One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that you should also consider applying for other assistance programs while waiting for your unemployment benefits to start. Things like SNAP (food stamps) and emergency rental assistance can help bridge the gap if your first payment is delayed. The NYC Human Resources Administration has emergency cash assistance too if you're in the city. I know it's not ideal, but it's better to have backup options than to stress about making rent. Also, if you're worried about the timeline, you could try reaching out to your landlord early to explain the situation - many are understanding about unemployment delays, especially if you've been a good tenant. Good luck with everything!

Just want to add my experience from last year - I was making around $52k when I got laid off and ended up getting $498 weekly in benefits. The calculation they use is pretty straightforward once you understand it, but like everyone said, the website makes it way more confusing than it needs to be. One thing that really helped me was setting up direct deposit right away during the application process. My first payment took about 2.5 weeks to arrive, but after that they came like clockwork every Tuesday. If you choose to get a debit card instead, I heard it can add a few extra days to each payment. Also, start looking for work immediately even while your claim is processing - not just because of the work search requirements, but because the job market moves fast and you don't want to get rusty. I ended up finding a new position after 8 weeks and actually felt more prepared for interviews because I had been actively networking the whole time. The unemployment benefits gave me the financial cushion to be selective and find something better than my previous job.

I just went through this exact same situation two months ago and it was absolutely maddening! Got a new phone, forgot to transfer Google Authenticator properly, and got completely locked out right before I needed to certify. Here's what finally worked after a week of trying everything: The 844-891-1786 number that everyone's mentioning is legit - that's the NY.GOV ID tech support line. But here's the trick: don't just call at 7:30am. I had better luck calling at 7:29am and staying on the line when they opened. Sometimes the queue fills up instantly at 7:30. When you do get through (and you will eventually), have EVERYTHING ready: full name, DOB, SSN, current address, phone number, email, when you first filed your claim, your weekly benefit amount, and if you have it, your claim confirmation number from your original approval letter. The reset process took about 35 minutes once I got connected. They'll walk you through setting up new MFA and make sure to get ALL the backup options - SMS backup to your phone, email backup, AND print out those recovery codes they give you. One thing nobody mentioned - if you're really desperate, some local libraries have computer help desks and librarians who are surprisingly good at navigating government websites. Mine helped me figure out which forms to fill out while I was waiting to get through on the phone. Don't give up! The system is broken but there are real people who can fix it once you reach them. And definitely use that phone certification number in the meantime so you don't lose your payments.

I've been helping people with NY unemployment tech issues for years and want to add a few things that might help: First, the Google Authenticator phone transfer issue is SUPER common - you're definitely not alone. When you get a new device, the app doesn't automatically sync your accounts like other apps do. Here's what I've seen work consistently: 1. **Best calling strategy**: Call 844-891-1786 at 7:28am and stay on hold. Don't hang up even if you get the "high volume" message. I've seen people get through after 45+ minutes on hold when calling right before they open. 2. **Have your claim details ready**: They'll definitely ask for your weekly benefit amount, claim start date, and last employer info for verification. If you have your original determination letter, keep it handy. 3. **Multiple backup methods are crucial**: When they reset your MFA, you can set up SMS backup, email backup, AND get recovery codes. Do all three! I can't stress this enough. 4. **Time sync matters**: Make sure your phone's time is set to automatic before trying any authenticator codes. Even being off by a minute will cause codes to fail. Also, that claimyr.com service people mentioned is legit - I've referred several people to it when they couldn't get through after multiple days. It's not cheap but sometimes worth it to avoid missing payments. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but fixable once you reach the right person.

same here! been doing mostly online apps but wasn't sure if they were good enough

Online applications are definitely valid! I've been filing claims for 6 months now and the NYS Department of Labor accepts any legitimate job search activity. Besides online apps through Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites, etc., you can also count things like: updating your resume on job sites, attending virtual job fairs, reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, or even informational interviews with people in your field. The key is documenting everything - I keep a spreadsheet with company name, position, date, and method of contact. As long as you're actively searching and can show 3 genuine attempts per week, you should be fine.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The waiting week credit issue is specifically mentioned in DOL guidance as requiring specialist assistance, which is why it forces you into the phone queue. For those still struggling, document each call attempt (date/time) in case you need to show you were actively trying to resolve the issue.

I'm dealing with the exact same waiting week issue right now! It's so frustrating that they force you to call for something that should be automated. Reading through all these suggestions gives me hope though. I'm going to try the Wednesday 10:30am strategy first since that seems like solid insider info, and if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into Claimyr. The fact that multiple people here got through using different methods makes me feel like there's actually a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with these government systems!

I went through something similar last year - waited about 6 weeks to file thinking I'd land something quickly. The 4 week backdate limit is real and it stings, but here's what I learned: file your claim ASAP and be prepared for the phone interview where they'll ask about the delay. When I explained that I was actively job searching and didn't realize the urgency of filing immediately, they were understanding but still couldn't go beyond the 4 weeks. The good news is once you're approved, the weekly benefits really help while you continue your job search. Also make sure you're meeting the work search requirements - you need to document your job search activities each week. Don't let this delay cost you any more potential benefits!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - got laid off in October and just filed last week after finally accepting that my job search wasn't going anywhere fast. The 4-week backdate rule is frustrating but it's firm. What I found helpful was calling early in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) to avoid the worst of the phone queue nightmare. Also, when you do your weekly certifications, keep detailed records of your job search activities - I use a simple spreadsheet with company names, positions applied for, dates, and contact info. The DOL can request this information during audits so it's better to be over-prepared. Don't let the regret about waiting eat at you too much - focus on getting your claim processed quickly and staying consistent with your weekly certifications. Every week you delay filing costs you more money.