anybody else notice that if u press 2 then 1 then 3 in the phone menu instead of following the prompts for new claims, sometimes it puts u in a different queue? worked for me last time but idk if they fixed that loophole yet

Just wanted to follow up - did you manage to get through? I found that using a landline (if you have access to one) sometimes works better than a cell phone. Something about how their phone system processes the calls.

I want to emphasize something important: make sure you're answering the weekly certification questions 100% accurately. Any inconsistencies can trigger a hold on your payments. The questions about availability for work, looking for work, and refusing work are particularly important. Also, check your message inbox in the portal daily. Sometimes they send requests for additional information with tight deadlines, and if you miss them, it can further delay your claim.

After reading all the comments here, it definitely sounds like your claim is in adjudication because of the multiple employers situation. Once I got through to an actual claims specialist (using Claimyr to bypass the phone wait), they told me exactly what was happening with my claim. Turns out they were waiting on my former employer to respond to their inquiry about my job separation. The specialist was able to expedite this and note on my account that I had provided all necessary documentation. Within two weeks, my claim was approved with the correct amount and I received all my backpay. The key is getting to someone who can actually SEE and WORK on your claim, not just the frontline people who can only see basic notes.

My benefit rate took exactly 17 days to update from the minimum to my actual amount. Does anyone know what formula they use to calculate the weekly benefit? I got $421 but my coworker who I think made about the same as me got $458.

Just wanted to update - my benefit rate finally updated today! Went from $182 to $504. They must have verified my wages with my employer. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance. For anyone else experiencing this, just keep certifying weekly while you wait for the update.

One more thing to consider - check if your county has any COVID relief funds still available. Some NY counties received extended funding and haven't used it all up. You'd need to call your specific county social services department to ask. Also, if you paid into an optional 1099 disability insurance plan through a private insurer (not the state program), you should contact them immediately. Some private disability plans do cover illness including COVID.

For Albany County specifically, contact the Department of Social Services at (518) 447-7300. They've had some targeted emergency assistance programs for situations like yours. As for next steps, I'd recommend: 1. Call the NYS unemployment office for clarification (using the Claimyr service someone mentioned might help you get through faster) 2. Contact Albany DSS about emergency funds 3. Look into whether you can apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) temporarily while you recover 4. Check if you qualify for an emergency rental assistance program if housing costs are a concern Don't give up - there are resources available, even if traditional unemployment isn't an option!

my brother had same problem last month and he went in person to the career center and they helped him!! not sure if theres one near u but maybe worth a shot??

UPDATE: Finally got through!!! Used the payment trace number that someone suggested here, called at 8:01am, and got a real person after only 12 minutes on hold. My issue was that there was an "identity verification flag" on my account that no one told me about. They needed me to upload my ID again (even though I did this when I first applied). The agent removed the hold and said my payments should resume within 3 business days. THANK YOU everyone for your help and suggestions!!

This reminds me of when I lost my job at the warehouse last year and had to deal with all this unemployment stuff. Got so confused with all the certifying and waiting periods and whatnot. Ended up having to borrow money from my sister while waiting for payments to start. The whole system is so complicated.

UPDATE: I finally got through to an agent! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked. The agent was able to fix my break in claim issue and said my payment should process normally for Wednesday. She also backdated my missed certification since I had documentation of a doctor's visit last week. So relieved! Thanks everyone for your help!

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.

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!

BTW most places give u 5 days grace period for rent so ur probably fine

To clarify for everyone: The standard timeline for NY unemployment payments in 2025 is: 1. Release date: This is when NYSDOL approves your payment 2. Processing: 1-3 business days (excluding weekends and federal holidays) 3. Bank posting: Depends on your financial institution (typically 0-1 additional days) So for a Saturday, August 30 release date, with Monday being Labor Day: - Tuesday, Sept 2: First business day of processing - Wednesday, Sept 3: Likely arrival for banks with faster processing - Thursday, Sept 4: Typical arrival for most banks If you need to verify your specific payment status, contacting NYSDOL directly is the most reliable option.

After reading through this thread, I want to clarify something important: When your benefit year ends, your claim ends - this is standard procedure and has been part of UI for decades. The notices being sent now are not unusual, though the timing (only one week notice) is problematic. What IS different now compared to previous years is that there are fewer extended benefit programs available. For those who've exhausted regular UI and haven't found work, this creates a significant hardship that wasn't as common in recent years when more safety nets were in place. For immediate help, 211 is a resource hotline that can connect you to local emergency assistance programs.

After you've addressed your immediate needs through the emergency programs others have suggested, I strongly recommend connecting with your local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) office. They offer job training, resume assistance, and sometimes can help with direct placement into positions that match your skills. Sometimes they have grants for people in your exact situation.

Has anyone tried the virtual appointments? I did one last month and it was actually pretty decent. They use some video chat system and the agent could see my documents through the camera. Might be faster than waiting for an in-person slot.

Quick update for anyone following this thread - just wanted to let you know I tried that Claimyr service that someone recommended above. It actually worked! Got through to an agent in about 35 minutes (which is WAY better than the hours I was spending trying to call myself). The agent was able to see that my claim had an "identity verification" flag on it, which is why I had that mysterious "outstanding issue." Apparently some documents I uploaded didn't go through properly. She helped me resubmit everything, and said my payments should resume within 3-5 business days. So thankful I don't have to wait for that in-person appointment now!