idk why no one is saying the obvious but have you tried using a different device completely? my phone kept failing but my roommates iphone worked first try. something about the camera quality makes a huge difference.

I went through this exact same nightmare last month! What finally worked for me was using a friend's newer iPhone instead of my old Android - the camera quality made all the difference. Also, try doing it during off-peak hours like early morning (6-8am) when their servers aren't as overloaded. I know it's frustrating when rent is due, but don't give up on the online verification yet - it's still faster than mailing docs. If you do end up mailing, definitely send everything certified mail with tracking so they can't "lose" your paperwork. Hang in there, you'll get through this!

Check if you can access any correspondence or messages in your online account. Sometimes there are documents or notices posted there that explain what the issue is, even if you didn't receive them by mail or email. Also make sure your contact information is current in case they're trying to reach you.

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! Been stuck on "issue on file" for almost 3 weeks and it's driving me crazy. I did manage to get through to someone last week (took calling literally hundreds of times) and they told me it was just a routine review of my separation reason, but they couldn't give me a timeline for when it would be resolved. They said to just keep certifying weekly and wait. It's so frustrating when you're counting on that money and have no idea what's happening or how long it will take.

Once you can get a human on the phone this should be pretty easy to fix. I had a similar issue where the system miscalculated my hours. The rep was able to submit an adjustment and I got the money about a week later. But getting through is the hard part. I recommend using Claimyr.com to get past the busy signals - saved me hours of frustration!

This exact same thing happened to me last month! I worked a 15-hour shift at a restaurant (covered someone's shift plus my own) and reported it honestly for just that one Saturday. The system deducted benefits for TWO full days even though I clearly only worked one day. It's so frustrating because you're trying to be honest and follow the rules, but their outdated system punishes you for it. I ended up having to wait on hold for literally 3 hours before I got through to someone who could fix it. The rep told me it's a known issue with shifts over 10-12 hours - their system assumes you can't possibly work that long in one day so it splits it automatically. Completely ridiculous in 2025 when long shifts are so common. Keep calling and ask specifically for a "manual adjustment to your effective days calculation" - that's the magic phrase that gets them to actually look into it. Don't give up, you deserve that money!

The whole system is ridiculous. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but when you're actually looking for decent work it goes by fast. And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - half the jobs posted are fake or pay nothing. They should extend it automatically instead of making people jump through hoops.

Just went through this process myself after being laid off from my retail job. The 26 weeks is correct, but here's what I wish someone told me upfront - start your job search documentation from day one and be really organized about it. I used a simple spreadsheet to track my 3 weekly activities (applications, networking contacts, job fairs, etc.) with dates and details. Also, don't wait to file - you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually submit your initial claim. The base period calculation can be confusing but the important thing is having steady work history in those 4 quarters. Good luck!

The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think. I burned through mine last year and had to take a job paying way less than what I was making before. Start applying for good jobs right away instead of waiting - unemployment gives you a cushion but don't rely on it lasting forever.

I agree with Emma - don't wait to start your job search! I made that mistake thinking I had plenty of time and ended up scrambling in weeks 20-26. Also, if you do find part-time or temporary work while collecting, you can still get partial unemployment benefits as long as you report the earnings. NYS Department of Labor will reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn, but you don't lose benefits completely. This can actually help stretch your coverage longer while you look for that perfect full-time position in your field.