Quick tip - when you're filing make sure you answer the question about work search requirements accurately. They've started auditing those more and will ask for proof of your job search activities. I got caught in this trap and had to provide backdated evidence.

I went through almost the exact same situation earlier this year! Got laid off with a lump sum severance that was supposed to cover me for several months. Here's what I learned: 1. File your claim RIGHT NOW - don't wait. The processing takes forever and you want to be in the system. 2. Be completely honest about your severance. They'll ask for documentation so have your severance letter ready to upload. 3. The good news is that since it's a lump sum "severance payment" (not salary continuation), it should only count as income for the week you receive it in November. 4. You'll probably get denied initially while they review your severance situation, but keep certifying every week. Once they determine your severance period is over, payments should start automatically. 5. For getting through on the phone - I had success calling exactly at 8:00 AM on Wednesday mornings. Took a few tries but way better than other times I attempted. The whole system is frustrating but hang in there! Getting your claim started now is definitely the right move. You've got this! 💪

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation - my claim has been "under investigation" for 7 weeks now and I was starting to lose hope. Reading everyone's experiences and strategies gives me some concrete steps to try. @Alice Pierce - so encouraging to see your update about getting through with the early morning call! I'm definitely going to try that 7:57am approach tomorrow. The reference number thing is huge - at least now you know someone is actually looking at your case. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I found out that if you're calling from a mobile phone, sometimes the call quality issues can cause you to get disconnected more often. I started calling from a landline at my local library and had better luck staying connected during those long hold times. Not sure if it's coincidence but worth mentioning! Also planning to download that Form UF-5.2 that @Kingston Bellamy mentioned. Had no idea that even existed. This system is so confusing but at least we're helping each other figure it out!

I went through this exact situation last year and it was absolutely maddening! My claim was stuck for 4 months with the same "further investigation" status. What finally broke it loose was a combination of things: 1. I filed a complaint with the NY Department of Labor's Inspector General office - there's an online form for reporting administrative delays and inefficiencies. This created an official record of the delay. 2. I contacted both my state senator AND assembly member on the same day. The assembly member's office was more responsive and had a dedicated unemployment liaison who knew exactly how to escalate these cases. 3. Most importantly - I discovered that my employer had been sent THREE separate verification requests but never responded to any of them. The DOL rep told me they "couldn't contact the employer directly" but when I mentioned I was filing an IG complaint, suddenly they found a way to send a certified mail request with a 10-day deadline. The whole thing got resolved within 2 weeks after months of nothing. Don't let them tell you there's nothing they can do - there are definitely internal processes they can use if you push hard enough. Document everything and make it clear you're willing to escalate beyond just phone calls. Hang in there - I know how desperate and frustrated you must be feeling right now!

The whole tax thing with unemployment is such a mess. They should just automatically withhold like 15% and let people opt out if they want, not the other way around. Too many people get screwed at tax time because they didn't realize unemployment is taxable income.

Just want to add that if you do decide to have taxes withheld, the 10% federal withholding might not be enough depending on your total income for the year. If you had a higher-paying job before unemployment or have other income sources, you might want to consider making quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. You can calculate what you might owe using the IRS withholding calculator on their website. Also worth noting that if you're collecting unemployment for most of the year, you'll probably want to file your taxes as early as possible since unemployment 1099-G forms sometimes have errors that need to be corrected.

I just went through this process last month and it was pretty straightforward! One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - make sure to save a copy of your bank's direct deposit form or at least write down your routing and account numbers before you start. The NY.gov system sometimes times out if you take too long to enter the info, and it's frustrating to have to start over. Also, I'd recommend making the change right after you certify for your weekly benefits rather than right before, just to avoid any potential timing issues. The system worked fine for me and the switch happened exactly when they said it would. Good luck with your new account!

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I was in almost the exact same situation! I had my unemployment going to my ex's account after we broke up (awkward!) and needed to switch it to my new account. The online process through NY.gov worked perfectly - took about 10 minutes total once I had my routing and account numbers ready. One thing I'd add is to make sure you log out completely and log back in after making the change to double-check that it saved properly. I was paranoid about it not going through so I took screenshots of every step. The change took effect after exactly 2 payment cycles like they said it would. Also, don't forget to update your tax withholding preferences while you're in there if you have any set up - those settings are tied to your payment method and might reset when you change banks. Hope this helps!

Just checked my account again and it's back to normal! Shows my correct weeks remaining now. Try refreshing your accounts everyone!

This exact same thing happened to my sister last week! She panicked for hours thinking her benefits were cut off. Turns out it was just a display glitch on their end. The worst part is how hard it is to reach anyone by phone to get confirmation. I'm glad to see from the updates in this thread that it's getting resolved quickly this time. For anyone still worried - definitely take screenshots like others suggested, and try the incognito browser trick if your account is still showing the wrong info!