protip: if you're dealing with unemployment identity theft, get an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS website immediately! It prevents anyone from filing tax returns in your name, which is often the next thing these scammers try to do after unemployment fraud.

This is happening to way too many people! I just discovered someone filed using my info back in November when I got a 1099-G form for benefits I never received. Filed all the fraud reports but haven't heard anything back yet. It's reassuring to know they at least have a dedicated team working on it now, even if it's taking forever. Has anyone had success getting the fraudulent 1099 corrected with the IRS while the unemployment investigation is still pending? I'm worried about tax season coming up.

I work nights and this 7pm cutoff is the worst. Like why cant they just process everything at midnight? makes no sense

Just went through this same thing last month! The 7pm Sunday cutoff is real and it's brutal. What helped me was calling the automated line at 1-888-581-5812 the next day to double check my claim status. Sometimes the payment shows up late in the system even if you certified on time. Don't panic yet - give it until Wednesday before freaking out completely.

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! For the backdating reason, I explained that I was dealing with the stress of job loss and didn't realize I needed to file immediately. They accepted it without any issues. As for the "ready, willing, and able" question - just be honest about any days you genuinely couldn't work (like if you were sick or had interviews). If you've been available the whole time, put 0. The process took about 2-3 weeks for me, but I did get all my backdated payments. Don't overthink it too much - they deal with late filings all the time!

Just wanted to add - when you're filling out the backdating request, make sure you have your termination documentation ready (like your final paycheck stub or separation notice). I backdated mine to my last day of work too, and having that paperwork made the process smoother. Also, don't worry too much about the exact wording for why you filed late - "personal circumstances following job loss" or "unfamiliarity with the filing process" are both totally valid. The unemployment office knows people don't always file immediately, especially when dealing with the shock of losing a job. You've got this! 💪

ugh employers always try this guilt trip BS. mine did the same thing when our whole department got eliminated. like sorry not sorry, you laid us off, we're filing for UI benefits. that's literally what unemployment insurance is FOR

I work in HR and can confirm what others have said - yes, employers do pay unemployment taxes and their rates can go up based on claims, but that's literally the whole point of the system. Your boss paying into unemployment insurance is like paying car insurance - you hope you never need it, but when you do, that's what it's there for. The rate increases are also capped and calculated over multiple years, so one claim isn't going to bankrupt them. Don't let your employer guilt you out of benefits you've legitimately earned. If they're laying you off, file your claim right away.

Hey Maria! You're absolutely fine - I've been in the exact same situation before. The cutoff for Sunday certification is midnight, not 5pm or any other time. I've certified as late as 11:45pm on Sunday and still received my deposit Tuesday morning like clockwork. The NY unemployment system processes ALL Sunday certifications together in one overnight batch, so it literally doesn't matter if you do it at 6am or 11:59pm - they all get processed the same way. Your Tuesday deposit will come through as normal, so your auto-pay bills on Wednesday should be covered. I totally get the stress though - when you're depending on that money, every little timing thing feels huge! But you're good to go as long as you get it done before midnight tonight.

Just certified at 7:30pm and wanted to add my experience - you're definitely fine! I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now and have certified at all different times on Sunday. Whether it's 9am or 10pm, I always get my deposit Tuesday morning. The key thing is just making sure you do it before midnight on Sunday. I think a lot of people get confused because some other states have earlier cutoffs, but NY processes everything together overnight. Your auto-pay bills on Wednesday will be covered - that Tuesday deposit is super reliable as long as you certify on Sunday. Family stuff happens, don't beat yourself up about it!