Yes, they absolutely do call! I just went through this process last month. NYS DOL called me after 18 days of pending adjudication status. They left a voicemail with my claim number and a direct callback number, giving me 48 hours to respond. The interview was about 25 minutes and they asked detailed questions about my separation from my previous employer and work search efforts. What really saved me was setting up a specific ringtone for unknown numbers so I wouldn't miss the call. They also sent a correspondence through my online account the same day they left the voicemail, so definitely keep checking both. The rep told me that phone interviews are pretty standard for most adjudication cases, especially if there are any questions about eligibility or separation circumstances. My claim was resolved within 5 business days after the phone interview. Keep your phone charged and volume up - you don't want to miss it!

Just wanted to share my recent experience to hopefully ease some anxiety! I was in the exact same situation about 6 weeks ago - pending adjudication with no updates for what felt like forever. NYS DOL did call me after 16 days, and honestly it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. They left a clear voicemail with a reference number and gave me 3 business days to call back. The interview was straightforward - mostly verifying the information I had already provided online about why I left my job. The whole call took about 30 minutes and the representative was actually quite helpful and patient. My biggest tip: write down all your employment dates, reasons for leaving, and any documentation you have BEFORE they call, so you're not scrambling to find information during the interview. Also, I noticed they called between 10 AM and 3 PM on weekdays, so try to keep your phone handy during those hours. Your two weeks of waiting is still within the normal timeframe, so try not to stress too much. They will contact you when they need additional info!

Have you tried calling KeyBank directly at their unemployment card customer service line? They might be able to give you more specific information about your card status than the general DOL office. Also, if you're really worried about it being stolen from your mailbox, you could contact your local post office and ask them to hold mail for pickup - that way future important mail won't sit in an unsecured mailbox. I know it's stressful when rent is due, but hopefully one of these tracking methods will give you some answers soon.

You can also check your claim status online through the NY DOL website to see if there are any holds or issues that might be delaying card shipment. Sometimes there are identity verification steps that need to be completed before the card gets sent out. Also, if you need money urgently for rent, you might want to ask family/friends for a short-term loan since even if you get the card tomorrow it can take a day or two to activate it and access funds. Definitely try the KeyBank tracking and calling their unemployment card line - they're usually more helpful than the general DOL phone system.

I work in HR at a mid-size company and can confirm that many large employers do contest unemployment claims as a standard practice to protect their unemployment insurance rates. However, if you were terminated for reporting safety violations, that could actually strengthen your case since retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited under OSHA. Document everything - the safety issues you reported, when you reported them, who you reported to, and the timeline of your termination. NYS DOL adjudicators do consider whether the termination was retaliatory. Two weeks isn't unusually long for adjudication when there's a contest, but stay on top of submitting any requested documentation promptly.

From my experience working with unemployment cases, Walmart and other large retailers do systematically contest claims to keep their unemployment insurance rates low. However, your situation with the safety complaint timing could actually work in your favor. The fact that you were terminated just weeks after reporting unsafe conditions creates a pattern that NYS DOL adjudicators are trained to recognize as potential retaliation. Make sure to submit those photos and emails you mentioned - they're crucial evidence. Also, don't let the 2-week adjudication period worry you too much. When employers contest with documentation, it typically takes 3-6 weeks for a decision. Keep filing your weekly certifications during this time and stay organized with your evidence in case it goes to an appeal hearing.

Don't give up hope! I work with unemployment cases and have seen NYS DOL approve backdating for much longer periods when there's documented employer misinformation. The fact that you have that text message is gold - it shows you relied on incorrect advice from your employer in good faith. When you file, make sure to upload that screenshot and be very clear in your explanation that you were specifically told by your boss that you wouldn't qualify. NYS DOL takes employer misinformation seriously because it prevents eligible workers from accessing benefits they're entitled to. File today if possible - every day you wait makes it harder to justify the delay. Good luck!

I went through something similar earlier this year! Was laid off in April but my supervisor convinced me I wouldn't qualify since I'd only been there 8 months. Turns out that was completely wrong - you only need to have worked long enough to earn sufficient wages in your base period, which for most people is much less than a year. I finally filed in July and got approved for backdating all the way to my layoff date. The key was being upfront about the misinformation and providing proof. That text from your boss is perfect evidence - definitely include it when you file. NYS DOL seems to understand that employers often give bad advice (intentionally or not) and they don't penalize workers for relying on it. File ASAP though - the longer you wait now, the harder it gets to justify!

Congrats on getting that resolved and getting your extra $504! This thread has been super helpful - I'm definitely going to check my old account now to see if there's anything pending. It's crazy how many people this system audit has affected. Really glad you used that Claimyr service too since it sounds like getting through to NYSDOL directly is nearly impossible these days.

This is such a relief to read! I was getting really anxious about whether to activate mine or not. The fact that so many people are experiencing this and it's turning out to be legitimate backpay makes me feel much better. I got a similar KeyBank card last Friday with no explanation and have been paranoid about scams. Going to check my payment history and determinations section right now. Thanks for updating us with your resolution - knowing it was worth $504 definitely motivates me to investigate mine further!