Is anyone else having trouble certifying this week too? I wonder if it's related to the same maintenance issue. I keep getting an error message when I try to submit my weekly certification.

UPDATE: The payment history is back up this morning! Everything looks normal now and I can see all my past payments. Thanks everyone for your help!

Update: I tried calling again this morning using the specific language about Section 597.4 that was suggested, and it actually got me transferred to someone higher up! They still couldn't fully resolve my case on the spot, but they confirmed my ID verification is showing up in their system and said they're expediting my case review. They gave me a direct callback number and said I should hear something within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed this actually leads to something! Thank you all for your suggestions.

anybody else think its crazy that in 2025 we still have to jump through all these hoops just to get our benefits?? the whole system needs to be completely redone!!

my brother had this problem and he went to the actual unemployment office in person!! they helped him there and he didnt need to do id.me at all

After seeing your post, I wanted to follow up. Were you able to get through to anyone? I know how stressful this waiting game can be.

did u check ur payment history on the website? sometimes the money gets released but they dont send u a text or email

UPDATE: My payments just hit my account! Took exactly 2 days and 4 hours from when the block was removed. All 4 weeks came at once. So relieved right now!

After using Claimyr to reach an agent, make sure to specifically request they check the "identity verification override" flag in your account. Many agents don't know this exists or don't think to check it. Also ask them to document in your case notes that ID.me verification is complete but not syncing properly, to help if you need to call again.

Thank you all for the helpful advice! Just wanted to update - I finally got this resolved! I used Claimyr to get through to someone at NYSDOL (took about 15 mins instead of the endless busy signals I was getting before). The agent I spoke with immediately found the problem - there was some kind of flag on my account that was preventing the ID.me verification from being accepted, even though it was complete. She removed the flag, manually verified my identity in their system, and my claim started processing right away. Three days later all my backpay hit my account! Such a relief after months of stress and being given the runaround.

The whole thing is RIDICULOUS!! We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops to get benefits we paid into with our taxes!!! All this paperwork and waiting and appealing while bills are piling up. The system is designed to make us give up!!!

I want to thank everyone for the amazing advice. I've decided to do the following: 1. Create a detailed timeline of my job search from November to January 2. Gather all my job application confirmations and interview emails 3. Write a clear statement explaining why I misunderstood when to apply 4. Request a hearing specifically in my appeal 5. Try calling again tomorrow to speak with a representative 6. If I can't get through after a couple more tries, I'll check out that Claimyr service I'll update this thread once I have news about my appeal. Fingers crossed I can get those backdated benefits!

happened to my cousin too last week. they told her 7 days but it showed up in 5! so maybe ull get lucky

oh and btw make sure u activate the card the SECOND u get it. cause the activation line sometimes has long wait times too. this whole system is just waiting and more waiting lol

I was in a similar situation last year - part-time work while in school. What I learned is that in NY, you need to be ready, willing, and able to work full-time to qualify for unemployment. If your school schedule restricts your availability too much, you might get denied. The agent I spoke with said they look at whether school would prevent you from accepting full-time work if it was offered. So be prepared to explain how you could manage both if needed.

After you get answers to your questions and decide to file, make sure you apply as soon as possible. Benefits aren't backdated to when you became unemployed - they start from when you file your claim. I waited two weeks trying to get all my questions answered first, and essentially lost two weeks of potential benefits because of it.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I'm going to start reporting my net income going forward, and I'm going to try to contact NYSDOL about getting an adjustment for the past 8 weeks where I overstated my income. I'll keep better records of all my expenses too.

i know someone who got in huge trouble for reporting wrong. they made him pay back like $8000! but that was cuz he didnt report ANY income not cuz he reported wrong type

WAIT WAIT WAIT... So does this mean if I work 2 hours per day, 5 days a week (10 hours total), I lose 250% of my benefit? But if I work 10 hours in just 2 days (5 hours each day), I only lose 200%??? That makes NO sense! Why does it matter HOW the hours are distributed??

Thank you all so much for the help! I think I understand now - I'll definitely answer YES to returning to work, and I'll track my hours meticulously. Since I'll be working 4 hours each day, 5 days a week, it sounds like I probably won't get any UI benefits, which is disappointing but at least I know what to expect. I'll keep certifying every week anyway to keep my claim active while I look for full-time work. Really appreciate all the explanations!