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IDK what everyone else is talking about, I've been on NY unemployment since January and haven't had a SINGLE interview!! Why are they harassing some people and completely ignoring others?? The whole system is totally random and unfair.
The interview selection process isn't entirely random. Several factors increase your likelihood of being selected, including: - Working part-time while collecting benefits - Having multiple employers in your base period - Filing from an IP address different from your reported address - Inconsistencies in your weekly certifications - Working in industries with high fraud rates If none of these apply to you, that likely explains why you haven't been selected for verification interviews.
When I was on unemployment last winter, I kept getting these interviews too, and my situation sounds similar to yours - I had gig work with irregular hours. What finally worked was calling the main unemployment number and specifically requesting to have a "case review" to stop the redundant interviews. Took me FOREVER to get through though - I called for like 3 days straight before finally connecting with someone who could help.
A "case review" - I'll definitely ask about that specifically! Did you have to call the regular unemployment number or was there a special number for case reviews? And yeah, the calling process is absolutely brutal. I've spent hours trying to get through with no luck.
Update - Were you able to get through to someone? If you had multiple employers, that's very likely the issue. The system will show $0 until all employer wage verifications are complete. If one employer doesn't respond within the timeframe, you'll need to provide additional documentation such as W-2s or paystubs from that employer.
I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and actually got through! You were right - it was because one of my employers hadn't responded to the wage verification. The specialist manually verified with my documentation and said my account should update in 48-72 hours. Thank you all for the help!
I'm in almost the exact same boat! My BYE is in May and I have 9 effective days left. When I called about it (took FOREVER to get through), the rep told me they don't prorate the last week either. So if you have 3 days left, you'll get 3/4 of your weekly benefit, but if you have only 2 days left, you might not get anything for those last 2 days since they need at least 3 days to process a partial week payment. Not 100% sure if that's right but that's what they told me.
thats not true u get paid for every day left even if its just 1 day! each day = 1/4 of ur weekly. my last payment was for 2 days and i got half a week.
Just to add some clarity on what happens at the BYE date: 1. Your benefit rate stays exactly the same until your BYE date 2. You can collect all remaining effective days at that same rate 3. After your BYE date, you must file a new claim even if you had days remaining 4. Your new claim will have a new benefit calculation based on your base period wages 5. There will typically be a 2-3 week gap between claims while your new application processes The NY DOL should send you a notification about 2-3 weeks before your BYE date reminding you to file a new claim if you're still unemployed.
I'm trying to update my direct deposit info for my NY unemployment benefits, but I'm stuck with this ID.me verification. When I try to create an account, the system keeps telling me I already have one - but I swear I never made one! I've been getting paper checks for weeks and finally decided to switch to direct deposit, but now I can't get past this ID.me wall. Has anyone dealt with this before? How long does it typically take to get this fixed? I really need to switch to direct deposit ASAP since my mailbox isn't very secure.
UPDATE: For anyone finding this thread later - there's now a specific process for this issue. If you're getting the "account already exists" error with ID.me for NY unemployment: 1. Contact ID.me support with subject line "NY Unemployment - Account Recovery" 2. Provide your name, last 4 of SSN, and the email you used for unemployment 3. They have a dedicated team handling these issues for NYSDOL The current processing time is about 48 hours for account recovery requests. Once resolved, you can complete your direct deposit setup.
Thank you so much for this update! I just sent them an email with that exact subject line and information. Will report back on how long it takes to resolve.
Just wanted to add - once you get the ID.me issue fixed, make sure you have a voided check or direct deposit form from your bank ready to upload. The system will ask for this to verify your bank account, and having it ready will save you from getting stuck in yet another waiting period. Also, the first direct deposit usually takes 1-2 payment cycles to activate, so don't panic if you get one more paper check after setting everything up.
Got it! I have my bank info ready to go. Just waiting on ID.me to fix the account issue. Really appreciate all the help from everyone here!
my cousin works for the unemployment office (not in NY tho) and she says that theyre supposed to treat furlough-to-termination as a new qualifying event but sometimes the system messes up and categorizes it wrong. thats probably why some people wait longer than others. also depends on which agent you get i guess
Final update for anyone who finds this post later: My claim was approved! It took 5 days, not the 2-3 the agent initially said, but that's still way better than waiting for weeks. I got the determination letter today and my first payment should be processed next week. The key really was talking to an actual person who could understand my specific situation. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
Excellent news! Glad it worked out for you. This is a good example of why it's always worth applying even if you think you might not qualify. The rules have exceptions, and your specific circumstances matter.
The official processing time for KeyBank UI deposits is within 24 hours of release from NYSDOL, regardless of weekends. However, most deposits are processed much faster, typically within 2-6 hours. Three factors affect availability speed: 1) Time of day the payment was released by NYSDOL, 2) Whether it's your first payment or recurring, and 3) The current processing volume at KeyBank. First-time payments sometimes take longer as the account setup is verified. If the funds don't appear by tomorrow morning, you can check the transaction status on the KeyBank unemployment debit card portal rather than the regular KeyBank banking app.
This is super helpful, thank you! It's not the first payment but it is the first one that wasn't delayed for some reason. I'll check the special unemployment portal instead of the regular app - didn't realize there was a difference!
did u get the money yet? im curious if it showed up
Yes! Just checked and it's available now - took about 6 hours from when we got the notification. Thanks everyone for your help!
Regarding career transitions and lower-paying jobs: If you've taken a position that pays substantially less than your previous employment, you may qualify for the NY Wage Subsidy Program that was implemented in January 2025. This temporary program provides supplemental income for up to 26 weeks to workers who were forced to take significant pay cuts (30%+) due to economic conditions. The application can be submitted through your NY.gov account under the "Additional Programs" section. This is separate from unemployment benefits and designed specifically for workers who have found employment but at much lower wages than their previous positions.
i just looked and cant find this anywhere on my ny.gov account?? is this something new? i'm definitely making way less than before
I'm so happy for you finding a job! I've been lurking in this group for months and it really has been helpful. Sometimes just knowing others are going through the same struggle makes it a little easier to bear. I was on unemployment for 9 months and just started a new position last month. Took a pay cut too but trying to stay positive. This group was literally my lifeline when my benefits were delayed for months with no explanation. Stay strong everyone still fighting the system!
Congrats on your job too! And you're so right - just knowing you're not alone makes a huge difference. The isolation of being unemployed was almost as bad as the financial stress. Wishing you all the best in your new position!
btw when i was in your situation i eventually got through by calling EXACTLY at 8:00am the second they opened. Like i had my phone ready and kept hitting redial. Still took 3 days but finally got someone.
I tried that too!!! I set my alarm for 7:55am and started calling right at 8 and STILL couldn't get through. It's like they don't want to help people.
UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr thing someone suggested and it actually worked! Got connected to a real person at NYSDOL after trying for weeks. They fixed my claim issue - turns out there was a verification problem they never told me about. My payments should start processing now. Thanks everyone for the help!!!
That's great news! Glad you got it resolved. For future reference though, your state representatives really can help with these issues too - just takes longer. They have staff specifically for helping constituents with state agency problems.
Thanks! I'm just relieved it's finally fixed. Been so stressed about this for weeks!
theres a buncha misinformation here tbh. if u didnt work enough during ur benefit year (like earn 10x ur weekly benefit) u might just get auto-extended n not have to file new claim. system tells u what to do
This is partially correct but not entirely. Whether you need to file a new claim depends on several factors, including if you worked during your benefit year and if you qualify under current eligibility requirements. The system will typically prompt you with next steps, but it's always best to be prepared to file a new claim after your BYE date.
Yuki Ito
my friend told me if u call exactly at 7:58am u can sometimes get thru before the system gets overloaded just fyi
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Carmen Lopez
•I tried that three times last week and it didn't work! I think everyone knows that trick now so the lines are jammed even at that time ðŸ˜
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Ethan Taylor
Just a final clarification for anyone finding this thread later: - Regular UI: Ends based on your benefit year end date - Extended Benefits: Last week ending August 29, 2025 (must certify by September 5, 2025) - Special pandemic programs: All ended in September 2021 Check your online account to see which program you're currently on. It should show your current program type and benefit year end date on your main dashboard after logging in.
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Nia Jackson
•Thank you for summarizing this so clearly! This whole thread has been really helpful.
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