Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The waiting week credit issue is specifically mentioned in DOL guidance as requiring specialist assistance, which is why it forces you into the phone queue. For those still struggling, document each call attempt (date/time) in case you need to show you were actively trying to resolve the issue.

I'm dealing with the exact same waiting week issue right now! It's so frustrating that they force you to call for something that should be automated. Reading through all these suggestions gives me hope though. I'm going to try the Wednesday 10:30am strategy first since that seems like solid insider info, and if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into Claimyr. The fact that multiple people here got through using different methods makes me feel like there's actually a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with these government systems!

Update us on how it goes with your backdating request! If your employer genuinely misled you about eligibility, that's one of the more solid reasons for backdating. Document everything, be persistent, and don't forget to keep certifying weekly while you wait for their decision. Good luck!

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add - make sure you also document the date you discovered the correct information about your eligibility! When I finally realized my employer was wrong about part-time workers not qualifying, I made sure to note exactly when and how I found out (it was through a friend who works in HR). This helped establish a clear timeline for my backdating request. Also, if you have any evidence that you were actively looking for work during those months you didn't file, include that too - it shows you were acting in good faith as an unemployed person even if you weren't collecting benefits yet.

Wait I'm confused - don't you have to be actively looking for work to get unemployment? How does that work if you just had a baby?

this whole system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple when people lose their jobs they need money its not that complicated

@Nia Thompson I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and it's driving me crazy! Been trying to get through for almost 2 months. After reading through everyone's advice here, I'm convinced the assembly rep route is the way to go - seems like literally everyone who tried it got results within a few days. I'm in Queens so gonna look up my assembly member on nyassembly.gov and call Monday morning. Also definitely trying the 6:30am online portal trick, that makes so much sense why the site always crashes during normal hours. This thread has been way more helpful than anything on the DOL website or calling their useless phone line. Thanks to everyone sharing what actually works! Will update if I have any success 🙏

@Nia Thompson I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I just moved to NY and am navigating the unemployment system for the first time - it's been a complete nightmare. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly eye-opening. I had no idea about the assembly rep option or the early morning online portal strategy. I've been wasting time trying to call during regular hours and getting nowhere. Definitely going to find my assembly member on nyassembly.gov and try the 6:30am online approach. This thread has been more helpful than anything I found on the official DOL website. Thank you everyone for sharing actual solutions instead of just the usual "keep trying" advice! It's ridiculous that we have to figure out these workarounds ourselves, but I'm grateful this community exists to help each other navigate this broken system 🙏

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: 1. I'll continue my NY unemployment claim after moving to PA 2. Need to update my address in the NY.gov system 3. Continue certifying weekly and meeting NY work search requirements 4. Make a note during certification about my move 5. Keep detailed records of work searches (minimum 3 per week) 6. Be prepared for tax complications next year 7. Set up mail forwarding with USPS This community is amazing! I was so stressed about this and now I feel much better prepared for my move. I'll update my address as soon as I have my new place secured.

Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I moved from NY to NJ last year - screenshot or print out your weekly certification pages before submitting them! The NY system can be glitchy sometimes and having proof of what you submitted and when really saved me during an audit. Also, if you're driving to PA, keep receipts for any job interviews or work-related trips back to NY since those can be deductible expenses. The move itself is stressful enough without worrying about benefits, so having good documentation gives you peace of mind!