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So glad to hear you got your back pay sorted out! I went through something similar last year - had about 10 weeks of back pay approved after my benefits had already ended when I started a new job. The payments definitely still went through and showed up in my payment history exactly like everyone else is saying. One thing I wish someone had told me: even though you're not filing weekly anymore, keep logging into your account at least once a week to check for updates. I almost missed an important message from DOL that required a response within 10 days. Also, if you have the mobile app, the notifications are pretty reliable for payment updates. Your examiner saying they're releasing it is a really good sign - that usually means all the paperwork is done and it's just a matter of processing time now. Fingers crossed yours comes through as smoothly as it sounds like it will!
Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else in this situation - I had a similar issue where my back pay was approved after my claim ended. The key thing is that once it's approved by an examiner, it WILL get processed even if your claim is inactive. Mine took about 2 weeks to show up in payment history, and like others mentioned, it came in batches over a few days. One thing that helped me stay on top of it was setting up text notifications in my NY.gov account settings - I got alerts whenever there was activity on my unemployment account. Also, don't panic if it takes longer than expected - the system has been slower lately due to high volume, but approved back pay does eventually get processed. The payment history will definitely show everything even after your claim ends!
Thanks for mentioning the text notifications! I just went and enabled those in my account settings. It's really helpful to hear from so many people who've been through this exact situation. The consistency in everyone's experiences (back pay showing up even after claims end, processing in batches, taking 1-2 weeks) is really reassuring. I feel much more confident now that everything will work out properly.
just a heads up that if you get TANF they're gonna want to know EVERYTHING about your finances and living situation. like way more invasive than the unemployment stuff. but if you need the help you need the help, just be prepared for lots of paperwork and appointments
One thing to keep in mind is that TANF also comes with other benefits that might help stretch your budget further - like SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid if you're not already getting them. When I applied for TANF, they automatically screened me for other programs too. The food assistance really helped reduce my grocery bills while I was getting back on my feet. Also, some TANF offices have emergency assistance programs for things like rent or utilities if you're facing eviction or shutoffs. Definitely ask about all available resources when you go in for your appointment.
Congratulations on getting through! That's such a relief. I'm in a similar situation - filed 5 weeks ago and still pending. I've been hesitant about using third-party services but your success story is really encouraging. Did they explain exactly what the identity verification issue was? I'm wondering if I might have the same problem since I uploaded all my documents but never heard anything back about whether they were accepted or not.
@8e45f8127191 From what the agent told me, the identity verification issue was that one of my documents (I think it was my driver's license) had a slightly different address than what I put on my application. Even though I had recently moved and updated my address with NYSDOL online, apparently the system flagged it for manual review. The agent said this is super common and they see it all the time, but there's no automatic notification when it happens - you just sit in pending status forever until someone manually reviews it. I'd definitely recommend trying to get through to someone if you can. The Claimyr service cost me like $20 but it was worth every penny to finally talk to a real person and get answers.
@c0a759d0a949 Thanks for explaining that! That makes so much sense - I bet that's exactly what happened to me too. I moved about a month before I filed my claim and even though I updated my address online, my driver's license still has my old address. It's so frustrating that they don't send any kind of notification when there's an issue like this. You just sit there wondering what's wrong while your bills pile up. I'm definitely going to look into that Claimyr service now. $20 seems totally reasonable if it means I can actually talk to someone and get this resolved. Did they fix everything during that one call or did you have to call back multiple times?
Wow, this thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation - filed 4 weeks ago and stuck in pending status. @c0a759d0a949 thanks for explaining the identity verification issue, that might be what's happening to me too since I also moved recently. I'm going to try the Claimyr service tomorrow morning. It's crazy that NYSDOL doesn't notify you when there's a problem with your documents - how are people supposed to know what's wrong? Really glad you got it sorted out @6977afa77e2e, gives me hope that mine will get resolved soon too!
@02dbd7c06101 You're so right about NYSDOL not notifying people - it's incredibly frustrating! I just went through this exact process last week and the lack of communication is the worst part. When I finally got through to an agent, they told me my account had been flagged for 3 weeks because of a minor discrepancy but there was literally no way for me to know that without speaking to someone directly. The system really needs better transparency. Definitely try the Claimyr service if you can't get through the regular phone lines - it saved me weeks of stress. Also make sure you keep all your confirmation emails and screenshots of your weekly certifications in case they need proof later. Good luck getting it resolved!
Don't forget you also need to file Form 940 annually for FUTA and quarterly Form 941s that include unemployment taxes. The wage base amounts change every year too - make sure you're using 2025 figures. NYS Department of Labor will send you separate quarterly reports for state unemployment insurance.
This is getting complicated fast. Is there a good resource that breaks down all the deadlines and forms I need to track?
@bc2679de8fd7 The IRS has Publication 15 (Circular E) that covers all the federal deadlines, and NYS Department of Labor has an employer handbook on their website. I'd also recommend setting up a simple spreadsheet to track quarterly due dates - FUTA annual filing is due January 31st, but state unemployment varies. Getting organized early will save you tons of stress later!
Mia Rodriguez
Wait I thought there was some rule about not being able to file again within a certain time period? Or am I thinking of something else??
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Noah Lee
•You might be thinking of the waiting period between benefit years, but that's not a restriction on filing - it's just about when you can establish a new monetary determination based on more recent work history.
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Lily Young
I've been in a similar situation and can confirm there's no lifetime limit. I've filed unemployment claims about 5 times over the past decade due to company restructuring and contract work ending. Each time, as long as I had enough qualifying wages in my base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before filing), my claim was approved. The NYS DOL really just cares that you meet the current eligibility requirements - sufficient work history, unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available for work. Don't stress about your previous claims affecting future eligibility!
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