Just to add some factual information that might help others: The backpay process for NY unemployment in 2025 involves several steps: 1. Filing the TC-12.3 form (Request for Retroactive Payment) 2. Assignment to a specialized backpay processor (not a regular claims examiner) 3. Review of your work and earnings history for the backpay period 4. Determination of eligibility for each week claimed 5. Processing of payments if approved The official timeframe is 10-15 business days, but in reality, it often takes 3-6 weeks. The key is making sure step #1 and #2 actually happen. Many claims get stuck because the form is filled out but never properly submitted into the processing queue. One tip: When you call, ask them for a "confirmation number" for your TC-12.3 submission. If they can't provide one, the form probably wasn't properly submitted.

Just as a follow up - did you ever get this resolved? I'm curious whether you had to call back multiple times or if they actually processed your backpay claim after that first call where they completed the TC-12.3.

Random question but has anyone noticed that the monetary determinations seem to be taking longer to process lately? When I filed last year it only took like 3 days to get mine but my friend just filed and has been waiting over a week now...

FINAL UPDATE: My wage reconsideration was approved! It took almost 5 weeks, but I finally got a revised Monetary Determination showing my correct wages of $41,850. My weekly benefit amount increased from $318 to $504! They're also sending me retroactive payments for the difference on the weeks I've already certified. For anyone dealing with this issue, here's what worked for me: 1. Submitted all my W-2s and quarterly pay stubs through the messaging system 2. Got a letter from my employer confirming my wages 3. Called (multiple times) until I got through to someone who could check on the status Thanks to everyone who helped with advice. This forum was a lifesaver when I was stressing about this whole situation!

This is exactly right. The alternative base period can make a huge difference in your benefit amount, especially if you had higher earnings in the most recent completed quarter. Make sure all your earnings documentation has dates clearly visible!

Thank you! I'll make sure to include all that info. I've put together a folder with everything from the past 5 quarters now. Feeling much more confident about submitting everything properly.

My sister works for the state (not unemployment but another agency) and she says they're super understaffed right now. That's why everything takes forever.

Update: I finally got through to someone this morning! There was apparently an issue with my employment verification that needed manual review. The agent cleared it up and said I should receive all my back payments within 3-5 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

If you didn't have taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits, here's what you can do now: 1. Prepare for potential tax liability when you file 2. Consider making an estimated tax payment now to reduce penalties 3. Look into payment plans with the IRS if you can't pay in full 4. Check if you qualify for any tax credits that might offset some of the liability For future reference, you can elect to have 10% of your benefits withheld for federal taxes on the NY unemployment site.

my brother said something about unemployment being taxed different in NY state vs federal? anyone know if thats true??

my sister works for NY unemployment and she says they get this question all the time!! the stimulus was from federal govt not from unemployment and its not taxed. but your unemployment benefits are 100% taxable so make sure you budget for that next time maybe?

Update: I went back to my tax preparer with all this info and they admitted they made a mistake! They're redoing my taxes for free. Turns out I DO owe taxes on my unemployment income (about $870) but nothing on the stimulus. Thanks everyone for saving me from paying money I didn't need to!

UPDATE: I was finally able to get through to a real person at NYSDOL! I used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and it worked perfectly. The agent found the problem right away - turns out there was a flag on my account because I had an old claim from 2023 that had some kind of unresolved issue. The system was holding ALL my new payments because of this old problem that no one ever told me about! The agent removed the flag and said I should receive ALL my back payments within 3-5 business days. I'm trying not to get too excited until I actually see the money, but this is the first real progress I've made in a year! Thank you to everyone who offered advice. I'll update again once the payments come through.

FINAL UPDATE: All my back payments came through today!!! Over $19,000 in total (minus taxes). I almost cried when I saw the deposit. Thank you again to everyone who helped - especially the suggestion to try Claimyr to get through on the phone. If anyone else is stuck in payment limbo, don't give up!

My sister got 6 weeks backpay after her citizenship papers got processed but it took like 2 months to get the money so don't expect it super fast

Once you get through to a claims specialist and they process your documents, payments are typically released within 3-5 business days. However, there is a backlog currently, so some claims are taking 7-10 business days to process. If you're facing immediate financial hardship, be sure to mention this to the claims specialist - they can sometimes flag accounts for expedited processing in hardship cases. Also make sure to check for any action items in your online account daily, as sometimes they request additional verification.

I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned when I was desperate in January. It actually worked - had me talking to a real agent in like 25 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. They fixed my issue on that call. Not saying you should have to pay to reach the government, but if you're desperate like I was, it might be worth it.

Just wanted to follow up - did you ever get through to someone? Were you able to resolve your pending claim issue?

my neighbor had same issue, he used that claimr thing someone mentioned abov & got thru in like 20 min after trying for days by himself. just sayin it works if ur desperate

UPDATE: I got through this morning! Called right at 8:00am and followed the sequence that was suggested (press 2, then 2 again, then 3). Had to wait about 30 minutes but finally spoke to someone who confirmed they'll mail my 1099-G. Should arrive in 7-10 days which is cutting it close for my tax appointment but better than nothing. Thanks everyone for your help!