Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I feel much better about this now. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims and just report my work hours and earnings accurately. It's reassuring to know the claim stays active in case things don't work out with the new job. @CosmicCrusader your experience is exactly what I was worried about - glad I asked here before making that mistake!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I've been through this cycle a few times unfortunately (temp work, contract jobs ending, etc.) and the advice about keeping your claim active is spot on. One thing I learned the hard way is to also keep track of your work dates and earnings separately for your own records. Sometimes there are discrepancies between what you report and what employers report to the state, and having your own documentation makes it much easier to resolve any issues. Also, don't panic if your online account shows weird amounts or statuses while you're working - the system sometimes takes a week or two to fully process the work reports. As long as you're filing weekly and being honest about your hours/earnings, you're doing everything right. Good luck with the new job!

I'm currently stuck in this exact same loop right now! It's so frustrating - I verified through ID.me yesterday and got the confirmation, but today when I try to continue with my claim it's asking me to verify AGAIN. Reading through everyone's solutions here, I'm going to try using my phone (same device I used yesterday) and wait the full 24 hours before attempting again. Really hoping this works because I can't afford to keep getting stuck in this cycle. Thanks for posting about this - at least I know I'm not the only one dealing with this buggy system!

This ID.me verification loop issue is unfortunately becoming really common with NY unemployment claims in 2025. I just went through this myself about two weeks ago and it was incredibly frustrating. What finally worked for me was a combination of several things people have mentioned here: I had to use the exact same device and browser I used for my initial verification, wait a full 48 hours (not just 24), and make sure I was completely logged out of both ID.me and the NYSDOL site before starting fresh. I also disabled my ad blocker and privacy extensions temporarily since those can interfere with the authentication process. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops, but the system integration is clearly broken. Don't give up though - it will eventually work if you follow the right combination of steps!

The whole system is a mess honestly. I don't understand why they can't just hire more people to answer the phones instead of making everyone wait months for basic help.

I went through something similar in Albany last year. While the local offices can't handle unemployment claims directly, I found that visiting in person helped me get better phone numbers and contact information from the staff there. The Syracuse office on South State Street might be able to give you direct numbers for specific departments or supervisors who can escalate your case. Also, try calling the general number right at 7:59 AM and keep hitting redial - sometimes you can get in the queue before the lines get completely jammed. Document everything about your case including dates and reference numbers so when you do get through you can give them all the details quickly. The adjudication delays are unfortunately very common right now but persistence does pay off eventually.

Also remember you need to be registered with the state job service and keep your resume updated. And if you're offered a job that's considered 'suitable work' you generally have to take it or risk losing benefits. The definition of suitable work can be tricky though.

@Evelyn Kelly - Just to summarize the key weekly requirements since there's a lot of info here: 1) File your weekly claim by midnight Sunday at my.ny.gov, 2) Complete 3 job search activities and keep detailed records (company name, position, date, contact info), 3) Report ANY work or income even if it's just a few hours, 4) Be available and able to work each day. The job search log doesn't have to be on a special form - you can keep your own records as long as they're detailed. I'd recommend filing your weekly claim earlier in the week rather than waiting until Sunday to avoid any system issues. Good luck with your claim!

Just went through this same nightmare last month. The Watertown Career Center at 1000 Coffeen St is still open but they literally cannot touch unemployment claims anymore - it's all done through Albany now. What worked for me was calling the main number (888-209-8124) at exactly 8:00am on a Tuesday. Took about 45 minutes on hold but I finally got through. Also heard good things about that claimyr service people mentioned. Don't waste gas driving around to offices - they'll just tell you the same thing. The whole system is frustrating but you gotta work within it now 😤

Been in the same boat as you @Maggie Martinez - it's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about unemployment and can't even get basic help. I actually had success using a combination of what everyone mentioned here. Called the 888 number at 7:45am on a Wednesday (seems like weekday mornings are key), and when that didn't work after a few tries, I bit the bullet and used claimyr. Yes it costs money but honestly when you're desperate and need answers, $20 is worth not losing your sanity. The physical office thing is dead - learned that the hard way after driving to three different locations 🤦‍♀️ Also pro tip: if you have any local state assembly member contacts, sometimes their offices can help expedite things. Don't give up!