


Ask the community...
I'm experiencing the same SSN rejection issue as of this morning! After reading through all these suggestions, I wanted to share what's been working for me so far. The mobile browser trick that @Omar Fawaz mentioned was a game changer - I was able to get past the SSN error using my phone's Safari browser when Chrome on my laptop kept failing. Also, I noticed that if you get the error message, don't immediately try again - wait about 10-15 minutes between attempts because I think the system temporarily locks you out after failed submissions. For anyone still struggling, try these steps in order: 1) Clear all browser data and cookies 2) Switch to mobile device with cellular data 3) Try during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 4) Use incognito/private mode. If none of that works, definitely use that Claimyr service @Asher Levin mentioned - seems like it's the only reliable way to actually talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor these days. This whole situation is unacceptable though - people shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to access their unemployment benefits.
@Jade Santiago Thank you so much for laying out those steps so clearly! I just tried the mobile browser with cellular data approach and it worked! I was finally able to submit my weekly certification after 3 days of trying. The 10-15 minute waiting period tip was key - I had been trying repeatedly right after each error which probably made things worse. It s'ridiculous that we have to use these workarounds just to access our benefits, but I m'grateful for everyone sharing their solutions here. Hopefully NYS Department of Labor gets their act together and fixes these system issues soon.
I just went through this nightmare last week! The SSN validation error seems to be hitting a lot of people lately. What worked for me was a combination of things: First, I completely logged out of my account and cleared ALL my browser data (not just cache - cookies, stored data, everything). Then I waited about 30 minutes before trying again. When I came back, I used Firefox instead of Chrome and made sure to type my SSN very slowly with small pauses between each digit - sounds crazy but I think the form validation is super sensitive to rapid input. Also double-check that you're not accidentally hitting any extra keys or spaces. The system is definitely glitchy right now but don't panic about your benefits getting cut off - they know there are technical issues and won't penalize you for their system problems. Keep documenting each time you try so you have a record if needed. If all else fails, that Claimyr service people mentioned seems legit for actually reaching a human at NYS Department of Labor.
@Yuki Kobayashi The typing slowly tip is actually brilliant! I never would have thought that the form validation could be that sensitive to input speed. I m'having this same SSN issue right now and have been frantically typing it in over and over. I m'going to try your method of clearing everything, waiting 30 minutes, and then typing each digit slowly with pauses. It s'honestly insane that we have to treat this government system like it s'some finicky old machine, but if it works I ll'take it! Thanks for sharing such detailed steps - this community has been a lifesaver for figuring out these NYS Department of Labor technical problems.
You can also check your claim status online through the NY DOL website to see if there are any holds or issues that might be delaying card shipment. Sometimes there are identity verification steps that need to be completed before the card gets sent out. Also, if you need money urgently for rent, you might want to ask family/friends for a short-term loan since even if you get the card tomorrow it can take a day or two to activate it and access funds. Definitely try the KeyBank tracking and calling their unemployment card line - they're usually more helpful than the general DOL phone system.
That's a great point about checking for identity verification holds! I just logged into my NY DOL account and you're right - there was actually a pending identity verification step I hadn't completed yet. No wonder the card hasn't shipped. Thanks for the tip about asking for a short-term loan too, that's probably my best bet for making rent while I get this sorted out.
If you're still having trouble after checking all the suggestions above, you might want to consider requesting a replacement card. KeyBank usually allows you to request a replacement if your original card hasn't arrived after 15 business days. There's typically a small fee (around $5-10) but it might be worth it for peace of mind. You can usually do this through their website or by calling their unemployment card line. Also, make sure to update your address with both NYS DOL and KeyBank if you've moved recently - mismatched addresses are a common cause of delivery delays. Hope you get this resolved soon!
Just wanted to add that even if your employer does contest your claim, don't panic! I went through this last year when my former employer tried to claim I was fired for poor performance (which wasn't true - I was actually laid off). The adjudication process took about 3 weeks, but NYS Department of Labor was thorough and fair. They asked for my side of the story, looked at my employment records, and ultimately approved my benefits. The key is to respond promptly to any requests for information and be honest about what happened. Document everything you can about your layoff - emails, notices, anything that shows it was due to budget cuts rather than your performance.
This is really helpful to know! I'm glad you shared your experience. It's reassuring that the Department of Labor actually investigates properly instead of just taking the employer's word for it. I'm going to start gathering any documentation I have about the layoff right now - I think I still have the email where my manager explained it was due to budget constraints. Thanks for the advice about responding quickly too, I'll make sure to check my account daily in case they need anything from me.
Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like you should be fine since you were laid off due to budget cuts. That's exactly the type of separation unemployment benefits are designed for. The "under review" status is totally normal - they're probably just waiting for the standard response period from your employer to pass. Most employers don't waste time contesting legitimate layoffs since they'd need actual documentation to support their case. Keep checking your account regularly and make sure your contact info is up to date in case they need any additional information from you. The whole process can feel stressful when you're waiting, but layoffs for budget reasons are pretty straightforward cases.
This thread has been so helpful! I was really worried my old boss might try to mess with my claim out of spite, but it sounds like the system has safeguards in place. I feel much better knowing that budget cuts/layoffs are straightforward cases and that most employers don't bother contesting them. I'll keep documenting everything and checking my account daily like you all suggested. Thanks everyone for taking the time to explain how this actually works - it's way less scary when you understand the process!
same here! system is actually getting WORSE if thats even possible
Same boat here - filed in November and it's been radio silence since my initial call. The severance thing is probably what's holding yours up too. I've been documenting every failed call attempt (literally keeping a spreadsheet at this point) and might try that claimyr service everyone's mentioning. This whole system is designed to wear us down but we can't let them win 💪
Malik Robinson
wait so if your company offers early retirement you cant get unemployment?? that seems unfair since its not really your choice if they're pressuring you
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
•It depends on how the separation is classified. If it's documented as a voluntary retirement, that's different from being laid off or having your position eliminated. The paperwork matters a lot for UI eligibility.
0 coins
Isabella Silva
I'm dealing with something similar - my company is offering early retirement to avoid layoffs. HR said we could potentially still qualify for unemployment if we don't actually retire but just leave the company. Maybe look into that option instead? Though I'm not sure how NYS Department of Labor would view it.
0 coins
Grace Thomas
•That's an interesting point about just leaving vs retiring. I wonder if there's a way to structure the separation that doesn't involve the "retirement" label? @af00013caca2 you might want to ask HR about this option and see what documentation they'd provide for your separation.
0 coins