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Did anyone notice the NYSDOL website changed last month? I couldnt find ANYTHING after they updated it. All the options moved around and now I can barely navigate it. They should warn people before changing everything!!!!
Yes, they updated the portal in February 2025. The main documentation features are still there but under different menu paths now. If you're looking for specific documents, use the search function at the top of the dashboard.
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UPDATE: I found the Request Official Payment History option like @profile4 suggested and received the document today with the NYSDOL letterhead. It shows my weekly benefit amount and payment history. My landlord accepted it! Thanks everyone for your help!
Great news! Glad it worked out for you!
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Has anyone else had trouble with NY unemployment direct deposits after changing bank info? I updated my banking details on the NY.gov site two weeks ago (Feb 3, 2025) after switching from Chase to Wells Fargo. My weekly certification was processed and shows as 'paid' on the portal for $582, but the money hasn't shown up in either my old or new account! I've tried calling the NYSDOL helpline 17 times and can't get through to a human. The automated system just says my payment was issued, but doesn't tell me WHERE it went. I'm freaking out because rent is due in 10 days and I need this money. Does anyone know how long bank changes typically take to process? Or how to track where my payment actually went?
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! Used the Claimyr service that was suggested and got connected to an agent in about 45 minutes (way better than my 17 failed attempts). The agent confirmed my payment was held due to the bank account change and they had to manually verify my new account. She released the payment and said it should be in my account within 2 business days. She also mentioned that during bank changes, they sometimes automatically switch to paper checks for security reasons, but in my case it was just stuck in verification. Thanks everyone for your help!
thats great! glad you got it figured out. the system really needs to give better information about whats happening with our money!!
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Awesome! Thanks for updating us. It's so frustrating that there's no clear information about this process on their website. Would have saved us all a lot of stress!
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This is why I still just get paper checks. Too many horror stories about direct deposit issues. Yeah its annoying to go to the bank every week but at least i know exactly where my money is.
That's actually not a bad idea. Once I get this sorted out I might switch to paper checks too. Seems like it might be more reliable than dealing with all this banking verification stuff.
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I was surprised how smoothly filing my unemployment claim by phone went today. Got through to a rep who filed my claim and immediately transferred me to a specialist. She asked questions about my work history and then told me to create an ID.me account (luckily I already had one). She explained I'll receive something in the mail about my benefits and gave me specific days/dates to certify weekly. My questions are: 1) How long until this letter arrives in the mail? 2) After I start claiming weekly benefits, will payments come quickly like they used to or is there a long waiting period now in 2025? Anyone filed recently who can share their timeline?
When I filed in 2024 I went thru the same exact process you did but never got my letter at all. After waiting 3 weeks I had to call back and they said there was a "system error" with my claim. Took another 2 weeks to fix it. Not trying to scare you but keep an eye on that online account and if nothing updates after 2 weeks definitely call them. The whole thing makes me so nervous every time I have to deal with unemployment. My anxiety goes through the roof!
THIS!!! The system ALWAYS has "errors" and it's IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone about it! I spent hours on hold last month getting disconnected every time. Total nightmare.
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Just to update everyone on the latest processing times - NYSDOL's current reported average is: - Monetary Determination letters: 5-10 business days - First payment after certification: 10-14 business days (if no issues) - Regular weekly payments: 2-3 business days after certification These times have actually improved since last year when they were severely backlogged. The key factor that delays most claims is incomplete or inconsistent information between what you provided and what your employer reported.
That's really good to know, thank you. My employer and I are on good terms so hopefully there won't be any issues with the information matching up. I appreciate everyone's help!
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So happy for you! I remember checking my account obsessively when I was waiting for mine. It's like winning the lottery when it finally hits lol. Make sure you set aside some for taxes though - I got burned last year because I didn't realize they don't automatically withhold taxes on back pay!
OMG thank you for the tax reminder!!! I didn't even think about that. Will definitely put some aside.
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IM SCREAMING!!!! my backpay just hit too!!!! maybe they just did a big batch of them?!??! $8290 omgggg i cant believe it!!! dont give up hope ppl!!!
Congrats!! That's amazing timing! They must be clearing a backlog right now.
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wait so do u need to be available for work in NY or in PA? confused
This is an important distinction. When you claim NY unemployment, you're certifying that you're ready, willing, and able to work in your labor market. If you physically relocate to Pennsylvania, that becomes your labor market. However, if you're just temporarily attending school while maintaining NY as your permanent residence with the intent to return, you may be able to continue your NY claim. But this is exactly the type of situation where getting an official determination is critical. For full clarity: maintaining your parents' address in NY while actually living in PA could potentially be considered misrepresentation if you're not planning to return to NY in the immediate future.
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Based on all the information in this thread, here's the most accurate answer I can provide: 1. You need to report your school attendance during weekly certification 2. You need to report your change of address (even if temporary) 3. You need to demonstrate you're available for work despite being in school 4. If you're permanently relocating to Pennsylvania, you should transfer your claim 5. If you're temporarily in Pennsylvania but maintaining NY residency with intent to return, you may be able to continue your NY claim, but should get official confirmation The bottom line is you need to speak with NYSDOL directly about your specific situation before making any decisions. Different circumstances can result in different determinations.
Thank you everyone for the advice. I'm going to try to reach NYSDOL this week to get an official answer and make sure I'm following the rules correctly. Will update if I learn anything that might help others!
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Have you tried checking your refund status online? The NY Tax Department has a "Where's My Refund" tool on their website where you can check the status without calling. Also, double-check that your banking information is correct in your tax filing - sometimes refunds get returned if there's an issue with the direct deposit information.
Yes, I've been checking that website almost daily for months. It just says "Your refund is being processed" with no additional information. I filed for direct deposit, but at this point I'd be happy to receive a paper check if it means actually getting my money!
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Just wanted to update - I called the Tax Department this morning using the number someone shared above. After 45 minutes on hold, I gave up and decided to try Claimyr. I got connected to a Tax Department representative within 30 minutes! Turns out there was an issue with my address verification (I moved in January) that was holding everything up. The representative removed the hold and said I should receive my refund within 2-3 weeks. So relieved to finally have an answer!
That's awesome news! I'm going to try this approach tomorrow. I also moved recently so maybe I'm having the same issue. Thanks for sharing your success!
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UPDATE: Finally got through to NYSDOL! Used the Claimyr service mentioned above and it actually worked - got me through to an agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was an issue with my identity verification (even though I uploaded all the documents they asked for). The agent manually verified my ID and said my claim should be processed within 3-5 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
Great news! This is quite common - their automated identity verification system flags many legitimate claims for manual review. Glad you were able to get it resolved. Make sure to keep certifying weekly while you wait for the final processing.
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awesome! let us know when u get paid. curious how long it takes now
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FINAL UPDATE: Just wanted to close the loop here. My claim was approved yesterday and I received all my backdated payments today! Took exactly 4 days after speaking with the agent. Thanks again for everyone's help!
congrats! bet that back pay felt good lol
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Thank you all for the advice! I'm going to file my claim today and make sure I clearly report the severance as covering through December. I'll also make sure to certify every week even though I probably won't get benefits until January. I think I'll try that Claimyr service too since I really want to speak with someone to make sure I'm doing everything correctly. Seems worth it to avoid any delays or mistakes with my claim. I'll update here if I run into any other issues or learn something that might help others in similar situations.
One more tip - take screenshots of EVERYTHING during the application process. I had an issue where the system glitched and they claimed I never submitted something I definitely did. Having screenshots saved me weeks of headaches. Also, write down your confirmation numbers from each weekly certification!
That's great advice - I wouldn't have thought to do that. I'll definitely take screenshots throughout the process!
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hey my cousin works for social services and says you should apply for emergency cash assistance too, its different from unemployment and they can help faster when u have a baby
Thank you! Do you know if I can apply online or do I need to go in person?
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pretty sure u can start online but might have to go in for interview. just google NY emergency assistance application
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I just want to follow up - were you able to make any progress with your claim? Did you try any of the suggestions here?
UPDATE: I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone recommended. It actually worked! The agent found that there was an employer dispute about my termination reason that nobody told me about. They expedited my case since I have a baby, and said I should get a determination letter within 5-7 days. Also applied for emergency SNAP and got approved yesterday! Thank you everyone for your help - still waiting for the money but at least now I know what's happening.
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Sayid Hassan
my cousin had this problem and she just gave up after trying for 2 months. so sad that the system is so broken
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Cole Roush
I definitely won't give up. They owe me this money and I need it.
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Derek Olson
That's EXACTLY what they want you to do!!! The system is DESIGNED to be confusing and difficult so people just give up. Don't let them win!
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Scarlett Forster
let us know what happens plz! im curious if they actually fix it for you
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Cole Roush
I'll definitely update once I get this resolved. Fingers crossed it won't take too long!
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