Not to sound like a conspiracy nut but try calling from a different area code if possible. I was using my NY cell and getting disconnected constantly. Used my mom's phone with an out-of-state area code and got through first try. I think they might be filtering calls from certain area codes that are high-volume.

I've been dealing with this exact same issue! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm going to try a few different approaches. First, I'll attempt calling from a different phone number early in the morning like Connor suggested. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely look into contacting my state representative - that seems like a really good option that I hadn't considered. The claimyr.com service that several people mentioned sounds promising too, though I'm a bit hesitant about paying for something that should be free. Has anyone tried the different phone numbers that Omar mentioned? I'd love to know which specific 888 number works best. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with financial pressure from being unemployed. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!

Congrats on getting it sorted! This is really helpful info - I'm in a similar situation where I need to change my direct deposit soon and was worried about the timing. Good to know that changing it a few days before certification seems to work. Did you get any kind of confirmation email or notification that the change went through, or did you just have to wait and see if the money showed up in the right place?

Thanks for the update! This is super helpful - I was literally in the same exact boat last week but chickened out and didn't change my bank info because I was too worried about timing. Seeing that it worked for you gives me confidence to finally make the switch. The fact that you changed it Thursday and still got paid Tuesday in the new account is exactly what I needed to know. Definitely going to take that screenshot advice too!

I'm also experiencing this exact same issue! Filed my weekly certification on Sunday, got the "payment released" confirmation email Monday morning, and here I am on day 6 with absolutely nothing in my bank account. This is my first time dealing with this kind of delay - my payments have always been deposited within 1-2 days after the release notification. I was starting to worry that something was wrong with my claim or that I'd made an error somewhere. This thread has been a huge relief because now I know it's a widespread system issue and not just me! It's really frustrating that NYSDOL didn't warn claimants about potential delays when they rolled out their new fraud prevention system. We rely on these payments and need to plan our finances accordingly. I'm going to call my bank tomorrow to make sure they're not holding the deposit on their end, and then maybe try that Claimyr service if I need to reach NYSDOL directly. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know we're all dealing with this together!

I'm new to this community and dealing with the exact same situation! Certified on Sunday, got the "payment released" email on Monday, and it's now been 5 days with no deposit. I've been a nervous wreck thinking I did something wrong with my certification or that there was an issue with my direct deposit info. Finding this thread has been such a relief - it's clear this is a widespread problem affecting tons of people with identical timelines. I can't believe NYSDOL didn't send out any advance notice about potential delays when they implemented their new fraud prevention system. We depend on these payments for rent, groceries, and other essentials - the lack of communication is really unacceptable. I'm going to start by calling my bank tomorrow to rule out any holds on their end, then maybe try that Claimyr service if I need to reach someone at NYSDOL directly. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and keeping each other informed. It really helps to know we're not alone in this!

Really appreciate everyone's advice here! I had no idea about the documentation part - wish I had thought to take photos at the scene but I was pretty shaken up. I did get the names of a couple guys who saw it happen though. Going to call the workers comp office first thing Monday morning. It's a relief to know that even as a contractor I should still be covered. And good to know about the unemployment option down the road if I can't get back with my current crew. Thanks for taking the time to help out - this community is awesome when you're dealing with stuff like this for the first time.

Hey Malik, really sorry about your accident - that sounds incredibly stressful on top of dealing with the injury itself. Just wanted to chime in with some additional info that might help. While you're focusing on workers comp (which is definitely the right first step), you should also know that once you're medically cleared to return to work, you can potentially file for unemployment even if there's a gap between when you're cleared and when you actually find work. The NYS Department of Labor will want documentation from your doctor showing you're able to work again. Also, if your injury results in any permanent limitations that prevent you from doing your previous type of construction work, there might be vocational rehabilitation benefits available through workers comp to help retrain you for different work. Best of luck with everything - construction injuries can be complicated but there are definitely resources out there to help you through this!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! I was a 1099 graphic designer and got my contract terminated suddenly. At first I thought I was out of luck, but I decided to file anyway after reading about misclassification. Turns out my client had been treating me like an employee - they required me to work specific hours, use their software licenses, attend team meetings, and I couldn't take on other clients during busy periods. NYS DOL investigated and ruled that I was misclassified as a contractor when I should have been a W-2 employee. I ended up getting approved for benefits retroactively! The process took about 8 weeks total but it was worth fighting for. Don't give up before you even try - the worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised like I was.

I was in a very similar situation about a year ago - worked as a 1099 content writer but my "client" basically treated me like a regular employee. They set my daily schedule, required me to use their content management system and style guides, and I had to get approval for any time off. When my contract ended, I almost didn't file because I assumed 1099 meant no benefits. But after reading about worker misclassification, I decided to apply anyway. NYS DOL reviewed my case and determined I had been misclassified - they looked at factors like behavioral control, financial control, and the relationship type. I ended up getting approved for unemployment benefits! My advice: gather all your emails, contracts, and any evidence showing they controlled how you did your work, then file the claim. The application process asks detailed questions about your work arrangement, so just be honest about everything. Even if you get initially denied, you can always appeal with more documentation. Don't assume you're not eligible - let NYS DOL make that determination based on the actual facts of your working relationship.