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UPDATE: I just got off the phone with the NY unemployment KeyBank line that someone suggested (1-866-295-2955), and it was like night and day compared to the regular KeyBank customer service! The rep immediately understood the issue and transferred me to their security team. They confirmed my identity through a different process and manually reset something on my account. I was able to log in right after the call! For anyone else having this issue, definitely call this specific number and ask for the security authentication team right away. Now I need to decide if I should stick with KeyBank or switch to direct deposit to my regular bank...
Switch to regular bank!!!! Trust me you'll thank urself later!!! KeyBank will probably just have more problems again
Glad you got it resolved! Based on the recurring issues many users are experiencing, switching to direct deposit to your personal bank account would be the most reliable option. The transition process through NY.gov is relatively straightforward and typically takes 3-5 business days to become effective. Keep in mind that any payment initiated during that transition period might still go to KeyBank.
So glad you got your account access back! I'd definitely recommend switching to direct deposit to your personal bank account. I made the switch last month after having similar KeyBank issues, and it's been so much more reliable. The process on ny.gov is pretty straightforward - just go to your payment preferences and update your banking info. It took about 4 days for the change to take effect for me. Given what others have shared about ongoing KeyBank system problems potentially lasting until May, you'll save yourself a lot of stress by switching now. Just make sure to transfer out any remaining funds from your KeyBank account before the switch becomes active!
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to clarify your certification schedule, I had luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals when I needed to ask about my specific certification requirements.
Just wanted to say I'm in the same boat - filed 3 weeks ago and still waiting. At least I know I'm not alone in this. The uncertainty is the worst part.
I went through this exact same situation last month. My claim took exactly 3 weeks to get approved, which my case worker told me was typical. The key thing is to keep filing your weekly certifications even while it's pending - you can backdate and get paid for those weeks once approved. Also, make sure you're checking both my.ny.gov and your physical mail, because sometimes they send important documents by mail first. If you haven't heard anything by week 4, that's when I'd recommend calling the DOL hotline. Hang in there, the waiting is stressful but most legitimate claims do get processed eventually.
@AstroAce thanks for sharing your experience! Quick question - when you say to keep filing weekly certifications while pending, do you file them through the same my.ny.gov portal where you submitted the initial claim? I'm worried about messing something up by filing before getting that first approval letter.
I'd start with filing online and selecting "reopen an existing claim" first. If that doesn't work then try filing a new claim. The system might automatically direct you anyway depending on your situation.
I went through something similar last year! Since you worked after your benefits ended, you should be able to file a new claim. The key thing is whether you earned enough during your brief employment - NY requires you to have earned wages in at least one calendar quarter and meet the minimum earnings threshold. Even though 4 weeks might not seem like much, it could still count toward establishing a new benefit year. I'd recommend filing the new claim ASAP since you're already past the layoff date - don't let more time pass! The online system will walk you through it and determine if you qualify. Keep all your pay stubs from the recent job handy when you apply.
Rita Jacobs
just apply anyway!! worst they can say is no and then you know for sure. the application process is pretty straightforward on the my.ny.gov website
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Jamal Harris
As someone who recently navigated this process, I can confirm that being a student doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in NY. The main thing is demonstrating you're genuinely available for work that fits around your class schedule. When you apply through the NYS DOL website, they'll ask about your availability - just be specific about the days/times you can work. Since you've been working 25+ hours consistently, you should have enough work history to qualify. One tip: start documenting your job search efforts now (applications, interviews, etc.) because you'll need to report these activities during your weekly certifications. Good luck with your application and your final semester!
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