I had the exact same issue with the website crashing constantly! What worked for me was clearing my browser cache and cookies, then trying a different browser entirely. I switched from Chrome to Firefox and was able to get through. Also try using incognito/private browsing mode. If that doesn't work, definitely call the tel-claim line like Millie mentioned - just be prepared for a long wait time even on the phone system.

I work at a local workforce development office and see this website issue constantly. Another option is to visit any American Job Center (One-Stop Career Center) in your area - they have staff who can help you file your initial claim on their computers which sometimes have better access to the system. You can find locations at https://www.labor.ny.gov/career-center-locator/. Also, if you do get through on the phone system, write down your confirmation number immediately - the system sometimes drops calls right after you submit. Don't give up, the first week you're eligible is when your benefit year starts, so getting it filed ASAP is crucial.

i would check with them again on friday if you dont see anything by then. my experience is it usually takes 2-3 biz days but i've seen it take up to a week. hang in there man

Same thing happened to me back in August! After they removed my hold, it took exactly 4 business days before I saw the money hit my account. The frustrating part is they don't give you any kind of confirmation or tracking number when they lift it - you just have to wait and hope. One thing that helped me was screenshotting my account status right after they said it was removed, so I had proof of the date in case I needed to call back. Also make sure to keep certifying your weekly claims even while you're waiting - I almost missed a week thinking the system was still broken. The backpay should all come through at once when it finally processes. In my case I got like 6 weeks worth deposited on the same day. Fingers crossed yours comes through soon! 🤞

Just keep calling. I finally got through yesterday after 47 attempts over 3 days. The agent said they're seeing a lot of backdate requests right now so there might be delays in processing even if you qualify.

I successfully backdated my claim last month after being laid off in November but not filing until mid-December. The key thing that helped me was having documentation showing I was actively job searching during the gap - I saved screenshots of job applications, emails from potential employers, and kept a log of networking calls I made. When I finally got through to speak with someone (took about 8 days of calling), they were able to approve the backdate because I could prove I was genuinely looking for work and wasn't just ignoring my unemployment situation. Make sure you have your termination paperwork ready and any evidence that shows you were trying to find employment during those 5 weeks.

the whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible to get benefits. they hope you'll just give up and find a job before they have to pay you anything. but stick with it, you paid into this system and you deserve the benefits

Just wanted to add that if you're filing online (which I highly recommend), make sure to do it during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening. The NYS DOL website tends to crash or run really slowly during business hours when everyone is trying to access it. I learned this the hard way when I kept getting timed out halfway through my application. Also, save your progress frequently if the system allows it - nothing worse than having to start over because the site kicked you off. The online system is available 24/7 so there's no rush to do it during the busiest times.

Just want to add that I've seen these phishing emails getting more sophisticated lately. They're now using official-looking letterheads, correct formatting, and even referencing real unemployment programs. The key things to always check: 1) Email domain must be .ny.gov, 2) They'll never ask you to re-verify info they already have, 3) No legitimate government agency creates urgent 72-hour deadlines via email. When in doubt, always go directly to the official website and log into your account - if there's really an issue, it'll show up in your secure messages there. Stay safe everyone!

Adding to what everyone else has said - I work in cybersecurity and these unemployment phishing scams have gotten incredibly sophisticated since COVID. The scammers often harvest partial info from data breaches to make their emails seem more legitimate (like having your name or partial address). They're banking on people being desperate and panicked about losing benefits. A few other red flags to watch for: urgent language with tight deadlines, requests to "verify" info they already have on file, and links that don't go to official .ny.gov domains. Always navigate to the official site independently rather than clicking email links. If you ever need to get through to a real person quickly, I've heard good things about services like claimyr that can bypass the phone queue nightmare. Stay vigilant out there!