Just went through this exact nightmare myself last month! After reading through all these suggestions, here's what finally worked for me: I combined the mobile site approach with the early morning timing (around 5 AM) and used Firefox in private mode with ALL extensions disabled. The key was having every single piece of information written down beforehand - employment dates, addresses, SSN, bank info, etc. - so I could fill everything out without any pauses or navigation. What really saved me though was realizing that the desktop site and mobile site are completely different systems. When the desktop version kept crashing at the identity verification step, the mobile version (m.ny.gov) actually let me upload my documents successfully. Also make sure you're on a stable wifi connection, not cellular data, especially for the file uploads. If you're still stuck after trying these technical fixes, honestly the callback services like Claimyr that people mentioned here do work. I was super skeptical but desperate, and they got me connected to an actual DOL agent who found a backend flag on my account that was causing all the crashes. Sometimes it's not the website itself but account-level issues that only a human can fix. Don't give up! This system is intentionally frustrating but beatable with the right strategy. You've earned these benefits and deserve them! 💪

I just went through this EXACT same ordeal a few weeks ago! After fighting the NY unemployment website for almost a month, I finally got through using a combination of strategies people have mentioned here. What worked for me was switching to the mobile site (m.ny.gov) at around 4 AM using Safari in private browsing mode with a VPN to get a fresh IP address. The key insight that saved me was realizing my account had some kind of backend flag that was causing the crashes - no amount of browser troubleshooting was going to fix it. I ended up using Claimyr after being skeptical for weeks, and they got me connected to a live DOL agent who cleared the flag in literally 5 minutes. Turned out my previous employer had submitted conflicting information that was causing the system to error out every time I tried to submit. My advice: try the technical fixes first (mobile site, off-peak hours, clean browser), but if you're still crashing after a week of attempts, there's probably an account-level issue that only a human can resolve. Don't waste months like I did thinking it was just the website being glitchy - sometimes you need that direct agent contact to get unstuck. Hang in there! The system is absolutely broken but it IS beatable with persistence and the right approach.

I went through something similar a few years ago. Your lawyer is definitely on the right track with the subpoena approach - that's really the only legitimate way to get unemployment records for a legal case. In my experience, family court judges take potential fraud seriously when it affects child support, so they're usually willing to order the records if your attorney can show reasonable cause. Also, keep detailed notes of any suspicious activity - like if he seems to have money for things he claims he can't afford, or if neighbors mention seeing him working somewhere. That kind of documentation can help support your attorney's request for the official records.

You're absolutely right to be suspicious if there are inconsistencies between his claims of being broke and his actual spending. I work in family law and see this situation frequently. A few things that might help: First, ask your attorney about requesting not just unemployment records but also bank statements and tax returns through discovery - this can reveal unreported income. Second, if he's posting about purchases on social media, screenshot everything with timestamps. Third, consider hiring a private investigator if your budget allows - they're experienced at documenting work activity without crossing legal lines. The subpoena process for unemployment records usually takes 2-4 weeks once filed, but having additional evidence strengthens your case significantly. NY courts don't mess around with parents who try to avoid child support through fraud.

Most people don't qualify for SUB anyway so don't stress about it too much

I understand the frustration with navigating all these different programs! To add some clarity - SUB plans are governed by specific IRS and Department of Labor regulations, so they're pretty structured when they exist. The key thing to remember is that SUB benefits must be reported to NYS DOL when you certify for your weekly benefits, since they count as income. If your employer does have a SUB plan, they're required to provide you with documentation about it. You might also want to check if your state has any other supplemental programs - some states offer additional weeks of benefits or emergency extensions during high unemployment periods, though these would come through the regular unemployment system, not from employers.

The problem with ny unemployment is getting through to ask these kinds of specific questions. I spent TWO WEEKS calling and couldn't get through. Finally broke down and used claimyr.com which got me a callback in 2 hours. Best money I ever spent because I was able to ask all my questions and get my claim fixed.

Hey AstroAce! I was in almost the exact same situation last year - went from 40 hours to about 12-15 hours at my part-time job. You absolutely can get partial unemployment benefits in NY! The key things to remember: - Report your GROSS wages (before taxes) when you certify each week - NY counts DAYS worked, not just hours - so try to get your manager to schedule your 15 hours on as few days as possible (ideally 1-2 days) - If you work 1 day = 75% of your benefit, 2 days = 50%, 3 days = 25%, 4+ days = 0% - If you earn over $504 in any week, you get nothing that week regardless of days Don't worry about your employer - they get notified but it doesn't cost them anything extra since you're still employed. Most managers understand that people need to survive when hours get cut. The hardest part honestly is just getting through the initial application process and reaching someone if you have questions. The phone lines are basically impossible, but once you get it set up, the weekly certifications are pretty straightforward. Good luck! With rent that high and only 15 hours, you definitely need and deserve this assistance.

tried logging into id.me today and my account was showing as "verified" but ny unemployment still says pending?? makes no sense

Dont waste ur time waiting. Srsly. I waited 6 weeks thinking it would just magically start working. Finally used claimyr.com to get an agent on the phone and they fixed it in 5 minutes. Turns out my ID verification was done but stuck in some queue on their end. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast, wish I'd done it weeks earlier.