Quick tip: check your message inbox on the portal everyday. sometimes they need additional docs but dont email you about it smh

Been through this nightmare myself - took 3 weeks exactly after ID.me verification. The key thing is making sure your paystubs match EXACTLY what you put on your initial claim (dates, employer name, everything). One tiny discrepancy and they'll hold it up for weeks without telling you. Also double check that your ID.me name matches your unemployment account name perfectly. If there's even a middle initial difference, it can cause delays. Keep certifying weekly no matter what - don't let that lapse or you'll have to start over!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! They make it impossible to reach anyone and then cut you off right when you need help the most. 26 weeks isn't enough time in this job market especially if you're over 50 like me. Been applying everywhere and getting nowhere.

I'm in a similar situation with only a few weeks left. Does anyone know if the part-time work I did during unemployment affects my wage base for a new claim? I reported everything correctly but I'm worried it might not be enough to qualify for a new benefit year.

Just wanted to let everyone know that the restaurant industry is starting to pick up again in some parts of NY. I was in your exact situation back in January - had my hours cut from 25-30 down to just 8-10 per week. I got partial unemployment which helped a ton during the slow period. Now my restaurant is back to full staffing and I'm working normal hours again. Hang in there! And definitely apply for the benefits - that's exactly what they're designed for.

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation, Grace. The restaurant industry has been so unpredictable, and it sounds like you're dealing with exactly what the partial unemployment system was designed to help with. A few additional tips that might help: - When you apply online, make sure you have your employer's federal tax ID number (EIN) ready - sometimes the system can't find your employer without it - If you're getting direct deposit, it usually takes about 2-3 business days after certification for the payment to hit your account - Keep screenshots of your weekly certifications in case there are any issues later Also, don't stress too much about your employer being notified. In my experience, most restaurant managers understand that partial unemployment is just part of the business when hours fluctuate. It's actually better for them too since they can keep trained staff on reduced hours instead of having to completely lay people off and then rehire and retrain later. You're taking the right steps by applying now. Even if your hours pick up again, having that safety net in place is so important in this industry. Good luck with your application!

The whole NYS Department of Labor phone system is a joke. I've been trying to get through for 2 weeks just to ask a simple question about my weekly claims and every number either hangs up on you or puts you on hold forever. It's like they don't want people to actually file their claims.

I feel your pain with the confusing phone system! Just wanted to add that if you do use the 1-888-209-8124 number that Dmitri mentioned, make sure you have your claim confirmation number from your last filing ready too - sometimes the system asks for it. Also, if you get an error message saying the system is busy, try calling back in like 15-20 minutes rather than immediately. The automated system seems to have limits on how many people can use it at once. Hope this helps and you get through soon!

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! 💪