My heart goes out to you! I'm going through something similar but mine says I made way LESS than I actually did. So they're giving me like $187 a week when I should be getting the maximum benefit! This system is seriously rigged against us. I'm definitely going to request a hearing after seeing your post. Thank you for sharing this info!

Quick tip: While waiting for your hearing, continue certifying for benefits each week. Even though you're not getting paid right now, if the hearing goes in your favor (which it should if you have proper documentation), you'll receive backpay for all properly certified weeks. Missing a week of certification means losing that week of benefits permanently.

This reminds me of when I was on unemployment in 2023 and their system would go down EVERY Tuesday morning like clockwork. I started doing my certifications on Monday night to avoid the rush. Actually kinda surprised they haven't fixed these issues by 2025!

guys always screenshot ur confirmation number when u certify!! saved me so many times when the system glitched and they tried to say i never certified. if u have the confirmation number they cant deny it.

I know this doesn't help with your current situation, but once you get the card, make sure to set up the direct deposit preference properly for next time. In 2025 they changed the system so you have to verify bank info through the NY.gov ID portal separate from the unemployment system. It's super confusing and they don't explain it anywhere obvious.

Just wanted to follow up - did your card arrive yet? It's been about 2 weeks since your post.

Just wanted to check in - any progress with your claim? Did you try contacting your assembly member?

my cousin had the same problem and it turns out he checked the wrong box somewhere on his application... might be worth going thru your initial claim again with someone on the phone to see if theres a simple mistake thats holding things up

This happens because there's been so much fraud with unemployment claims. My neighbor works for NYSDOL and they told me they're required to get multiple verification points before discussing ANY account details now. It has something to do with the new identity protection regulations that went into effect in January. Just be patient with the agents - they're just following the rules they have to follow.

UPDATE: I called again this morning with all my info ready (SSN, PIN, claim ID, driver's license, address) and got through much more easily! The agent even apologized and said they should be more specific about what they mean by "personal identification" because lots of people get confused. My issue is now resolved and my payment should be processed within 3 business days. Thanks everyone for your help!

I remember my first arbitration hearing back in 2023... I was so stressed I could barely sleep the night before! But honestly it wasn't nearly as formal as a court or anything. The judge asked me questions about why I left my job (I was laid off but employer claimed I quit). I just told the truth and explained everything clearly. Oh and one tip - when the hearing starts they'll verify your contact info and claim details, so have all that ready. And don't interrupt when others are speaking, the judge HATES that and will call you out. My hearing was supposed to be 30 mins but ended up being almost an hour because my former boss kept arguing about everything.

Thank you all so much for the advice! I'm still nervous but feel way more prepared now. My hearing is next Tuesday, and I've already started organizing all my documents and practicing what I'll say. I'll update once it's over to let you know how it went. Fingers crossed!

Tax professional here. If your transcript shows code 291 with a future date, that's your scheduled processing date. The refund typically hits accounts 5-7 business days after that date. If you see code 971 followed by 846, that means it's been approved and sent. For those still waiting, please note that unemployment tax refunds for tax year 2024 are being processed through August 2025, so some will wait longer than others. This is normal IRS procedure for adjustments.

Exactly right. Code 846 with the 4/22 date means your refund is scheduled to be deposited on April 22nd. You're all set - no need to worry!

anyone else notice the hold music switches between really loud and super quiet? drives me NUTS when im trying to work while waiting

**FINAL UPDATE:** Finally got through after 47 minutes total. For anyone else stuck in this situation, I found that staying completely silent during the automated system rather than responding actually got me to a human faster. The rep I spoke with was actually really helpful once I finally reached them - they fixed an issue with my claim that had been pending for weeks. Just wish the process wasn't so painful!

When I had to deal with this, I actually had better luck contacting my local Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can help with IRS issues when you've tried normal channels without success. For NY, try calling 877-777-4778 to reach the Taxpayer Advocate. They helped me resolve my unemployment tax refund issue when I couldn't get through to the IRS directly. Worth a shot if other methods fail.

anybody got their unemployment tax refund yet? been waiting since february and nothing

u know what's INFURIATING? when u finally get through to someone & they just tell you to "wait" like that helps pay the bills!!! i bet if THEY weren't getting paychecks they'd fix the system real quick!!!

Update: I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to a specialist! They explained my claim was pending because my former employer hadn't responded to their inquiry yet (they have 10 days apparently). The agent put a note to expedite once that deadline passes, which is in 2 days. So relieved to at least know what's happening now! Thanks everyone for your help and commiseration. Will update when/if my status changes.