Someone stole my ny unemployment identity and now I can't get my tax forms

I discovered something terrible when trying to do my taxes this year. I haven't collected any NY unemployment since 2022, but when I created an account on the tax website to get my documents, it showed that someone had been collecting benefits using my social security number since September! Over $7,400 in benefits that I never received. I immediately tried calling the unemployment office but couldn't get through after trying for days. Sent multiple emails through their contact form but just got automated responses. Finally drove 40 minutes to my local DOL office where they told me they couldn't help with identity theft issues over the counter and I needed to speak with someone on the phone. It's been 6 weeks now, my tax filing deadline is approaching, and I'm terrified the IRS will think I'm hiding income. I've filed a police report and an FTC identity theft report, but unemployment still hasn't fixed anything in their system. How am I supposed to file taxes when someone else's benefits are being reported under my SSN? Has anyone successfully resolved this kind of identity theft with NY unemployment?

First time filing ny unemployment - 3 weeks later no payment after ID.me verification

Need help with NY unemployment documentation requirements - can't reach anyone!

The new documentation requirements for ny unemployment are driving me crazy! They're asking for proof of unemployment but their website explanation is so vague I have no idea what to submit. Been trying to call for the past week but impossible to get through to an actual person. I feel like I'm shooting in the dark here. What exactly are they looking for? I don't want to submit the wrong stuff and get denied or have my benefits delayed. Has anyone managed to get clear guidance on what documentation satisfies their requirements? I'm willing to contact anyone - city council, mayor's office, whoever - just need someone to explain what they actually want so I can submit it correctly the first time. This is so frustrating!

Confused about NY unemployment tax documentation requirements - applied in 2020 but they need different docs?

I'm so confused about what tax documents NY unemployment wants from me. Got a letter last week saying I need to verify my income but I'm not sure which tax returns to send. From what I understand, if you filed your claim back in February 2020, you need to provide your 2019 tax return. But if you applied after April 2020, you only need the 2020 tax return OR Schedule C OR some kind of employment verification letter from your employer? I submitted my claim in May 2020 when I was laid off from my restaurant job, so I'm thinking I just need to send my 2020 stuff? Has anyone dealt with this recently and knows what's actually required? The website is super vague and I don't want my benefits to get cut off because I sent the wrong paperwork.

Filed for back payment with NY unemployment and now waiting... how long before they contact me?

I was on the phone with a rep yesterday about getting my back payments from when I was laid off in February. Turns out nobody ever submitted the right forms for my case! The agent told me they filled out the proper paperwork while I was on the call and said I just need to wait until they contact me through messages or by phone. Has anyone gone through this process before? I'm getting nervous because my savings are almost gone and I'm waiting on about $4800 in back pay that should've been paid to me already. Anyone know how long it usually takes them to reach back out after they submit these back pay forms? This whole process has been so frustrating.

Best time to call NY unemployment and is there a secret number to bypass the queue?

Been trying to get through to NY unemployment for days now. My claim has been pending for almost 3 weeks and I'm getting desperate. Seems like no matter when I call, I get stuck in this endless loop of automated messages then get disconnected. Someone at the grocery store told me there's a trick where you can press a specific number after the recording to get to a real person faster. Has anyone had success with this recently? Also, is there a better time in the morning to call? I heard maybe right when they open but I'm not even sure what time that is anymore. Any advice would be really appreciated since my rent is due next week and I'm seriously stressing out.

NY unemployment stalled for 5 months - need a lawyer to make them move?

My spouse has been pending since 2/25/2022. Getting so frustrated that we're thinking about hiring a lawyer to speed things up. NY unemployment seems to be dragging their feet for everyone who's waiting on payments. Maybe if they were held accountable legally they'd process claims faster? Five months of waiting is ridiculous. He tries calling every single day but hasn't reached a real person yet. We've sent multiple messages through their website portal but get absolutely nothing back. Anyone have any suggestions on what we should do next?

Helping Spanish speaking friend with NY unemployment waiting week credit issue

My coworker has been having major problems with her unemployment claim. She tried to file for benefits last month but the system told her she needed to call the 8124 number to apply for a waiting week credit before she can complete her claim. The big problem is she primarily speaks Spanish and struggles with understanding the automated phone system. I've been helping her navigate everything because the language barrier is really frustrating her. We've called multiple times but keep getting stuck in those endless phone menus or disconnected. Does anyone know if there's a Spanish option when calling or maybe a separate line for Spanish speakers? Or any tricks to actually get through to someone who can help with this waiting week credit thing? She really needs these benefits soon as she's got bills piling up.

How long does NY unemployment take to replace a lost debit card?

I misplaced my unemployment benefits debit card last week while moving apartments. I've searched everywhere and it's definitely gone. I called the bank right away to report it lost (on September 3rd) and they said they'd send a replacement. It's been 9 days now and still nothing in the mail. I'm starting to get worried because I have about $1200 sitting on that card that I really need for rent and bills. Has anyone gone through this process before? How long should I realistically expect to wait for the new card to arrive? I'm checking my mailbox obsessively every day and starting to get desperate. The customer service rep said 7-10 business days but I'm worried it might take longer with all the mail delays lately.

NY unemployment end date confusion - says May 17th but still have 58 effective days?

Kinda confused about my unemployment situation. My benefit year seems to end on May 17th according to the website, but it's also showing I have 58 effective days remaining. Does this mean my unemployment is completely finished on the 17th and I have to file a whole new claim? Or do the remaining effective days carry over somehow? The website is super unclear and I can't get anyone on the phone to explain it. Any advice appreciated!