THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS!!! I switched back to direct deposit in February after using the KeyBank card and guess what? They STILL sent my money to the KeyBank card for TWO WEEKS after I updated my info!!!! Then I spent FOUR HOURS on hold trying to talk to someone. This system is DESIGNED to frustrate people!!!!

Update: My payment from Tuesday did go to KeyBank! But now I'm anxiously waiting for the card. Called the KeyBank number and they confirmed it was mailed yesterday, so hopefully I'll have it by next week. Thanks everyone for your help!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! i had to borrow money from my parents while waiting for MY OWN MONEY to come back to me. they should have to pay us interest for making us wait!!!!

UPDATE: I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and actually got through to a real person! The agent said my payment was already in the reprocessing queue and should be deposited by Friday. She also said for future reference, you should always update direct deposit info at least 7-10 days before your next payment date to avoid this issue. Sharing for anyone else who might run into this problem!

I'm so confused about all this unemployment stuff!! I got approved then denied then approved again and nobody could tell me why?? The whole system is just so complicated and the website never works right on my phone. Hope your aunt has better luck than me!

Update: I talked to my aunt and she logged into her account. Everything looks legit! Her claim information is there with all her correct personal details and work history. The benefit amount matches what she got previously too. Thanks everyone for your help! She's going to start certifying this Sunday and see if the payment comes through normally.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to adjust my bill payment schedule since it seems like the Monday payment is unavoidable. I appreciate all the advice - this system is confusing when you're new to it!

One more thing I forgot to mention - holidays mess everything up too. If Monday is a bank holiday, you won't see the money till Tuesday. Found that out the hard way on Memorial Day weekend 😫

my friend got double paid when she changed banks... dol sent payment to both old and new account. she had to pay one back obviously

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to wait until after this week's payment posts to my current account before making any changes. It's not worth risking a delay. I'll update here if I run into any issues with the process in case it helps someone else.

To update my earlier comment: I forgot to mention that when you do reach the BRI Pre-date Department, they'll likely ask about your work search activities. For each week you're requesting backdated benefits, you should have made at least 3 work search activities per week. Work search activities can include: - Applying for jobs (online or in-person) - Attending job fairs - Creating accounts on job search websites - Networking events - Career counseling appointments Since you're going back to October, I'd recommend creating a simple spreadsheet documenting what you can remember of your work search efforts. Even if it's not comprehensive, having something documented is better than nothing. After I certified for my backdated weeks, it took about 5 business days for the payments to start appearing in my account. They came in batches, not all at once.

btw my assemblymans office helped me too last time!! they sent in some special request that flagged my account and i got a call back from NYSDOL within like 48 hrs so if ur still having trouble after jan 3 def reach out to them again!!

did u get a letter or email about this increase? i think i saw something about some people getting adjustments in 2025 but i forgot why

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!! Take screenshots of your benefit amount increasing and save ANY letters/emails. NY unemployment system is notorious for giving with one hand and taking with the other. I've seen people get increases and then suddenly get hit with "overpayment" demands months later. The system is designed to confuse us!!

Any luck getting through? I'd been calling for weeks before I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com). Best $20 I ever spent considering I was about to lose out on thousands in benefits because I couldn't verify my identity. They got me through to an agent who helped me complete verification without a credit card in about 15 minutes.

If you've exhausted all the calling options without success, one other official channel is your state representative's office. Each district has staff specifically to help constituents with government services issues. Look up your NY State Assembly or Senate representative, call their local office, and explain your unemployment identity verification issue. They often have direct contacts at NYSDOL who can assist with these situations.

Has anyone else noticed that it's IMPOSSIBLE to reach them by phone this month???? I swear they've reduced staff or something because back in January I could at least get through after a few hours of trying but now it's just busy signals or the "call back later" message EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!!

UPDATE 2: I FINALLY got through to someone! Used the Claimyr service that was recommended here after trying for three more days on my own with no luck. The agent found the problem immediately - there was a flag on my account because I had worked in another state briefly last year. They had to verify my wages from both states. The agent removed the hold and said I should receive ALL my backpay within 3 business days! Such a relief after 10+ weeks of nothing. Will update when the money actually hits my account. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

UPDATE: I was finally able to get through to someone at NYSDOL! They confirmed my employer is contesting the claim saying I quit, when I was actually laid off. The agent scheduled my phone interview for next Tuesday. I'll update again after that happens. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

FINAL UPDATE: Had my phone interview yesterday, and just logged in to see my claim has been approved! All my back weeks are now showing as paid and the money should hit my account in 1-2 business days. The interviewer was actually really nice and the whole thing only took about 15 minutes. Having my timeline and supporting emails really helped. For anyone else dealing with an employer dispute - definitely prepare your documentation and make sure you get that phone interview scheduled ASAP. Thanks again everyone!