Got laid off in August - NY unemployment rep says I can backdate my claim to then if I file next month?

I was let go from my job in a company downsizing back in August. I didn't file for unemployment right away because I was trying to find another job and honestly just dealing with the shock. After struggling for months, I finally contacted my State Senator's office last week for help. Their constituent services team reached out to unemployment for me, and I got a call back yesterday (took 3 attempts before they actually reached me). The rep I spoke with said something interesting - they told me that when I actually file my claim in February, I can request backdating to August when I originally lost my job. Apparently I need to file first, then ask to be transferred to something called the "BRI Pre-date Department" and they can release all those back payments. I'm relieved but also confused. Will I have to verbally certify for all those weeks from August through January? Or will they mail me forms to fill out? Anyone been through this backdating process before with ny unemployment? Just trying to prepare myself for what's coming next.

NY unemployment for reduced hours at restaurant? Hours slashed but not fired

I work as a server at a restaurant in Queens and my hours have been absolutely decimated since November. We used to be packed every night but now we're lucky if we get 10 tables during an entire shift. The restaurant isn't officially closing but they've cut me from 5 shifts down to only 2 per week, and those shifts are dead - I'm making maybe $85 a night in tips when I used to clear $220-250. I've tried asking about other shifts but management says everyone's hours are being cut because of slow business and inflation. Bills are stacking up and I'm panicking about making rent next month. Can I apply for partial unemployment if I'm still technically employed but barely working? Has anyone successfully gotten ny unemployment while still working reduced hours? I know nothing about this process and need help ASAP before I get evicted.

NY unemployment ID.me verification rejected my PO Box - what proof of address works?

Potential identity theft with NY unemployment - what to do after fraud alert email?

I got this really worrying email from NY unemployment yesterday saying there was a suspected fraudulent claim submitted under my name and social. This is freaking me out because I haven't filed for unemployment since 2022 when my restaurant closed. The email had a link to report fraud and a contact number to call. I immediately reported it through their online form and tried calling the number they provided but I've been on hold for like 2 hours before giving up. I've already frozen my credit reports with all three agencies, changed passwords on my important accounts, and set up credit monitoring. But I'm still super stressed about what else I should be doing. Has anyone else dealt with this? What steps did you take? Should I file a police report too? I'm worried about someone collecting benefits under my name and then me getting hit with a tax bill or repayment demands next year.

Is 4 months too long for ny unemployment back pay after identity fraud?

Just renewed my unemployment claim after my benefit year ended and it was approved in about 10 days. However, I'm still waiting on back pay from almost 4 months ago. Someone committed fraud on my account and I had to go through the whole identity verification process. Every time I call, the reps just tell me its "under review". Makes zero sense that they approved my new claim before resolving the back pay issue. I'm due around $7,800 in missed payments. Has anyone had any luck getting their back pay expedited? Or am I just supposed to keep waiting forever while bills pile up? This system is completely broken.

How to change ny unemployment tourism recovery payment from direct deposit to check?

Just received my tourism recovery benefit approval email this week. In my rush to complete the form, I accidentally selected direct deposit instead of paper check. Problem is, I no longer use that bank account (closed it last month after my identity was stolen). I tried calling the number in the email but it's just an automated system with no option to speak to anyone. Been trying to reach them on the website for 3 days now but keep getting error messages. The payment is supposed to process next week and I'm freaking out that the money will be sent to a closed account and disappear forever. Has anyone gone through this? Is there any way to change my payment method at this point or am I screwed?

Been claiming partial ny unemployment for weeks but not received a penny

I started claiming unemployment again since November 10th after my hours at work got slashed. The department sent me a determination letter saying I'd get $378 weekly. Since I'm still working part-time (about 15 hours a week), I've been reporting my earnings expecting to get partial benefits. It's been 4 weeks of properly filing weekly claims and I haven't received a single payment. No pending transactions in my account, nothing. Could something be wrong with my claim? Should I be calling someone about this? Getting worried since bills are stacking up and I was counting on at least getting something to help make ends meet.

Employer lied about my layoff to ny unemployment - now I'm getting confusing letters

My company downsized and cut my position in August, but I just found out they told unemployment I quit voluntarily. I received a determination letter on 02/14/2023 denying my benefits. I immediately contacted the department and requested a hearing to explain my side. Today I got another letter saying "this notice supersedes the one sent on 02/14/2023" but I'm confused about what this actually means. Does this cancel out the previous determination? Do I still need to attend the hearing I requested? The new letter doesn't clearly explain what I'm supposed to do next. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation where your employer misrepresented why you left?

Moved from NY to NH - how do I properly close my NY unemployment claim?

I just relocated from New York to New Hampshire last month after my hours were cut back significantly at my retail job due to pandemic staffing issues. I had been collecting partial unemployment in NY since August because of the reduced hours, but now I've completely left that job behind. I'm starting a new position here in NH next week and won't need unemployment anymore, but I'm confused about the proper way to end my NY claim. Should I just stop certifying weekly? Or is there some formal process to close out my claim? I don't want to accidentally commit fraud or have problems later if I ever need benefits again. Anyone know the right way to handle this situation?

NY unemployment took extra money out for taxes that should have been waived during COVID?

So I've been dealing with this frustrating issue. I received unemployment benefits during February to September 2022 and specifically selected to have both federal AND state taxes withheld from each payment. I triple-checked this on my online account because I didn't want any surprises at tax time. Yesterday I got a letter saying they're taking an additional $740 from my current benefits claiming I owe back taxes! How is this possible when I already had everything withheld correctly? And didn't the government announce during COVID that they wouldn't be forcing people to pay certain unemployment taxes because it would create hardship for struggling families? I've tried calling the ny unemployment office 8 times now but can never get through to an actual human. The automated system just keeps directing me back to the website which doesn't address my specific situation at all. Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice on how to dispute these charges or at least talk to someone who can explain what's happening?