Just wanted to jump in here since I went through this exact same nightmare about 3 months ago! Your IDNYC definitely won't work - I spent hours trying different combinations of those 14 digits before I realized it's a completely different system. Here's what saved me time and sanity: **Emergency passport check:** Look for ANY old passport, even if it's expired. Mine was expired for 10 months and still worked for the unemployment system. **DMV reality check:** If you need the non-driver ID route, the Bronx Hub location on 3rd Ave sometimes has shorter wait times for walk-ins compared to the popular Queens locations everyone mentions. **Phone strategy:** That 8:01 AM call time is legit - I got through on my second try using that timing. Have your social security number ready and explain you're actively getting proper state ID but need to file urgently. **Document prep:** Bring your IDNYC to the DMV anyway - it actually speeds up their verification process even though it's not the main ID they're issuing. The whole thing is frustrating but super common. Don't stress too much - once you get proper ID the actual unemployment filing is pretty straightforward. You're not alone in this bureaucratic maze! Also bookmark that claimyr service people mentioned - totally worth the $20 if you need to talk to someone quickly once you have your documents sorted. Hang in there! 💪

I literally just went through this exact same thing 2 weeks ago! Your IDNYC won't work at all - I tried every possible way to format those 14 digits and the system just keeps rejecting it. Here's what finally worked for me: **First - check everywhere for an old passport!** Mine was buried in a box and expired 8 months ago but still worked perfectly for the unemployment system. **If no passport:** The DMV route is your only option but here are some time-savers: - Fordham Road DMV in the Bronx does walk-ins Tuesday/Thursday mornings before 10am - Bring birth certificate + social security card + 2 pieces of mail + $9 exact cash - Your IDNYC actually helps as supporting ID even though it can't be the primary one **Phone hack:** Call unemployment at exactly 8:01 AM (not 8:00 when everyone else calls). Got through on my first try! They sometimes can put a temporary hold on your claim while you get proper ID. I know it's super stressful when you need benefits urgently, but don't try to force those IDNYC digits - it'll just flag your application for fraud review and create way bigger delays. The good news is once you get proper state ID, the rest of the process is actually pretty smooth. This IDNYC issue is incredibly common - you're definitely not alone! Also that claimyr service people mentioned is legit - used it myself and worth every penny to skip the phone wait times. You got this! Just need to tackle the ID piece first and then everything else falls into place. 🙏

I went through something very similar last year! The key thing to understand is that NY unemployment has two different base periods they can use to calculate your eligibility. When you get denied for insufficient wages in the regular base period, they automatically check your "alternate base period" which uses more recent wage data. That's why you can still certify - the system keeps you active while they process this second evaluation. I'd definitely recommend continuing to certify weekly because if you do get approved under the alternate base period, you'll get backpay for all the weeks you properly certified. Just make sure to keep records of everything in case you need to reference it later. The whole process took about 6 weeks for me, but I eventually got approved and received all my back benefits.

I'm new to this community and just went through this exact situation! Got denied for insufficient base period wages about 3 weeks ago but could still certify weekly. I was so confused and worried I was doing something wrong, but after calling NYSDOL (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned), the agent confirmed that my denial letter mentioned ABP evaluation and I should absolutely keep certifying. She explained that the system automatically keeps you active during the alternate base period review, and if you stop certifying during this time, you could lose out on weeks of benefits if you do get approved. I'm still waiting for my ABP determination, but it's such a relief to know this is normal and I'm doing the right thing. This thread has been incredibly helpful - it's amazing how much clearer everything becomes when real people share their actual experiences rather than trying to decode the confusing official letters. For anyone else in this situation, definitely check if your denial letter mentions ABP evaluation and keep detailed records of everything!

Just received an update from a colleague who works with NYSDOL claims. They confirmed the current processing time for first-time part-time work reports is approximately 4-5 business days. You should see your claim update by early next week if you reported it earlier this week.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my weekly certification on Sunday and reported 8 hours of part-time work, and now I'm seeing that dreaded "break in claim" message too. Reading through all these responses is really helping calm my nerves - sounds like this is totally normal for first-time part-time work reporting. I'm going to follow everyone's advice and keep certifying weekly while waiting for it to resolve. Fingers crossed we both get our payments processed soon!

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! why cant they just tell us exactly when we'll get paid instead of making us guess

I've been dealing with this same issue for months now. The holiday delays are frustrating but at least they're consistent. One tip - if you have direct deposit, check your account early in the morning on the expected day because sometimes the payments post overnight even if the department processes them the day before. Also, the NYS DOL website has a calendar showing federal holidays that affect payment processing if you want to plan ahead for future delays.

wait so if the pay is lower you can refuse? I thought once you're on unemployment you have to take whatever is offered or lose benefits

I went through something very similar a few months ago. NYS Department of Labor considers several factors for "suitable work" including the wage compared to your previous job, travel distance, and whether you have the skills/experience for the position. A 45-minute commute each way plus $3/hour less pay would likely be valid reasons to decline, especially if you're still early in your benefit period. When I declined a similar offer, I made sure to document everything - the job details, why it wasn't suitable, and continued my active job search. I didn't face any penalties. The key is being able to justify your decision if they ask during your certification calls.