Update from my earlier comment: I just checked the NYSDOL website and they've added a new section about ID verification issues. If the online system fails 3 times, you're now automatically put in the queue for a callback from the identity verification team. The callback can take 5-7 business days, but at least you don't have to keep calling. You can check if you're in the callback queue by logging into your account and looking for a message saying "Identity Verification Pending" on your dashboard.

did anyone else notice that the verification system works better on Explorer than Chrome? weird but I finally got thru using my old laptop with Explorer after Chrome kept crashing

My BYE was in jan and i was still able to certify after so dont worry too much. they changed something in the system. before u had to apply right away but now they just let u keep claiming until they tell u to file new claim

To summarize for anyone finding this thread later: 1. If your BYE date passes but you can still certify for benefits, it means you're on an automatic extension 2. The system will notify you when you actually need to file a new claim 3. This is a change implemented in January 2025 4. Make sure to check your online inbox for notifications 5. If you're uncertain, calling NYSDOL is still the best option The important thing is to keep certifying weekly as long as the system allows you to.

After reading through this thread, I want to clarify something important: If your employer has between 5-99 employees, they are required to provide up to 5 days of paid sick leave per year under NY State Sick Leave Law. If they have fewer than 5 employees but a net income of more than $1 million, the same rule applies. Even employers with fewer than 5 employees and less than $1 million in net income must provide up to 5 days of unpaid sick leave. If your employer is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the NY Department of Labor. The fact that it's COVID-related doesn't matter anymore for special benefits, but your basic sick leave rights still apply.

glad u figured it out! my friend had to call the labor dept about something similar last year and they actually helped her get her sick pay. good luck!

Anyone else notice unemployment takes way longer to process in 2025 than it used to??? My brother got approved in like a week back in 2021. system gets worse every year smh

I just got my first payment today after being stuck in review for 6 weeks! Mine was also assigned to the Binghamton office. The thing that finally moved it along was sending a message through the secure messaging center specifically asking for a status update and mentioning I was having trouble paying bills. Got a call the next day and payment two days after that. Might be worth trying if you don't see movement in the next week.

good luck!! let us know what happens!

UPDATE: I finally got through to NYSDOL this morning! Turns out there was a "verification hold" on my account because my employer submitted some information late. The agent removed the hold and said my payment should process within 24-48 hours. She also said this has been happening a lot lately because of some system update they did in February. Thanks everyone for your help!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! Used the Claimyr service that was suggested and it actually worked - got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. Turns out it was a system glitch related to the gig work I reported in April. The agent was able to fix it while I was on the phone and my effective days are showing correctly now (43 days). She said my payment for last week should process within 2-3 business days. Such a relief!!! Thank you all for your help!

I had something similar happen last year, but mine was because I answered a certification question wrong. Just one mistake and they shut everything down. Make sure you're answering everything correctly each week. The wording can be tricky especially on the availability to work questions.

Update: I tried calling NYSDOL over 20 times today with no luck. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through! The agent confirmed I should select "Other" and write that I'm still employed part-time. She also noted on my account what happened so there shouldn't be any payment delays. Thanks everyone for your help!

Anyone else notice that all these unemployment systems seem designed to make you mess up? My cousin in California has the exact same issue with their system. Almost like they want excuses to deny people...

Are you doing direct deposit or the debit card? My friend said direct deposit is faster by like 2-3 days! Also make sure you certify on the first possible day each week (Sunday) because waiting even one day can push your payment to the next cycle.

After reading through this thread, I'd say you should realistically expect 7-14 days if your claim is straightforward. But it's wise to prepare financially for up to 21 days just in case. One other tip: If your claim is pending for more than 14 days, you can request an escalation by sending a secure message through your NY.gov account. Select "Claim Inquiry" as the subject and specifically request an escalation due to financial hardship if that applies. This often triggers a review within 48 hours.

The NYSDOL is a COMPLETE JOKE!!! I went through the EXACT same thing for 7 WEEKS last year. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone. The whole system is DESIGNED to frustrate people so they'll give up and go away. I ended up having to contact my state senator's office to get anything done. This is why our taxes are so high in NY and we get GARBAGE service in return!!!

@OP - any updates? Were you able to get this resolved?

Here's the official NYSDOL information on text communications: They do send texts for claim updates, certification reminders, and identity verification requests. As of 2025, they use two primary short codes: 468311 and 552020. Always verify that any links direct to *.ny.gov domains. If you receive suspicious texts, report them to NYSDOL's fraud department at dol.sm.fraud@labor.ny.gov and include screenshots if possible.

btw this is random but did anyone else notice they changed the certification website? took me forever to figure out the new system last weekend