I went through something similar but with a shorter timeframe - about 2 years after my original claim. Even then it was an uphill battle, but I eventually got my back pay after filing an appeal. The key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records. Since you have those confirmation emails, that's actually huge - most people don't have any proof they certified. Also check if you have any screenshots of your online account from back then showing pending certifications or payment status. One thing I learned is that NYSDOL sometimes has "system glitches" where payments get stuck in processing limbo. If you can show this was their error and not something you did wrong, you might have a better shot even after 4 years. The fact that you certified correctly every other week except those 3 specific ones could actually work in your favor - it shows a pattern of compliance with a clear system error. Don't give up before you even try! $1,425 is worth fighting for.

I'm in a similar boat - just discovered I'm missing unemployment payments from 2020 that I never received. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the odds aren't great after so much time has passed, but I'm encouraged by the people who actually got results by being persistent and having documentation. @Omar - definitely try that Claimyr service if you can't get through on the phones. I've been trying to reach NYSDOL for weeks with no luck. The fact that you have those confirmation emails is actually really good - most people don't keep records that long. One thing I'm wondering - has anyone tried reaching out to their local state representatives for help with these kinds of cases? Sometimes they can cut through the red tape when regular channels don't work. Might be worth a shot if the direct approach doesn't pan out.

UGH the NYS Department of Labor system is such a nightmare to navigate! I've been trying to get through to someone on the phone for WEEKS about my claim status and can never get past the busy signal. It's like they don't want people to actually get help. The whole system needs to be completely overhauled.

same boat here, filed last week and still waiting to hear anything back. this whole process is stressful enough without having to worry about when the money will start coming in

So happy for you!! Mine came like that too - one per day for most of them, then the last two came together on the fourth day. The DOL really should explain this better on their website instead of making everyone panic and think something's wrong!

This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - got my first back payment yesterday but still waiting on 3 more weeks. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel way less anxious about it. It's crazy how the NY unemployment system works but doesn't explain any of this to claimants. Going to check my account tonight around 6pm like Omar suggested to see if there are any updates. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and what actually happened with their payments!

wait so you dont have to work somewhere for like 6 months or a year to get unemployment?? i thought there was a minimum time requirement at each job

I was in a similar situation last year - started a job in February and had to leave by June due to hostile work environment. The key thing is that NYS DOL will look at ALL your previous employment, not just your most recent job. So if you worked anywhere in the past 15-18 months and earned enough during that base period, you should qualify. Just make sure you document everything about those schedule changes - dates, times, any emails or texts about last-minute changes. That documentation could be crucial if you need to prove you had good cause for leaving.

Just want to echo what others said - quitting to go to school typically won't qualify you for UI benefits. There are some training programs that might allow you to collect while in school, but you'd need to be laid off first and then get approved for the training. Check with your local career center about approved training programs.

Just to add some practical advice - if you're really considering this path, you might want to look into whether your employer offers any educational assistance or leave of absence options first. Some companies will work with you on flexible schedules or even tuition reimbursement for job-related training. Also, check if there are any evening or weekend programs available so you could potentially keep working while training. The unemployment system really isn't designed to support voluntary career changes, so exploring other options first might save you a lot of headaches.