Just wanted to add another tip that helped me - if you're still having issues after trying all the browser fixes, check if you have any browser extensions enabled that might be blocking scripts or cookies. I had to disable my ad blocker and privacy extensions temporarily to get through the ID.me process. Also, make sure your ID isn't expired - seems obvious but ID.me won't accept expired documents even if they're only a few days past expiration. Once I renewed my license and disabled my extensions, the whole process went smoothly.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Thank you everyone for sharing your solutions - this thread is a lifesaver. I've been stuck on the ID.me verification for 3 days and was about to give up. Going to try the Chrome browser with cleared cache and make sure to scroll down on every page. It's so frustrating that NY unemployment requires this ID.me process when it's clearly so buggy. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share what worked for them. Will report back if I get through!

ugh this system is so stressful!!! I'm dealing with something similar and I keep panicking that they're going to deny me. Two years at a job should count for something right?? Did they give you any severance or anything when they let you go?

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - fired for "performance issues" after 18 months at a marketing firm. NYS Department of Labor actually approved my claim after about 4 weeks. The key thing that helped me was keeping all my employment records and being able to show I never had any disciplinary actions or formal performance improvement plans. When they called for the phone interview, I just explained honestly that I struggled to meet certain metrics but was never given coaching or warnings. My former employer didn't even contest it. Don't give up hope - performance terminations are way more common than people think and most get approved eventually.

Pro tip: if you can't get through on the phone, try reaching out on social media. Sometimes their Twitter team is more responsive than the phone lines. worth a shot! 🤷‍♂️

Hey Isaac! I just went through this process last month and managed to get my claim backdated about 3 weeks. A few things that really helped me: 1. Call first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - way better chance of getting through 2. Have your SSN, employment dates, and employer info ready before you dial 3. Be honest about why you delayed filing - they're more understanding than you'd think 4. If they ask for documentation, email it the same day The whole call took about 45 minutes once I got through, and they were able to process the backdating right away. Just be patient with the hold times - it's worth it to get those extra weeks of benefits! Good luck with your call! 🤞

Just wanted to add that you should still be honest if an employer directly asks about your current employment status during an interview. But they can't discriminate against you for being unemployed, and it definitely won't show up on any background check or credit report they run.

I went through this exact same worry when I was on unemployment last year! Can confirm what others are saying - it absolutely does not show up on credit reports. I was so paranoid about it that I actually pulled my own credit report from all three bureaus just to double-check, and there was zero mention of my NYS unemployment benefits anywhere. The only thing that could potentially impact your credit while unemployed is if you miss payments on existing debts, but the unemployment itself is completely invisible to credit agencies. Good luck with your job search!

have you tired going in person to a local office? sometimes thats the only way to get things done with these government dinosaurs lol

Call your state representative's office! I was stuck in document submission hell for 6 weeks and my assemblyman's office fixed it in 2 days. They have direct contacts at DOL that we don't have access to.