


Ask the community...
Just file online ASAP. Don't beat yourself up about it, lots of people make the same mistake thinking they'll find work fast. At least you can still get benefits going forward.
Don't feel too bad about waiting - it shows you were trying to be responsible and find work on your own first. While you can't get those 6 weeks back, you can still file now and start receiving benefits going forward. The online application is pretty straightforward, just make sure you have your employer information and dates ready. And definitely start filing weekly claims as soon as your initial application is processed. Better late than never!
This is really good advice. I was in a similar boat a few years ago and felt terrible about "losing" those weeks, but honestly getting any benefits is better than none. Maya, once you get your claim going, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities too - they'll ask about that in your weekly certifications. And don't skip any weeks of filing even if you think you might have earned too much from odd jobs or anything, it's better to report it and let them decide.
I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to reach DOL for over 2 weeks about my pending claim and it's like they don't exist. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to skip the governor's office entirely and go straight to my state senator and assembly member tomorrow. One thing I wanted to add - if you're documenting your calls like Isabella suggested, also screenshot any error messages you get on the DOL website. I've been getting weird timeout errors when trying to certify online, and having those screenshots helped when I finally got through to someone briefly last week (before getting disconnected of course). This whole system is such a mess but at least this thread gives me hope that there are actual ways to get help. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
Victoria, great point about screenshotting the website errors! I've been getting those timeout issues too when trying to certify. It's like the whole DOL system is falling apart on every level - phones, website, everything. I'm new to this community but going through the same nightmare. Been trying to reach someone about my claim for almost a month now. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear the state representative route is the way to go. The fact that multiple people got results within days through their assembly members while the governor's office just takes messages and disappears is really telling. Going to call my senator and assembly member first thing Monday morning. Thanks to everyone for sharing what actually worked - this thread is more helpful than anything I've found on the official DOL website!
I just want to echo what everyone else is saying about contacting your state representatives - this is absolutely the way to go! I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and was pulling my hair out trying to get through to DOL for over a month. Like others mentioned, the governor's office is pretty much useless for individual cases. But when I contacted my assembly member's office, they had someone specifically trained to handle unemployment issues and they got DOL to call me back within 48 hours. My claim was resolved that same week after being stuck in limbo for 2 months. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you call your representative's office, ask specifically for their "constituent services" department and mention it's an urgent unemployment matter. They usually prioritize these cases because they know how broken the DOL phone system is right now. Also, don't feel bad about being persistent with follow-ups. These offices expect it for unemployment cases and they'd rather help you get it resolved than have you calling every day. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease in this situation. Hang in there - you WILL get through this!
This is exactly the kind of advice I needed! I've been hesitant to "bother" my representatives but you're absolutely right - they're there to help constituents with exactly these kinds of issues. The tip about asking specifically for constituent services is really helpful too. I'm going to call both my senator and assembly member Monday morning and be very clear that this is an urgent unemployment matter. After reading everyone's experiences here, I feel much more confident about getting this resolved. Thanks for taking the time to share what worked for you!
After many failed attempts I finally had success with claimyr.com - they got me connected with a live agent who helped fix my claim. It was worth every penny to finally get my backpay released. Highly recommend if you're desperate like I was.
I was skeptical too, but this isn't a hack - it's just a service that waits on hold for you. I got over $3000 in backpay after the agent cleared up my issue, so it was definitely worth it for me.
I had the same experience - the service actually works. After 3 weeks of trying myself, I got through with Claimyr in under 2 hours.
I'm in the EXACT same boat - filed in January after getting laid off and my certifications keep getting stuck in some kind of limbo. The automated phone system is absolutely maddening! I've been calling multiple times a day for two weeks now and haven't spoken to a single human being. It's honestly making me question my sanity at this point. Reading through all these comments is both helpful and depressing - at least I know I'm not alone in this nightmare. Going to try the Tuesday 10:30am timing and that exact button sequence someone mentioned. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips here, even if the system itself is completely broken. Hang in there Isabella - we'll figure this out somehow! 💪
Try this hack: call the spanish language line even if you don't speak spanish. They usually have shorter wait times and most agents speak english too. Just say "english please" when they answer and they'll transfer you or help you directly.
I feel for you so much right now. I went through almost the exact same thing last year - was getting payments regularly for months, then suddenly nothing for 5 weeks straight while still being able to certify. The panic when rent is due and you're counting on that money is absolutely terrible. What ended up working for me was a combination of things: I tried the Claimyr service that others mentioned (it did work - got me through to someone within a day after weeks of failed attempts), AND I contacted my assemblyperson's office. Turns out my account had been flagged for "wage verification" but they never notified me properly. The key is don't give up and try multiple approaches at once. The money IS yours and you ARE entitled to it. The system is broken but there are ways around it. Also definitely check your online account for any messages you might have missed - sometimes they bury important notifications in there without sending proper email alerts. Hang in there - I know it feels hopeless but you WILL get through this! 💪
Daniela Rossi
not to be that person but have u tried turning ur computer completely off and back on? sometimes the simplest fix works. also try a different device like ur phone
0 coins
Holly Lascelles
•Yeah I've tried my laptop, desktop, phone, and even my roommate's computer. Same error on all of them 😕
0 coins
Daniela Rossi
•dang then its def on their end. the ny unemployment website is held together with duct tape and prayers
0 coins
Paolo Ricci
Same exact issue here! I've been locked out since Wednesday and tried everything - different browsers, clearing cache, even used my neighbor's wifi thinking it was my internet. The frustrating part is there's no clear error message telling you what's actually wrong. I'm supposed to certify tomorrow and I'm getting really worried about missing the deadline. Has anyone who got this fixed found out what was actually causing it? Like was it account flags, system maintenance, or just random glitches? I'm debating whether to try that Claimyr service people mentioned or wait it out, but I can't afford to miss another week of benefits with rent coming up.
0 coins