the third "assistance program" they've announced for our industry that ends up delayed or so restrictive hardly anyone qualifies.

how do you even check what they're claiming? my letter didnt have ANY breakdown showing how they calculated the amount!!

Update: I finally got through to someone at the tax department! For anyone else dealing with this, I set up a 36-month payment plan ($36/month) which is much more manageable than the lump sum. They verified the amount was correct - turns out I had selected federal withholding but not state withholding when I applied for unemployment. Lesson learned the hard way!