anyone else think its weird they make us fax stuff but then they email us? make it make sense lol

Update: I ended up using FaxZero this morning to send my documents. It was actually pretty easy! They give you 5 free faxes per day (up to 3 pages each). I got an email confirmation that it went through successfully. Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I'll update again if I run into any issues with them receiving it.

u should just keep certifying. i know someone who got random message saying they needed more info but never got email notification. they only saw it by logging in. check ur messages on the account every day too

Update on my earlier comment - I just checked the NYSDOL website and they're reporting higher than normal processing times due to a system upgrade that started September 15. They're estimating 3-4 weeks for new claims right now, up from their usual 1-2 weeks. So your timeline is unfortunately right in line with current expectations.

Just a friendly reminder that if you have questions about other government assistance programs that might be available while you're receiving unemployment benefits, you can check the NY.gov website for comprehensive information about complementary services.

ok but can we still post about problems with the unemployment website or is that considered off topic??? sometimes i need help figuring out which buttons to click

That's great you were able to speak with someone! Just to let you know, when you certify for those missed weeks, make sure you answer "Yes" when it asks if you were ready, willing and able to work during those weeks. Some people mistakenly say "No" because they're thinking about their current situation rather than the week in question.

FINAL UPDATE: It worked! I was able to certify for all my missed weeks this morning, and the system is now showing those payments as "pending" with a release date of next Tuesday. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.

I had a whole different issue with my claim last year but I just wanted to say I feel your pain with the endless phone calls. The NY unemployment system is seriously the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with. Hang in there!!

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended above and it actually worked! Got through to a real person at NYSDOL in about 25 minutes. The agent was super helpful once I explained everything. She did a three-way call with KeyBank and confirmed my address was different in their system. They're expediting a new card to me that should arrive in 3-5 business days. Such a relief to finally have this resolved! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

Update: Finally got through to someone on the phone after trying for days! They said my appeal was received and is

classic nysdol lol.

To follow up on my earlier comment - I checked with a friend who works at NYSDOL (not giving names obviously). She confirmed that the final week's payment often gets delayed because it triggers an automatic review. If you're desperate to get through to someone, that Claimyr service I mentioned before costs about the same as a lunch but saves hours of frustration. Just wanted to clarify that the 14 days showing in your account are essentially worthless once your benefit year ends.

the whole system is messed up they should just make it simple but they want people to give up and not get benefits thats why they make it so complicated

has anyone else noticed the refund amounts are different than what the tax software estimated??? i was supposed to get like $870 but only got $721

UPDATE: I finally got through to the IRS using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Turns out they had the wrong direct deposit info for me (somehow a digit got changed). They're mailing me a check instead which will take another 2-3 weeks. At least I know what's happening now! Thanks everyone for your help!

My sister got 6 weeks backpay after her citizenship papers got processed but it took like 2 months to get the money so don't expect it super fast

Once you get through to a claims specialist and they process your documents, payments are typically released within 3-5 business days. However, there is a backlog currently, so some claims are taking 7-10 business days to process. If you're facing immediate financial hardship, be sure to mention this to the claims specialist - they can sometimes flag accounts for expedited processing in hardship cases. Also make sure to check for any action items in your online account daily, as sometimes they request additional verification.

wait i just realized something totally different - are u on regular unemployment or some other kind? cuz the rules r different depending on which program ur in

One more thing to keep in mind - when you're getting close to the end of your benefits (like your last 2-3 weeks), make sure you start looking into whether you qualify for an extension. The process takes time and you don't want a gap in payments if you're still unemployed. Even with 11 weeks left, it's good to keep this on your radar.