Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? I was actually told by the agent that sometimes when you're in a training program, they need to manually verify your participation. Did you try calling early morning?

Great to hear you got some answers! This is actually a common issue with training programs and unemployment benefits. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation: 1. If you're in a state-approved training program, make sure to formally notify NYSDOL through the proper channels 2. Keep documentation of your enrollment and attendance 3. When certifying, there's usually a specific way to report training instead of regular work search activities 4. Always keep copies of any forms or verification documents you submit Once you submit that completed form, your pending weeks should be released within 7-10 business days.

I think they're doing this to push people off unemployment faster. Make it such a hassle that people just give up. The whole system has gotten worse since 2024. My cousin had to answer stupid questions about why he applied to jobs that weren't exactly like his previous one. Like hello??? Because no identical jobs were available???

Quick update for anyone following this thread - I had my second interview today and it went fine. The rep explained that they're doing more frequent checks on new claims in 2025. She said I should expect one more check in about 6 weeks, and if everything continues to look good, they'll switch me to their quarterly verification schedule. She also gave me some helpful tips about using their new job match system that I didn't know about before. So while these calls are annoying, this one was actually somewhat useful. Thanks everyone for your input and advice!

anybody know how long after u do the docusign verification til they approve ur claim? been waiting 3 days already

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your help! The suggestion to update my contact info and save it again actually worked - DocuSign email came through about 10 minutes later. Just finished completing all the identity verification steps. Hopefully my claim will start processing now! Leaving this post up in case anyone else runs into the same problem.

UPDATE: I finally got through the ID.me verification! Had to use my laptop like someone suggested. For anyone else struggling with this, make sure you're in a well-lit room and don't wear glasses during the face scan part. My payments were still on hold for a few days after completing it though.

Just so everyone knows, if you get stuck in "pending verification" status after completing ID.me, you NEED to talk to a live agent. They have to manually release the hold sometimes. I was stuck for almost 3 weeks before using Claimyr to get through to someone. The agent told me thousands of people are in the same situation right now.

this happend to me back in january. my payment was late but only that 1 week. turned out they were doing fraud reviews on random accounts. never had to do anything and money came 4 days late

UPDATE: Her payment just came through about an hour ago! Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance. Seems like it was just the system delay after all.

just got my recovery payment today! $1176 after taxes. timeline was: 1st docusign march 2, 2nd docusign march 18, payment april 2. hope everyone else gets theirs soon

FINAL UPDATE: Got my second DocuSign this morning! Filled it out right away. For anyone else waiting, definitely don't just sit around like I did. Either try calling (good luck) or use a service to get through. Turns out my issue was simple to fix but would have never been resolved if I hadn't spoken to someone directly. The agent said to expect payment within 14 business days after submitting the second form.

UPDATE: I called using the Claimyr service that someone suggested, and got through to a real person at the unemployment office. They explained that my Return Transcript doesn't show refund info, and I need the Account Transcript. They also checked my account and confirmed I DO have a refund coming - $743! It should be deposited next week. Thanks everyone for your help!

for next year just know that the online transcripts from the ny unemployment website are way easier to read than the mailed ones. save yourself the headache

For those who are still having issues, make sure you check these things: 1. Verify your direct deposit information hasn't changed 2. Check for any messages in your account inbox 3. Make sure your ID.me verification is still active 4. Look for any work search requirements that might not have been properly reported Any of these could cause a certification to be held for review. If everything looks good, then it's likely the system delay others mentioned.

my brother works at a bank and he said sometimes end of month payments take longer to process because of high volume. maybe thats why august 29 certifications are slow?

Slightly off topic but while your waiting to get this resolved have you checked if you qualify for emergency rental assistance? NYC has a program called ERAP that can sometimes help cover rent when you're between jobs or waiting for benefits to restart. Also check with local churches and community orgs - some have emergency assistance funds for situations exactly like yours.

UPDATE: I finally got through!! Used the Claimyr service this morning and got connected to an agent within 30 minutes. Turns out there was a flag on my account because I had mistakenly answered a certification question wrong in late January (said I turned down work when I meant to say I hadn't). The agent was able to correct it and release my payments - including retroactive ones! They're releasing 6 weeks of backpay that should hit my account within 3 business days. Such a relief! For anyone else in a similar situation - definitely worth contacting them directly to fix it rather than just assuming you're not eligible anymore. Thank you all for your help and advice!

honestly i think its super unfair that we even have to jump through all these hoops... like ur literally unable to do heavy lifting for medical reasons but the system treats u like ur just being lazy??? the whole thing is rigged against ppl with health issues who want to work but have limitations!!

One more important point: While pursuing SSI, consider speaking with a disability attorney. Many offer free initial consultations and only get paid if you win your case (usually taking a percentage of your backpay). They dramatically increase approval rates, especially for appeals. For immediate needs, check if your local Department of Social Services offers emergency assistance programs - these can sometimes provide temporary help while you're sorting out longer-term solutions.