my sister just got an overpayment notice 2 days ago too! might be a system glitch if lots of people are getting them suddenly??

UPDATE: I managed to get through to someone at NYSDOL this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone recommended and it worked great. The agent confirmed it was because of my vacation payout ($1,890) that I got after being laid off. I didn't realize I needed to report that as income for that week. They're going to adjust my claim and said I should only owe back about 2 weeks worth of benefits instead of everything. Still sucks but way better than I feared. Thanks everyone for your help!!!

glad u found it! btw if anyone else reading this needs help i had same problem last month, the 1099g is under "unemployment services" then click on "get your 1099g form" NOT in the regular message place

I had the same question last week! Found mine but was confused because the amount seemed wrong. Turns out they don't withhold taxes automatically anymore unless you specifically asked for it, so now I owe a bunch at tax time. Check if yours looks right!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at NYSDOL this morning! After trying for weeks! The agent confirmed that my claim was held up because I had worked in both NY and NJ, just like someone here suggested. They needed to verify my wages from the NJ employer, and apparently they sent a request to NJ's unemployment office weeks ago but hadn't received a response. The agent put a note in my file to expedite the process and said she would personally follow up with the interstate unit. She told me it should be resolved within 7-10 business days. Just wanted to update everyone and say THANK YOU for all the suggestions and support. This group has been so much more helpful than the other forum I was in!

hey just checking in did u ever get ur money?? im in a similar situation now

To address the original question more directly: According to publicly available data, NYSDOL audits approximately 7-10% of all unemployment claims annually. These audits range from simple verification checks to comprehensive reviews. While that's a relatively small percentage, it still represents thousands of claimants each year. The department prioritizes cases where there are discrepancies or red flags, but they also conduct random audits to ensure compliance. The best approach is to be meticulous with your documentation. It's much easier to maintain records as you go than to try reconstructing your job search activities months later.

@OP - Yes, save screenshots, confirmation emails, and keep a spreadsheet with all the details (company name, position, date applied, method of application, contact info if available, any response received). This documentation is gold if you get audited. I wish I had been more organized from the beginning of my claim!

I'm a career counselor who works with UI claimants regularly. A few practical tips: 1. The NYSDOL phone system uses an algorithm that prioritizes certain types of claims and issues. When you reach the automated system and it asks why you're calling, saying "Payment not received" tends to get higher priority than "Question about my claim" 2. The lowest volume days are typically Wednesday and Thursday. 3. If your claim was denied, you have exactly 30 calendar days to request a hearing from the date on your determination letter. This is critical - don't miss this deadline. 4. While trying to reach them by phone, also submit your issue through your online account message center AND send a secure message through the Contact Us form on the website. This creates multiple tickets in their system. 5. Be persistent but also make sure you're continuing to certify each week while trying to resolve this issue.

just checked back - did u ever get thru? im still having same issue 🙄

Update on the backpay situation: As of March 2025, the NYSDOL has implemented new procedures for backpay claims over $20,000. These now require a secondary review by the Backpay Verification Team. The current processing times are: - $5,000-$19,999: Approximately 4-6 weeks - $20,000-$49,999: Approximately 12-16 weeks - $50,000+: Approximately 16-24 weeks These timeframes are from the date of backpay approval, not from the date of initial claim filing. Since you're at 6 months, you should request to speak with a supervisor specifically about the Backpay Verification status. There's a specific status code they can check that regular agents don't typically access.

I finally got my backpay after 7 months of waiting! What worked for me was documenting EVERY single call (date, time, agent ID, what they promised) and then sending that documentation to both my state senator AND assemblyperson offices. Include all the details about your hardship situation too. The legislative offices have special contacts at NYSDOL that can actually get things moving.

Here's what's actually happening with the "release" situation: When a NYSDOL representative tells you they just need to "release" your payment, they're referring to removing a temporary system hold. These holds can happen for various legitimate reasons: - Identity verification checks (especially if you've recently updated any personal information) - System flagging patterns that require manual review - The October 2025 system migration that affected many accounts - Break-in-claim verification requirements The frustrating part is that these holds require manual intervention - there is no automatic resolution after a certain timeframe. And with the current call volume, many legitimate claims are stuck in limbo. I recommend: 1. Continue trying to call early morning (7:55am) and be ready to hit redial repeatedly 2. Use the secure message system with very specific subject lines ("Payment Release Request - Claim #XXXX") 3. Contact your state representative as another commenter suggested 4. Document everything for potential interest penalties (NYS does pay interest on long-delayed benefits in some circumstances) This system-wide issue should improve by late December according to the latest NYSDOL communications.

I finally got through to NYSDOL!!! Used Claimyr from the suggestions here and was connected to an agent in about 35 minutes (after trying for WEEKS on my own). The agent said there was a "verification hold" on my account from when I uploaded my ID back in August that never cleared properly. She removed it while I was on the phone and said all my back payments should process in 1-3 business days! Thank you all SO MUCH for the help - will update when the money actually hits my account. What a relief!!!

Honestly I wouldnt bother with all this online nonsense. I printed everything out and mailed it CERTIFIED so they had to sign for it. That way they cant say they didnt get it!!! The address is on the letter they sent her.

Update for 2025: The NY DOL recently updated their online portal. Now there's a specific section for appeals documents. From the main dashboard: 1. Click on "More Online Services" 2. Select "Upload Documents" 3. Choose "Appeal Documents" from the dropdown 4. You can attach up to 5 files (5MB max each) This change was made in January 2025, so some people might not be aware of it yet. This is now the preferred method for submitting appeal-related attachments.

Just wondering, did they say exactly how much the overpayment might be? That could make a big difference in how long they'll be taking money out of your current benefits.

If they determine it's an overpayment, make sure to request a financial hardship reduction in the recoupment rate if you need it. You'll need to provide documentation showing your expenses and income, but they can reduce the percentage they take out each week if repaying at the standard rate would cause severe financial hardship. This request needs to be made promptly after receiving the determination notice.

my brother had something like this happen and he said its faster to go to the actual unemployment office in person if you can. might be worth a try if youre still having trouble getting through on the phone

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used the claimyr service after failing for 5 days trying to call normally. The agent explained exactly what happened - there's apparently a new quarterly verification requirement for people working part-time while going to school. The missed call was for this verification, and missing it triggered an automatic hold on my account. The agent removed the hold and processed my payment! Should receive it within 3 business days. They also added a note to my account about the situation so it shouldn't happen again. Thanks everyone for your advice - especially about the calling service and the specific verification program I didn't know about!