i made a spreadsheet to track all my calls to unemployment last year: - 47 calls over 3 weeks - average wait: 1hr 22min - got hung up on: 19 times - reached human: 6 times - problem actually solved: ONCE the system is a joke 🤡

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Filed in October, got caught up in their verification nightmare for 2 months, and didn't certify during that time because the system kept showing my claim as "pending" and I thought there was no point. Now I'm approved but missing like 8 weeks of payments that I desperately need. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying - sounds like getting through to someone is a full-time job in itself. I'm definitely going to try that "payment not received" tip when calling the automated system. Has anyone had success getting backdated more than 6-8 weeks? I'm worried they'll say it's been too long even though it was their verification process that caused the delay in the first place. This whole system seems designed to make people give up and walk away from money they're legally entitled to.

This is why I hate ny unemployment. Everything takes 100x longer than it should. And if theres any kind of problem with your account good luck getting anyone on the phone to help.

I feel your frustration! I'm new to the NY unemployment system and ran into the same confusion when I certified on Thursday last week. Had to learn the hard way that weekends are basically dead zones for processing. What really helped me was setting up text alerts through my bank app so I get notified the moment any deposit hits - at least then I'm not constantly checking my balance wondering if today's the day. Also discovered that some banks will let you see pending ACH transfers a day or two before they actually post, which gives you a heads up that the payment is coming. Hang in there, the waiting game sucks but once you get the timing down it becomes more predictable!

Just wanted to add that you should keep filing your weekly claims even while the backdating request is being reviewed. Don't stop claiming weeks or you'll have gaps that are even harder to fix later.

I went through something similar last year. For NYS Department of Labor backdating, they can go back up to one year from when you file the request, but you need solid documentation. Besides the doctor's note, gather any records showing when your medical condition prevented you from working vs when you were cleared to return. Also collect evidence you were able and available during the weeks you're claiming - like medical records showing treatment was completed, any job search activities once cleared, etc. The medical exception for good cause is one of the stronger arguments, so you have a decent shot if you have the right paperwork. File the backdating request ASAP since there are time limits on how long after your initial claim you can request it.

Just make sure you stop filing your weekly claims once you start working! I made the mistake of filing one more week after I started my new job and it caused a whole mess with overpayment notices.

Congratulations on landing the new job! As others mentioned, those unused weeks don't roll over to a savings account or anything like that. However, I'd recommend keeping documentation of your original claim details (benefit year dates, weekly amount, etc.) just in case you need to reference them later. Also, when you stop filing, you might want to call or check online to confirm your claim is properly closed to avoid any potential issues down the road. Good luck with the new position!

i remember when i first got unemployment in 2022 they were still sending paper checks lol. the keybank card is way better than that mess!

Just wanted to add that you can also track your card shipment! Once KeyBank processes your card (usually within 2-3 business days after you select the debit card option), they'll send you an email with tracking information. Check your spam folder too - mine ended up there. The tracking really helped ease my anxiety about when it would arrive. Also, if you're really in a pinch financially while waiting, you might want to look into local food banks or emergency assistance programs in your area to help bridge the gap until your card arrives with those back payments.