


Ask the community...
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!
@Skylar Neal I feel your pain! I went through this exact same thing a few weeks ago and it was maddening. The 24-hour wait + same device method really does seem to work for most people based on what I ve'seen in this thread and other forums. One thing I d'add is make sure you re'not logged into ID.me in another tab or window when you try again - sometimes that can confuse their system too. Also, if you have any browser extensions that block trackers or cookies, try disabling those temporarily since the NY system seems really finicky about that stuff. Good luck and don t'give up - the system is definitely broken but there are workarounds!
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 my.ny.gov site is pretty good for checking status but sometimes it takes a while to update... mine showed pending for like 2 weeks then suddenly switched to approved
@Carmen Vega - I just went through this same process last month! The online portal at my.ny.gov is definitely your best bet for checking status. When you log in, look for the "Unemployment Services" section and then "View Claim Status." It will show you exactly where your claim stands in the process. Also, don't forget to keep certifying for weekly benefits even while your initial claim is being reviewed - you can do this through the same portal. The system is designed so you won't lose any weeks of benefits as long as you keep certifying. Hope this helps and good luck with your claim!
@Emily Parker The my.ny.gov portal worked pretty well for me overall, though I did notice it can be slow during peak hours like (Monday mornings when everyone s'trying to certify .)I d'recommend trying to access it during off-peak times if possible. The mobile version was actually more reliable for me than the desktop site. One tip - make sure to bookmark the direct link to the unemployment services section once you find it, because navigating through the main ny.gov site can be confusing with all the different portals they have.
@Emily Parker I had some minor glitches with my.ny.gov - sometimes it would time out during peak hours like (Monday mornings when everyone s'trying to certify .)I found it worked best in the evenings or early morning. Just make sure to save your progress frequently when filling out forms. The mobile app version seemed a bit more stable for me than the desktop site, so you might want to try that if you run into issues!
Congrats on the new job! I'm in a similar spot - got offered a position but won't start for another two weeks. Should I report the job offer on my weekly claim or wait until I actually start working?
Just went through this exact situation last month! You definitely want to keep filing your weekly claims and report all work accurately. I made the mistake of thinking I should stop filing completely when I got a job, but then the position ended after just 2 weeks and I had to go through the whole process of reopening my claim. It was a nightmare and delayed my benefits for weeks. The key is being consistent with your weekly certifications - report everything truthfully and let the system calculate your benefits. Your claim will essentially be "dormant" while you're working full-time but ready to activate again if needed.
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!
@Giovanni Ricci you can find your assembly member by going to nyassembly.gov and putting in your zip code. For Jefferson County where (Watertown is it) s'usually Ken Blankenbush. His office actually helped my cousin get her claim unstuck after 2 months of runaround - they have a direct line to DOL that bypasses the normal phone hell. Call his district office at 315 (786-0284) and explain your situation. They can t'guarantee anything but it s'worth a shot when you re'stuck that long without payments!
@Giovanni Ricci you can find your assembly member on the NY State Assembly website - just plug in your zip code and it ll'show you. For Watertown area it s'probably Assemblywoman Addie Jenne. I called her office and they have staff who specifically handle constituent services for unemployment issues. They can t'fix everything but they can sometimes get your case escalated or at least get you actual answers instead of the usual automated responses. Worth a shot when you re'stuck in the system! Also 6 weeks with no payment is rough - definitely try the early morning calling strategy too 🙏
Bruno Simmons
Thank you everyone for the help! Sounds like I definitely need to report the full amount from my 1099-G. I'm going to check if I can still set up withholding for my remaining benefits to avoid a bigger surprise next year. Not the news I was hoping for, but at least now I know what to expect.
0 coins
Aileen Rodriguez
•That's smart planning. Form W-4V lets you request 10% withholding from your unemployment benefits. It won't help with what you've already received, but it will make next year's taxes more manageable. You can download the form from the IRS website and submit it to NYSDOL.
0 coins
Freya Larsen
I went through this same confusion last year! The $10K exclusion was definitely a one-time COVID relief thing. What really helped me was using a tax calculator online to estimate what I'd owe before filing. Also, if you're still receiving benefits, definitely look into the withholding option others mentioned - I wish I had done that earlier. The tax hit is rough but at least you won't be surprised by penalties if you plan ahead now.
0 coins