Update: I finally got through this morning! Called exactly at 8:00am and pressed the options for existing claim and then representative. Still waited for 45 minutes on hold but finally spoke to someone who could help. Turns out there was a verification issue with my past employer that was holding everything up. She processed all my back payments and said I should see the money in 2-3 business days. So relieved!

Congrats on getting through @Haley! That's so frustrating that it was just a verification issue that could have been resolved weeks ago if you could have reached someone earlier. The system really needs to be better at communicating what's holding up claims instead of just leaving people in limbo. For anyone else still struggling - her experience confirms that calling right at 8am opening time really is the best strategy, even if you have to wait on hold afterward.

Have you tried calling the local office directly instead of the main number? Sometimes those are less busy

I've had some success calling the regional offices directly instead of the main line. You can find your local office number on the DOL website under "Find a Career Center" - just search by your zip code. The local offices usually have shorter wait times, though they can't help with everything. Also try calling during lunch hours (12-1pm) when fewer people are calling. I know it's frustrating but don't give up!

Quick update: I completed the IDme verification yesterday (was actually pretty smooth) and today I received another letter asking me to call for a phone interview about my claim. Maybe there's hope after all! Thanks everyone for your help explaining the process - I would have given up without your advice.

Great to hear you made progress with the IDme verification! The phone interview is definitely a positive sign - it means they're actively working on your case. Just wanted to add that when you have your phone interview, they might ask about your alternate base period eligibility too, especially since your initial monetary determination was low. Make sure to mention any employment you had in the 18 months before you filed your claim, even if it was part-time or temporary work. Sometimes they can use a different 12-month period that gives you higher benefits. Also, if you miss their call, don't panic - they usually reschedule pretty easily. Rooting for you!

I had the exact same issue with the website crashing constantly! What worked for me was clearing my browser cache and cookies, then trying a different browser entirely. I switched from Chrome to Firefox and was able to get through. Also try using incognito/private browsing mode. If that doesn't work, definitely call the tel-claim line like Millie mentioned - just be prepared for a long wait time even on the phone system.

I work at a local workforce development office and see this website issue constantly. Another option is to visit any American Job Center (One-Stop Career Center) in your area - they have staff who can help you file your initial claim on their computers which sometimes have better access to the system. You can find locations at https://www.labor.ny.gov/career-center-locator/. Also, if you do get through on the phone system, write down your confirmation number immediately - the system sometimes drops calls right after you submit. Don't give up, the first week you're eligible is when your benefit year starts, so getting it filed ASAP is crucial.

One option to consider is getting a co-signer with stable income if that's possible for you. The lender would primarily evaluate the co-signer's income and credit, which could overcome the unemployment issue. Just make sure you understand the legal implications for both parties before going that route.

Another thing to consider is that some lenders might accept unemployment benefits if you can show additional assets or income streams. Since you mentioned having enough saved for a down payment, you might want to look into asset-based lending programs. These focus more on your liquid assets and down payment percentage rather than just monthly income. Also, if you do end up getting a job offer during the mortgage process, make sure to keep your NYS Department of Labor case worker informed about your employment status changes - it could actually strengthen your application if you can show you're transitioning back to stable employment.