For identity verification issues (which is what this sounds like), try calling their fraud department directly instead of the main number. The fraud dept number should be on their website and usually has shorter wait times because fewer people know about it. If it's actually an ID verification issue they can help you just the same as the main line.

I feel your pain! Same exact situation happened to me 3 months ago - got the dreaded "call within 7 days" email and spent literally 6 days straight trying to get through. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: 1) Called at exactly 7:59 AM (before they officially open) and somehow got in queue early, 2) Used redial on my phone so I could call back faster when it disconnected, and 3) Had multiple phones going at once (mine + borrowed my roommate's). I know it sounds extreme but I was desperate. Also document EVERYTHING - screenshots of your call log, the original email, etc. When I finally got through the agent said they see this all the time and they know their phone system is trash. Don't give up! Even if you miss the 7-day thing, keep trying and explain you've been calling nonstop. The agents are usually understanding about it since they deal with these complaints all day. You've got this! 💪

I went through the exact same confusion! Looking at your transcript, the key thing to understand is that your taxable income was already $0 before the unemployment tax exclusion. Even though $10,200 of your unemployment is now tax-free, it doesn't change your bottom line since you weren't paying tax on it anyway due to the standard deduction. The IRS only sends additional refunds if you actually paid tax on unemployment income that's now excluded. In your case, with such low overall income, you were already in the 0% tax bracket. I know it's disappointing when you hear about others getting refunds, but your transcript is actually showing everything is correct - no additional refund is coming because none is owed.

I'm dealing with a similar situation and your transcript actually tells the whole story! Looking at your numbers - AGI of $10,898 with $0 taxable income - you were already below the tax threshold before the unemployment exclusion even existed. The $10,200 exclusion only helps people who actually paid tax on their unemployment benefits. Since you had such low total income, you qualified for the standard deduction which brought your taxable income to zero anyway. It's frustrating because everyone talks about getting these unemployment refunds, but if you weren't paying tax on that income originally, there's nothing to refund. The IRS isn't processing your case because mathematically, you don't qualify for an additional refund. Your situation is actually resolved correctly - no action needed!

This whole system is so messed up! They expect you to take any job but then half the employers want you to jump through ridiculous hoops like drug tests, background checks, credit checks. Meanwhile NYS Department of Labor makes it impossible to actually talk to a human being when you have questions. I've been fighting with them for months over my claim status.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. From what I learned, the NYS Department of Labor generally considers refusing a pre-employment drug test as withdrawing your application rather than refusing suitable work. The key distinction is that you never actually received a firm job offer - the drug test was a prerequisite TO getting the offer. I ended up calling the unemployment office (took forever to get through) and they confirmed that as long as you're still actively job searching and meeting your weekly requirements, this shouldn't affect your benefits. Just make sure you're documenting all your job search activities in case they ever audit your claim.

Just went through this same confusion last month! The NY DOL website actually has a countdown timer that shows when weekly certification opens - it's at the top of the page once you log in. Really helps take the guesswork out of it. Also, don't stress too much about the exact timing - I've claimed anywhere from Sunday morning to Wednesday and still got paid on the same Tuesday. The system is pretty forgiving as long as you get it done within the week!

Welcome to the unemployment filing world! Just filed my first claim last month too and was just as confused. One thing that really helped me was bookmarking the NY DOL login page and checking it Saturday night around 11:45 PM - you'll see the system update right at midnight and the "Weekly Certification" button becomes active. Also heads up - if you're planning to do it Sunday morning, have your coffee ready because the questions take about 10-15 minutes to complete properly. Better to be awake and focused than rush through it! Good luck! 🍀

i just wanna add that i was in the same boat last year and honestly what worked for me was just showing up at the OTDA office in person with all my paperwork. they dont like to admit it but the squeaky wheel gets the grease with these programs. good luck!

I've been dealing with ERAP for months too and it's incredibly frustrating! One thing that helped me was creating a paper trail - I started sending emails to erap@otda.ny.gov with my application number in the subject line every week asking for status updates. Even though they rarely respond, it creates documentation that you've been trying to get information. Also, if you're really close to eviction, make sure you have documentation of your ERAP application when you go to housing court. Judges are usually willing to postpone proceedings if you can show you have a pending ERAP application. Bring your confirmation email and any correspondence you've received. The waiting is awful but don't give up - I know people who waited 4+ months and then suddenly got approved and had everything back-paid. Keep pushing through all the channels people mentioned above!