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my brothers girlfriends cousin works for unemployment and she says they have a secret code in there system that can push claims through faster but they only use it if ur situation is really bad or if u know someone who works there. not very helpful i guess but maybe try saying ur about to be homeless? worth a shot
That's not exactly how it works, but there is some truth to this. What they're referring to is the hardship expedite code, which is a legitimate process, not a secret. Claims examiners can flag accounts for expedited processing in cases of demonstrated financial hardship (eviction, utility disconnection, medical emergency, etc.). You don't need to "know someone" - any claimant can request this if they have documentation of serious financial impact.
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Update: I tried calling at 7:57am today using the early morning trick someone suggested, and I actually got through after only about 20 minutes! The rep was much more helpful than previous ones. She confirmed that my case WAS stuck because they were waiting for my former employer to respond to their inquiry. I explained my financial hardship situation and specifically requested a "Director's Special Review" as someone here suggested. She initially said she couldn't do that, but when I mentioned I had documentation of potential eviction and was going to contact my assembly member, she put me on hold and came back saying she'd escalate it to a supervisor. She gave me a special reference number for the escalation and said I should hear something within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed this actually works! I'll update again when I know more.
That's great progress! The reference number is especially important - make sure to reference that in any follow-up calls. If you don't hear anything in 7 business days, I'd still recommend contacting your assembly member as a backup plan. But it sounds like you're on the right track now!
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SEE?! The morning trick WORKS!! So glad you got through and got some actual help. The reference number is HUGE - that means your case is actually in someone's queue now instead of just floating in limbo. Keep us updated!!
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i got a question thats kinda related. if someone gets backpay for unemployment do they have to pay taxes on all of it at once or can they spread it out? asking for my brother whos still waiting on his claim from december
Unemployment benefits are taxable in the tax year you receive them, not when they were earned. So if your brother receives all his back pay from December 2024 in May 2025, it counts as 2025 income. He should make sure he selected to have taxes withheld (they withhold 10% for federal, nothing for NY state) or he'll need to make estimated tax payments to avoid a penalty next April.
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Just wanted to update everyone - my son got a call from DOL yesterday explaining the whole situation. Turns out his claim got flagged because he had worked in another state briefly last year. They said the legislative office inquiry is what pushed his claim through final approval. So definitely reach out to your representatives if you're stuck!
just sent email to my assembly person! fingers crossed 🤞
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Last weekend the system was down from 2am-4am on Sunday for maintenance. I was so annoyed because I tried right after midnight and it was super slow, so I decided to take a nap and try again at 3am... and couldn't get in at all! They did post a notice but it was buried deep in the website. Just check for maintenance notices before you try at weird hours.
yah i got that message to! so frustrating that they dont email about that stuff
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To summarize for everyone: You can certify anytime from 12:01 AM Sunday through 11:59 PM Saturday. However, the optimal times for system performance are typically: - Sunday between 7-10 AM (good balance of early certification and system performance) - Sunday between 2-5 PM (less traffic than morning) - Monday-Wednesday mornings (very fast processing but delays payment by a day for each day you wait) The system occasionally undergoes maintenance during overnight hours on weekends, so checking for notices if you plan to certify during late night/early morning hours is recommended.
This is super helpful, thank you! I think I'll try Sunday morning around 8am based on all the advice here. Seems like the best balance between getting it done early and avoiding system issues.
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just wondering... if you've been certifying for 17 weeks with no money why did u wait so long to say something?
I've been calling regularly but never get through. I posted on here before about the delays but didn't get many responses. The 1099-G is what finally pushed me over the edge because now it's a tax issue too.
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Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to anyone at NYSDOL? If you're still having trouble, remember that you can also try contacting your state assembly person's office. They often have dedicated staff for helping constituents with unemployment issues and can sometimes get faster responses than calling directly.
UPDATE: I finally got through today using the Claimyr service someone mentioned! It actually worked. Turns out there was a routing number error in my direct deposit info. One digit was wrong! The agent corrected it and said I should receive all back payments within 3-5 business days. They're also sending a corrected 1099-G. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
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Has anyone tried requesting an internal audit of their claim? I've heard that sometimes helps get attention faster than the regular appeals process. Also, DON'T let them pressure you into a payment plan if you genuinely don't owe the money!!
Requesting an internal audit can be effective, but it needs to be done in writing with a specific citation of NY Labor Law Section 600.4 regarding claim review procedures. Without the proper citation, these requests often don't get routed correctly.
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btw do they send those overpayment notices through the online portal too or just mail? i check my portal like once a month so im worried i might miss something
That's part of my frustration! They're supposed to send notices both ways, but I checked my online portal right before opening the physical mail and there was NOTHING there about an overpayment. The system is so inconsistent.
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I'm completely locked out of my NY unemployment account and can't remember ANY of my login info. Not my username, not my password, nothing! The system keeps asking for my NY.gov ID but I don't even remember setting that up. I've tried the password reset option but it asks for info I don't have. Does anyone know if there's a way to recover everything from scratch? I need to certify this week and I'm getting really stressed about missing my payment.
HOLD UP. Before you do ANYTHING else - try this: check ALL your old email accounts for an email from NY.gov with your username! When I set mine up years ago, it sent a confirmation email with my username (not password). I found it in an old gmail account I barely use anymore and BOOM, at least had my username. Look for emails from noreply@ny.gov or info@labor.ny.gov. Also check your spam/junk folders!
That's actually a really good idea! I have a couple old email accounts I should check. I'll do that right now before trying anything else. Thanks for the suggestion!
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UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! Here's what worked for me in case anyone else gets stuck in the same situation: 1. I couldn't find any old emails with my account info 2. I tried calling the technical support number around 20 times and could never get through 3. I ended up using Claimyr to connect to an agent (took about 15 minutes instead of hours of redial attempts) 4. The agent was able to verify my identity with my SSN, address history, and some questions about my claim 5. They completely reset my NY.gov ID and unemployment account access 6. I received a temporary password by email and was able to create a new password The most important thing is to SAVE YOUR LOGIN INFO SOMEWHERE SECURE this time! I'm using a password manager now so this doesn't happen again. And I was able to certify on time!
So glad you got it fixed! Yeah, the NY.gov ID system is honestly terrible but at least you're back in. Good tip about the password manager - I started using one after my nightmare too!
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Thanks for updating us! This is great information for others who might be in the same situation. Password managers are definitely the way to go - they can generate strong passwords you don't have to remember and store them securely.
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I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above when I was having problems with my claim last month. It actually worked pretty well - got through to a real person in about 20 minutes instead of trying for days. The rep was able to email me my 1099-G right away once I verified my identity. Might be worth it if you're running out of time.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I might try that route since it sounds like the most direct solution and I'm running short on time. Did you have to provide any special documentation to get them to email the 1099-G?
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They just asked for the standard verification - last 4 of SSN, address on file, and date of birth. Had to answer a couple security questions too. Pretty straightforward once I actually got through to someone.
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Just to follow up on your timeline concern - if you're unable to get your 1099-G in time for filing, you can request an extension from the IRS using Form 4868. This gives you an additional 6 months to file (though not to pay if you owe taxes). Then you'll have plenty of time to secure the proper documentation.
Thanks for mentioning that option! I'm hoping to avoid an extension if possible, but it's good to know I have that as a backup plan. I think I'll try calling with that Claimyr service first, and if that doesn't work, I'll go the extension route.
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After reading through all the comments, I want to correct my earlier response. The current NY supplement payments ($300) follow the 2.67% state tax withholding rule that another commenter mentioned. This changed in 2025 from previous years where federal tax was also withheld. Your 1099-G showing $0 federal withholding is correct if you opted out of federal withholding on your regular benefits. The $8 difference ($300 - $292) represents only the state tax portion. You'll still need to pay federal taxes on all benefits received when you file.
Thanks for the update! This makes me feel better that there isn't an error on my 1099-G after all. I'll make sure to set aside money for the federal taxes I'll owe.
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Just wanted to follow up - I received my corrected 1099-G today! The NYSDOL agent I spoke with (after using that phone service I mentioned) explained that they had a system-wide issue with reporting state tax withholdings on the supplement. My advice is definitely to call them about this. The corrected form makes a big difference for my tax situation.
That's good to know! I think I will try calling them. The conflicting information in this thread is making me think I should just ask NYSDOL directly to be sure.
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I've been locked out of my account by ID.me since January 2025, which means I can't claim my initial waiting week online for NY unemployment. The only option left is calling the telephone claims line (the one that ends in 8124). I've been trying EVERY SINGLE DAY for the past 4 months - early morning, mid-day, afternoons, even right before closing. Always get the same automated message: "We're sorry but please call back another time." Then it hangs up! Not even an option to leave a message or get in a queue. This is making me desperate. It's been 4 MONTHS of trying and I still haven't been able to claim my first week. Has anyone successfully gotten through to this line recently? Any tricks or specific times that work better? I'm at my wit's end here.
I work for a community assistance program (not affiliated with DOL) and we help people with unemployment issues. Here's what I recommend: 1. Document everything - keep a log of every call attempt (date, time, result) 2. The 8124 line has specific lower-volume periods: Try Wednesdays between 10:30-11:30am or Thursdays 2:30-3:30pm 3. For the ID.me issue: Call ID.me support directly at 866-775-4363 4. File a complaint with the NY State Department of Labor Advocate Office 5. If you still can't get through after trying these methods, contact your state representative as others have suggested Don't give up - persistence is key with the current system.
Thank you for these specific time suggestions! I'll definitely try those windows this week. I've been documenting all my call attempts but didn't know about the DOL Advocate Office. Is there a specific number or website for filing a complaint with them?
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You can reach the Advocate Office at 855-528-5618 or visit labor.ny.gov/advocate to file a complaint online. Make sure to mention the 4-month timeframe and all your attempts to contact them - this helps establish the "good cause" for delayed filing that another commenter mentioned.
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I was in your exact situation in January. After trying for weeks to get through on the phone, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it worked like a charm. They have this system that keeps dialing until it gets through the busy signals, then connects you directly to an agent. There's a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through, the agent was able to process my waiting week claim even though it had been delayed. They said as long as you have documentation showing you've been trying to contact them (phone records, emails, etc.), they can usually make accommodations. Worth checking out if you're truly desperate after 4 months of trying!
I just watched their demo video and it looks promising! Were you able to get all your backpay for the weeks you couldn't claim? That's my biggest worry right now - that I'll miss out on months of benefits because of this waiting week issue.
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Yes, I got all my backpay! The key was explaining to the agent that I had been trying consistently to reach them. Once I got through and they processed my waiting week, all the subsequent weeks became available for certification. The agent actually helped me certify for all the missed weeks right then on the call. Took about 30 minutes total, and benefits were in my account about 3 business days later.
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Savanna Franklin
have u tried logging out and logging back in? sometimes that fixes weird glitches on the site
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Sara Unger
Yeah, I tried that. Also cleared my browser cache and tried on my phone instead. Same message every time. But I'm going to try again tomorrow based on what someone else said about system updates happening today.
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Juan Moreno
After seeing several reports about this issue today, I believe this is likely a system-wide technical problem rather than individual claim issues. However, if the problem persists after 24-48 hours, you'll need to contact NYSDOL directly. For reference, according to the NYSDOL handbook, that specific message is generated when: 1. Your benefit year has expired 2. You've received all benefits in your monetary determination 3. A non-monetary eligibility issue has been identified 4. There's a system flag on your account If it's NOT resolved by Wednesday, you should definitely call for clarification.
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Sara Unger
Thank you for this detailed explanation. This makes me feel a bit better knowing it might be affecting others too. I'll give it until Wednesday as you suggested before I completely panic.
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