I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Just completed my ID.me verification 2 days ago and I'm still getting that automated message when I call the unemployment line. It's so frustrating because I did everything correctly and got all the confirmation emails, but their system just won't recognize it. This thread has been incredibly helpful though - I was starting to panic that I had somehow messed up the verification process. Reading everyone's experiences is really reassuring that this is just a common glitch with NY's system. Just tried the web portal at labor.ny.gov like so many people suggested and I was able to certify successfully even though the phone system is still being stubborn! It's honestly crazy that this ID.me integration issue is still happening so frequently in 2025 when it's clearly affecting tons of people every week. But I'm really grateful for this community helping each other navigate these frustrating system problems. Definitely saving that technical support number (855-829-3674) just in case I need it if this takes longer than expected. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and making me feel less alone in dealing with this mess!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just completed my ID.me verification 3 days ago and I'm still getting that automated message when I call the DOL line. It's so frustrating because I got all the confirmation emails and the green checkmark, but their phone system acts like it never happened. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I was starting to worry I had messed something up during verification. Just tried the web portal at labor.ny.gov like everyone suggested and was able to certify successfully even though the phone system is still being stubborn! What a relief to know there's a workaround. It's honestly ridiculous that NY still hasn't fixed this ID.me integration problem when it's clearly affecting so many people every single week. But I'm really grateful for this community sharing experiences and solutions. Definitely saving that technical support number (855-829-3674) in case I need it if this drags on past the 7 business day timeframe. Thanks everyone for making me feel less alone in dealing with this broken system!

Make sure you apply as soon as possible after your last day of work! Don't wait because there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Also be prepared for potential adjudication if they need to verify your IHSS employment - it's not uncommon for non-traditional work arrangements to require additional review.

Just went through this process myself after my IHSS client moved to assisted living last month. One thing I wish I'd known earlier is to take screenshots of your online application as you go - the system sometimes times out and you lose your progress. Also, when they ask about your "employer," just put down the county or agency that processes your IHSS payments since that's technically who employs you. The whole process took about 3 weeks from application to first payment, so don't panic if it seems slow at first. Good luck Alice!

The NYS Department of Labor really needs to bring back in-person filing. Not everyone has reliable internet access and the phone system is a nightmare. This whole online-only approach is leaving people behind when they need help most.

Have you tried using a mobile hotspot or asking a friend/family member if you can use their internet connection? Sometimes filing from a different network can help if your home internet is unreliable. You could also try going to a coffee shop or other business with free wifi. The key is finding a stable connection so you don't get kicked out mid-application. If all else fails, keep trying that early morning call time - I've heard 7:45am right before they open sometimes works better than 8am when everyone else is calling.

This is really helpful information everyone! I work in construction and have had to file claims several times over the years due to project completions and weather-related layoffs. It's good to know there's no lifetime cap - I was starting to worry I might be running out of eligibility. The key thing seems to be making sure you work enough between claims to meet the base period requirements for new claims. Has anyone here had experience with how they calculate the base period when you have gaps in employment?

I'm new to NY unemployment benefits and this thread has been incredibly informative! I just want to confirm my understanding - so there's no lifetime limit on how many times you can collect unemployment in NY, but each individual claim has a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits within a benefit year? And to qualify for a new claim later, you just need to have worked enough to meet the base period requirements again? I'm asking because I'm considering a career change that might involve some periods of unemployment while I transition between industries.

That's great news about getting $578! I'm actually in a similar situation - just got laid off from a job where I made about $48K annually, but I had some freelance work earlier in the year that might boost my base period earnings. Reading through all these explanations really helps me understand what to expect. It's reassuring to see real examples of how the calculations work out in practice. Now I just need to brace myself for the potentially long wait times everyone's mentioning!

Just wanted to share my experience as another data point - I was making $65K annually when I got laid off last fall. My weekly benefit came out to $584, so pretty close to the max. The key thing I learned is that they really do look at your highest earning quarter during the base period, not just your annual salary divided by 4. I had worked some overtime in Q2 which pushed that quarter higher than my average. Also, be prepared to wait - took about 5 weeks for my determination letter to arrive, but once it did everything moved pretty smoothly. The calculation breakdown they send is actually pretty detailed and helps you understand exactly how they got to your number.