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I'm dealing with this same nightmare right now! Been trying to certify for the past 6 days and it's absolutely infuriating. The phone system just gives me that "all representatives are busy" recording and immediately hangs up - no option to hold, no queue, nothing. My online account is completely locked with some "security verification needed" error that provides zero instructions on how to actually verify anything. What's really getting to me is that I followed all the rules, filed on time, and now I can't even access the system to certify through no fault of my own. My rent is due in 5 days and I'm starting to panic about missing this payment cycle completely. After reading through all these responses, I'm going to try calling at exactly 7:58am tomorrow morning and also test that technical support line at 800-833-3000 for the verification issue. If those don't work, I might have to try Claimyr even though it's frustrating to pay for something that should just work in the first place. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's both comforting and maddening to know so many of us are stuck in this broken system together. At least we're helping each other find solutions!
I'm going through this exact same frustrating situation! Been stuck trying to certify for 4 days now and hitting the same walls - phone system immediately disconnects and my online account shows "account temporarily restricted" with no clear path to fix it. The stress of potentially missing benefits when rent is due is keeping me up at night too. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to set multiple alarms and try calling at 7:58am sharp tomorrow, and also test both the regular certification line and that technical support number. It's crazy that we have to strategize like this just to access our own benefits! If the early morning calling doesn't work, I'm seriously considering trying Claimyr too - hate paying extra but missing a payment cycle would be way worse. Thanks for posting about this @Zane Hernandez - it really helps knowing we re'all dealing with the same broken system. Hopefully some of us will get through soon and can report back with what actually worked! We shouldn t'have to go through this just to certify on time.
I'm going through the EXACT same nightmare right now! Been trying to certify for 5 days straight and it's like the system is designed to keep us out. The phone just gives me that infuriating "all representatives are busy" message and hangs up immediately - no hold option, no queue number, nothing. My online account keeps showing "session expired" errors even when I just logged in seconds ago. What's really stressing me out is that my certification window closes in 2 days and I haven't been able to get through once! I've tried calling at different times throughout the day but it's always the same result. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both a relief and incredibly frustrating - relief that it's not just me, but frustrating that so many of us are stuck in this broken system. I'm definitely going to try that 7:58am calling strategy tomorrow morning that several people have mentioned. Also going to clear my browser cache and try a different device for the online portal. If those don't work, I might have to look into Claimyr too - it's ridiculous that we should have to pay a third party just to access our own benefits, but missing payments would be even worse. Thanks everyone for sharing your tips and experiences. At least we know we're not alone in this mess!
UPDATE: I tried again this morning and still nothing. Used a different browser too. I finally broke down and called them. After 2.5 hours on hold (!!!) I finally got through. Turns out there was a "program review" flag on my account that was blocking me from certifying. The agent removed it and I was able to certify right away. She said this is happening to a bunch of people right now because of some internal review process they're doing. So if anyone else runs into this problem, unfortunately you DO need to call. Thanks everyone for your help!
Wow, thanks for the update! This is really helpful to know. I'm dealing with a similar issue right now where my certification option just disappeared even though I have effective days and benefits left. Based on your experience, it sounds like I should probably just bite the bullet and call them directly rather than keep trying different browsers and waiting. Did the agent give you any insight into why these "program reviews" are happening so frequently right now? Just trying to understand if this is something that might happen again in the future.
PROTIP: Screenshot everything! Every email, text, and page on the website. You never know when you'll need proof of something later.
I had the exact same issue! Got the approval email and text but couldn't certify for about 4 days. Turns out it was a combination of the waiting week + system lag. What finally worked for me was clearing my browser cache and trying again the next morning. Also double-check that you're looking in the right section - sometimes the "certify" button shows up under a different menu than expected. If it's been more than a week since your approval, definitely call them because there might be a hidden issue with your claim that only shows up on their end.
Been dealing with this exact same issue for over a year now! Finally got through last month using a combination of strategies. Here's what worked for me: 1. Called at exactly 8:30 AM on a Tuesday (seems like Mondays and Fridays are the worst) 2. When the automated system picks up, I pressed 0 repeatedly before selecting language - sometimes this bypasses the main menu 3. Had my SSN, PIN, and account details ready to go The agent was actually super helpful once I got through. Turns out my account was flagged because I moved during COVID and they needed to verify my new address. Whole process took like 10 minutes once connected. For anyone still stuck - don't give up! It's frustrating but you will eventually get through. Also make sure you're calling the right number (800-833-3000) and not the certification line by mistake. I wasted weeks calling the wrong number 🤦♂️ Hope this helps someone avoid the headache I went through!
Had this same nightmare for 8 months! What finally worked was calling the Spanish line first (even though I don't speak Spanish) - press 2 for Spanish when prompted, then when someone picks up just say "English please" and they transfer you to an English-speaking agent. The Spanish queue seems way shorter. Got through in 20 minutes vs never getting through on the English line. Worth a shot if you're desperate like I was!
Sofia Martinez
Just wanted to add that even though there's no limit on how many times you can collect, you do need to make sure you're meeting all the weekly requirements each time - like doing your job search activities and reporting any work or income. Don't let previous successful claims make you complacent about following the rules on your new claim!
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Lena Kowalski
This thread has been really helpful! I'm in a similar situation - got laid off from my tech job last month and this would be my second time filing for unemployment in NY. I was worried there might be some kind of "frequent filer" penalty or something, but it sounds like as long as you worked enough between claims, NYS Department of Labor treats each application on its own merits. Has anyone here had experience with how long it typically takes for them to process a repeat claim? I'm wondering if having filed before makes the process any faster since they already have some of my information on file.
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
•In my experience, repeat claims can actually process a bit faster since NYS Department of Labor already has your employment history and personal info in their system. My second claim was approved within about 10 days compared to almost 3 weeks for my first one. Just make sure all your employer information is accurate and up to date when you file - any discrepancies can slow things down. The online system should recognize you as a returning claimant and pre-populate some fields which helps avoid errors too.
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Olivia Kay
•@Lena Kowalski That s'great to hear about faster processing for repeat claims! I m'actually in tech too and considering filing again after my startup folded. One thing I learned from my previous claim is to keep really detailed records of your job search activities from day one. NYS Department of Labor can ask for documentation of your work search efforts at any time, and having everything organized makes the weekly certifications much smoother. Also, if you re'planning to do any freelance or contract work while collecting, make sure to report every penny - even small gigs. They re'pretty strict about income reporting and it s'not worth risking your benefits over unreported earnings.
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