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wait so if your company offers early retirement you cant get unemployment?? that seems unfair since its not really your choice if they're pressuring you
I'm dealing with something similar - my company is offering early retirement to avoid layoffs. HR said we could potentially still qualify for unemployment if we don't actually retire but just leave the company. Maybe look into that option instead? Though I'm not sure how NYS Department of Labor would view it.
That's an interesting point about just leaving vs retiring. I wonder if there's a way to structure the separation that doesn't involve the "retirement" label? @af00013caca2 you might want to ask HR about this option and see what documentation they'd provide for your separation.
I'm experiencing the same SSN rejection issue as of this morning! After reading through all these suggestions, I wanted to share what's been working for me so far. The mobile browser trick that @Omar Fawaz mentioned was a game changer - I was able to get past the SSN error using my phone's Safari browser when Chrome on my laptop kept failing. Also, I noticed that if you get the error message, don't immediately try again - wait about 10-15 minutes between attempts because I think the system temporarily locks you out after failed submissions. For anyone still struggling, try these steps in order: 1) Clear all browser data and cookies 2) Switch to mobile device with cellular data 3) Try during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 4) Use incognito/private mode. If none of that works, definitely use that Claimyr service @Asher Levin mentioned - seems like it's the only reliable way to actually talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor these days. This whole situation is unacceptable though - people shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to access their unemployment benefits.
@Jade Santiago Thank you so much for laying out those steps so clearly! I just tried the mobile browser with cellular data approach and it worked! I was finally able to submit my weekly certification after 3 days of trying. The 10-15 minute waiting period tip was key - I had been trying repeatedly right after each error which probably made things worse. It s'ridiculous that we have to use these workarounds just to access our benefits, but I m'grateful for everyone sharing their solutions here. Hopefully NYS Department of Labor gets their act together and fixes these system issues soon.
I just went through this nightmare last week! The SSN validation error seems to be hitting a lot of people lately. What worked for me was a combination of things: First, I completely logged out of my account and cleared ALL my browser data (not just cache - cookies, stored data, everything). Then I waited about 30 minutes before trying again. When I came back, I used Firefox instead of Chrome and made sure to type my SSN very slowly with small pauses between each digit - sounds crazy but I think the form validation is super sensitive to rapid input. Also double-check that you're not accidentally hitting any extra keys or spaces. The system is definitely glitchy right now but don't panic about your benefits getting cut off - they know there are technical issues and won't penalize you for their system problems. Keep documenting each time you try so you have a record if needed. If all else fails, that Claimyr service people mentioned seems legit for actually reaching a human at NYS Department of Labor.
@Yuki Kobayashi The typing slowly tip is actually brilliant! I never would have thought that the form validation could be that sensitive to input speed. I m'having this same SSN issue right now and have been frantically typing it in over and over. I m'going to try your method of clearing everything, waiting 30 minutes, and then typing each digit slowly with pauses. It s'honestly insane that we have to treat this government system like it s'some finicky old machine, but if it works I ll'take it! Thanks for sharing such detailed steps - this community has been a lifesaver for figuring out these NYS Department of Labor technical problems.
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.
That's a great point about checking for identity verification holds! I just logged into my NY DOL account and you're right - there was actually a pending identity verification step I hadn't completed yet. No wonder the card hasn't shipped. Thanks for the tip about asking for a short-term loan too, that's probably my best bet for making rent while I get this sorted out.
If you're still having trouble after checking all the suggestions above, you might want to consider requesting a replacement card. KeyBank usually allows you to request a replacement if your original card hasn't arrived after 15 business days. There's typically a small fee (around $5-10) but it might be worth it for peace of mind. You can usually do this through their website or by calling their unemployment card line. Also, make sure to update your address with both NYS DOL and KeyBank if you've moved recently - mismatched addresses are a common cause of delivery delays. Hope you get this resolved soon!
I'm in a very similar situation - my benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I'm terrified. Reading through these comments is both helpful and scary. It sounds like the key is to start applying for other assistance NOW rather than waiting. I had no idea there was no automatic extension - I was definitely counting on that. Has anyone had success with the workforce development programs that @Dmitry mentioned? I'm willing to do training if it means getting some kind of income support while I'm in the program. Also going to look into that Claimyr service since calling NYS Department of Labor has been impossible for me too.
@Miles, I just went through the workforce development program application process last month! The good news is that some programs do offer income support - I found one through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) that provides a training allowance while you're learning new skills. You have to go through an assessment at your local Career Center to see what you qualify for, but it's definitely worth it. The application process took about 2 weeks for me, so start now! Also, I second starting the SNAP application immediately - mine took almost a month to get approved and I wish I'd started sooner. The uncertainty is terrifying but there are more options than I initially thought, you just have to dig for them.
I'm going through this exact same situation right now - my benefits end in 10 days and I've been having panic attacks about it. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences, it's really helping me understand what I need to do. I had no idea there were no automatic extensions anymore. I'm going to start my SNAP application tomorrow and call 2-1-1 to see what other assistance programs are available in my area. The idea about going to the Career Center in person sounds really smart - I've been banging my head against their website for weeks with no luck. Does anyone know if the WIOA training programs have income requirements to qualify? I'm worried I might make too much from my remaining UI benefits to be eligible. This whole system feels designed to make you fail, but at least this community is helping me figure out my next steps before I hit zero.
@Ravi, I totally understand the panic attacks - I went through the same thing when my benefits were about to end. For WIOA programs, the income requirements vary by area but they generally look at your household income over the past 6 months, not just your current UI benefits. Since you've been unemployed, you'll likely qualify even if your UI payments seem "high" - they understand that's temporary income. When you go to the Career Center, they'll do a full eligibility assessment and can tell you exactly what you qualify for. Also, don't forget to ask about emergency assistance programs while you're there - some counties have one-time rental/utility help that can bridge the gap. You've got 10 days which is actually better than waiting until the last minute like I did. The system is definitely designed poorly, but you're taking all the right steps!
Keisha Thompson
Been there! Applied 3 weeks ago and still waiting - the anxiety is real when you're watching your savings disappear. From what I'm seeing here, it really depends on if your claim gets flagged for anything. Mine has been stuck on "pending" too with zero updates. One thing that's helped my peace of mind is knowing that as long as you keep doing your weekly certifications, you'll get backpay for everything once it finally processes. Still doesn't help with rent NOW though 😅 Have you tried calling early morning right when they open? Seems like that's when people have the best luck getting through to an actual person who can tell you what's going on with your specific case.
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Justin Chang
•Same boat here! Just hit the 2 week mark and getting nervous about next month's bills. The "pending" status is so frustrating - like, give us SOMETHING to work with! I tried calling yesterday around 8:15am but still got the busy signal. Going to keep trying though since everyone says talking to a human is the magic key. Thanks for the reminder about the backpay - that's honestly the only thing keeping me sane right now knowing I won't lose those weeks of benefits.
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Omar Fawaz
Just wanted to share my recent experience since I see you're going through the same anxiety I had! Applied for benefits 6 weeks ago after my marketing job got eliminated. The first 3 weeks were absolutely nerve-wracking - just that dreaded "pending" status with no communication whatsoever. What finally worked for me was using one of those callback services someone mentioned here (Claimyr) after I literally couldn't get through on my own for 2+ weeks straight. Within 24 hours of them connecting me to an agent, my status changed and I got my first payment 3 days later. The agent told me my claim had been sitting in a queue waiting for manual review - something that would NEVER show up in the online status. The relief when that direct deposit finally hit was incredible. And yes, I got full backpay for all the weeks I'd been certifying. My advice: if you hit the 4 week mark with no movement, definitely try to get a human on the phone somehow. The automated system will leave you hanging indefinitely, but once you talk to someone real, things move fast. Keep certifying every week no matter what - that's your lifeline! You've got this 💪
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