I'm dealing with the EXACT same situation and finding this thread feels like finding an oasis in the desert! Applied February 19th, completed ID.me verification 7 weeks ago, received my monetary determination letter but still stuck on pending status. I've been calling daily for weeks with zero success getting through to anyone. The pattern here is undeniable - so many of us with February application dates, ID.me completed weeks ago, monetary letters received, but all stuck in pending limbo. This is clearly a systematic processing issue affecting that specific timeframe, not individual account problems. After reading through all these responses, I'm incredibly grateful for the actionable advice, especially Anastasia's detailed breakdown of the formal complaint process. I had no idea there was an internal escalation system that could assign a dedicated case worker to actually review individual cases. My action plan based on everyone's strategies: 1. File the formal complaint today with comprehensive timeline and screenshots 2. Try the 8am calling approach using the 888-209-8124 number Zoe provided 3. Proactively upload all my W-2s (I also worked multiple jobs during base period) 4. Reach out via NYSDOL social media channels Thank you everyone for sharing real solutions and success stories instead of just commiserating. After 7 weeks of financial stress and feeling completely powerless, having concrete steps to try gives me genuine hope. I'll definitely update with results - we all need to help each other break through this broken system!

I'm in almost the exact same situation and this thread has been incredibly validating! Applied February 14th, completed ID.me verification 7 weeks ago, received my monetary determination letter but still stuck on pending. I've made probably 50+ phone calls with zero success getting through to anyone who can actually help. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it's crystal clear this is a systematic issue affecting February 2025 applicants rather than individual account problems. The consistency is remarkable - we all have nearly identical timelines with ID.me completed weeks ago, monetary letters received, but universally stuck in pending status. The formal complaint process that Anastasia outlined is exactly what I needed to learn about. I had no idea there was an internal review system that could escalate cases to someone with actual authority to resolve these holds. After nearly 2 months of feeling like I was shouting into the void, having a structured path to get real attention on my claim gives me hope for the first time. My plan based on all the excellent strategies shared here: 1. File the formal complaint tomorrow with detailed documentation and account screenshots 2. Try the 8am calling strategy using the specific 888-209-8124 number 3. Upload my W-2s proactively (I also had multiple employers during my base period) 4. Reach out through their official social media channels I also worked for a small startup that closed during the pandemic, so the employer verification issues mentioned here really resonate. Thank you everyone for sharing actual actionable solutions and success stories. After weeks of financial stress and uncertainty, this thread has given me the first concrete steps I can take. I'll definitely report back with results - we need to support each other through this broken system!

This is such a difficult situation. While I agree with what others have said about the legal eligibility requirements, I wanted to mention that many immigrant worker centers and advocacy organizations in NYC specifically help with situations like this. Organizations like Make the Road NY, New York Immigration Coalition, and local mutual aid groups often have emergency assistance programs and know about resources that don't require documentation status verification. They can also provide guidance on worker rights and next steps. Your friend shouldn't feel alone in this - there are communities and organizations that understand these challenges and want to help.

This is heartbreaking to read about your friend's situation. While the others are absolutely right about the legal requirements for unemployment benefits, I want to emphasize how important it is for your friend to be extremely cautious. Using someone else's Social Security number is considered identity theft under federal law, and filing for benefits could potentially expose them to serious legal consequences beyond just being denied. I would strongly encourage them to speak with an immigration attorney immediately - many offer free consultations or work on sliding scale fees. The attorney can help assess their overall situation and advise on the safest path forward. In the meantime, the community organizations others mentioned are definitely the way to go for immediate support with food and basic needs.

The work authorization requirement is federal law, not just a New York thing. Even though your friend has been contributing through payroll taxes, the Social Security Administration and Department of Labor systems are connected to immigration databases. When NYS Department of Labor processes a claim, they verify work eligibility through these federal systems. If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to get official confirmation, I've heard people mention using claimyr.com to get through to an agent faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.

I work with an immigration advocacy group and can confirm what others have said - undocumented workers cannot receive regular UI benefits in NY despite paying taxes. However, your friend should know about a few alternatives: 1) Some counties have emergency rental assistance that doesn't check immigration status, 2) Food pantries and community organizations often provide help without documentation requirements, 3) If they were injured on the job, workers' compensation doesn't require legal status verification. I'd suggest contacting the New York Immigration Coalition or Make the Road NY - they have resources specifically for situations like this and can connect your friend with local assistance programs.

just got mine yesterday, the keybank one. took exactly 8 days from when my first payment posted. make sure to read all the paperwork!!

I can confirm it's definitely the KeyBank card with the NYS logo. Got mine about 3 weeks ago and it's been working fine. One thing to note - if you need cash, try to use KeyBank ATMs when possible since you get one free withdrawal per payment cycle. Other ATMs will charge fees on top of the card's fees. Also, you can transfer money from the card to your regular bank account through the GoProgram website, though there might be a small fee for that too. Just wanted to add that info since fees seem to be a concern for folks here!

Just joined this community and I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been dealing with the exact same login issue since Monday - my SSN and PIN worked fine last week for certification, but now I keep getting the "information doesn't match" error. After reading all your experiences, especially Connor's solution about the account being flagged for additional security verification, I'm convinced that's what's happening to me too. It's absolutely ridiculous that NY's system doesn't notify you when your account gets flagged - just leaves you thinking you're entering wrong info! I tried all the browser troubleshooting tips mentioned here with no luck. Going to call tomorrow morning armed with this knowledge. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this community is a lifesaver!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been dealing with NY unemployment for over a year now - this login issue is unfortunately pretty common. I've had it happen to me at least 3 times, and each time it was resolved by calling and having them clear some kind of system flag on my account. The most frustrating part is exactly what everyone here is experiencing - the website gives you absolutely NO indication of what's actually wrong, just keeps saying your info doesn't match when you know it's correct. My advice: call early in the morning (I usually try around 8:05 AM right when they open) and specifically ask the rep to check if there are any flags or verification holds on your account. Don't waste time trying to reset your PIN or troubleshooting browsers - it's almost always a backend issue they need to clear manually. Hope this helps anyone still struggling with this!