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Got locked out of my ny.gov account yesterday because I can't get past the multi-factor authentication. I originally set it up with Google Authenticator about 4 months ago, but now that app keeps giving me codes that don't work when I try to log in. After 3 failed attempts, the system completely locked me out. I've tried calling the tech support number like 15 times today but just get the automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume. Now I can't certify for my weekly benefits online and have to call in, which is another nightmare. Has anyone successfully reset their MFA after getting locked out? Is there some secret email or special department I should contact? This is so frustrating because I need to certify by tomorrow or I'll miss this week's payment.
Fun fact: the system pulls your mother's maiden name from your credit report half the time. If you've ever entered it wrong on a credit application or bank account, that wrong version might be what they're looking for. You could try checking your credit report to see what's listed there.
Wow, I didn't know this. I'm going to check my credit reports right now. That could explain everything!
25d
try the last name she had when u were born, not her actual maiden name. i know it makes no sense but thats what worked for me.
this makes no sense but the unemployment system makes no sense either so 🤷♂️
25d
Submit a complaint to your state representative/senator. Seriously. I was stuck in an interview loop (had 5 over 4 months) and nothing fixed it until I complained to my state senator's office. They have special contacts at NYSDOL and got it resolved in 3 days.
THIS is the real answer. The DOL responds to political pressure. Find your rep here: nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
25d
My theory is they're hoping youll miss one of these interviews so they can cut you off. Be super careful to attend all of them even tho its annoying AF
Make sure your husband continues to certify for benefits every week while waiting! You can claim all those weeks once approved but only if you've been certifying!
THIS!!!! So many people miss this step and lose out on thousands!
25d
Do NOT give up. I was in the exact same boat, waited 5 weeks with no communication at all. Finally got through using claimyr.com (saves you from the hold time hell) and it turned out there was a simple flag on my account they fixed in 3 minutes. Got all my backpay two days later. The system is broken but keep fighting!
100% worked for me. I was about to throw my phone after 3 hours on hold when I found this. You pay them, they call and wait on hold, then your phone rings when an actual human picks up. That one convo fixed everything for me.
25d
Gonna try this tomorrow. Been trying to get through for weeks with no luck.
25d
When i needed my old records I had to fax (yes, FAX in 2023!!) a request to 518-457-9378 with my full name, address on file when i filed the claim, and last 4 of ssn. took like 10 business days but they mailed me everything.
most UPS stores have em. cost me like $2 but it actually worked!
25d
There are apps that let you fax from your phone too. I use FaxZero for free sometimes.
25d
The document request time is crazy right now. My friend who works at NYSDOL says they're understaffed in that department and prioritizing current claims. She recommended going through claimyr.com to get someone on the phone cuz its actually faster than waiting for document requests to be processed.
i reached someone using claimyr.com last month when I had a similar issue. Got through to an actual human at NY unemployment in like 30 min instead of calling for days. worth every penny considering i was able to get my back benefits released!
I mean believe what you want but i literally got my 3k in backpay after using it so 🤷♀️ sorry it hurt your feelings or whatever lol
25d
I can second this - used claimyr after weeks of calling. finally talked to someone who fixed my claim in minutes.
25d
In 2023 and we're still dealing with these ancient verification systems smdh. last year i got locked out cuz i couldn't remember which previous employer they wanted me to verify (i had 3 jobs in 2022). took 4 calls to fix.
idk if this helps, but some cell phone repair shops can do screen replacements pretty quick and cheap. might be worth looking into if you need your phone for other stuff too
Best thing to do is just bite the bullet and be up at the office at 8am waiting..and waiting....dreadful stuff but. Its worth not forfeiting your Money
lol welcome to the wonderful world of NYSDOL where everything's made up and the timelines don't matter 🤡
🤣🤣🤣 Ain't that the truth!
1M
Have you tried reaching out to your local representative? Sometimes they can help speed things up with NYSDOL.
I heard a rumor that they're clearing the backlog of claims from last year before processing new ones. Anyone know if there's any truth to this?
I dunno about that, but it wouldn't surprise me. The whole system seems pretty arbitrary tbh
1M
guys i think i figured it out. if you press 2, then 1, then 4, then sing the national anthem backwards, you get through to a real person instantly. trust me, my cousins friends neighbor works for NYSDOL
lmao I almost believed you for a sec 🤣
1M
Instructions unclear, got my tongue stuck in the phone. Send help.
27d
Sophia Gabriel
Contact your state representative/assemblyperson!! I was locked out for THREE WEEKS, couldn't get through on any number. Finally emailed my state rep and their office contacted unemployment directly. Got a call from a supervisor the next day who fixed everything.
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Tobias Lancaster
this actually works^ i did this during pandemic when i couldnt get thru for months. their offices have special contacts at unemployment
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25d
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Ezra Beard
Did u check if ur phone time is synced correctly? Google authenticator depends on your phone time being exactly right. If its off by even a minute the codes wont work.
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