Anyone else notice that unemployment is literally IMPOSSIBLE to contact but they somehow manage to find you within seconds if they think you owe them money? 🤡

Thank you SO much for sharing this! I've been stuck in pending status for 6 weeks now and was starting to lose hope. I had no idea contacting state representatives was even an option. Just looked up my assemblyperson and state senator - planning to reach out to both offices first thing Monday morning. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but I'm grateful there's actually a way that works. Fingers crossed I get the same results you did!

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! For anyone with similar problems, here's what worked: 1. I used Claimyr to get through to NYSDOL (took 1.5 hours instead of endless busy signals) 2. The agent connected me with their special ID.me support team 3. They found that my identity was linked to an old account created when I briefly looked into unemployment in 2023 but never completed an application 4. They unlinked my ID from the old account and reset my verification status 5. I had to go through ID.me verification again, but this time it worked perfectly Thank you everyone for your help! I should receive all my back payments within 3-5 business days.

Wow, what a journey! I'm dealing with a similar ID.me nightmare right now - been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of response from them. Your post gives me hope that there's actually a way through this mess. I had no idea about the Claimyr service or that NYSDOL has a special ID.me support team. Question for anyone who's been through this - when you finally get verified, do they automatically process all your missed weekly certifications, or do you have to go back and manually certify for each week you missed? I'm worried about losing weeks of benefits because of their broken system. Thanks Logan for sharing your resolution steps - I'm going to try the Claimyr route tomorrow!

Wait, so if you're injured and can't work, you can't get unemployment? That seems backwards to me. I thought unemployment was for when you lose your job and need income support.

@Zoe Dimitriou I went through almost the exact same situation two years ago when I tore my ACL in a skiing accident. Like others have mentioned, regular unemployment won't work since you can't meet the "able and available" requirement with medical restrictions. But NY State Disability Benefits was a lifesaver for me! The application process through wcb.ny.gov was pretty straightforward - you'll need your medical records showing the injury and work restrictions. One tip: make sure your doctor is specific about the dates you're unable to work, as that affects your benefit period. The payments aren't as much as unemployment would be (it's a percentage of your wages), but it definitely helps bridge the gap while you recover. I'd also suggest applying as soon as possible since there's typically a waiting period before benefits start.

This whole system is so backwards! Why can't they just make it retroactive to your last day of work? It's like they're punishing people for not knowing the rules. I lost out on 3 weeks because nobody told me this when I got fired.

I completely understand the frustration - I went through the same thing when I got laid off from my restaurant job last year. The key thing everyone's mentioned is absolutely right: file TODAY. Don't wait another day. I learned the hard way that NYS doesn't backdate claims, so every day you delay is money out of your pocket. The application on my.ny.gov is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info from the last 18 months. Even if you're still job hunting (which is great!), you can continue looking while collecting benefits - just make sure to report any work you do. The system is designed to support you while you find your next job, so use it!

Just to add - if you're planning to start collecting Social Security while still getting unemployment, make sure you understand the earnings test if you're under full retirement age. But since unemployment isn't earned income, it shouldn't trigger the earnings test anyway.

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in a similar boat - been laid off from my job at 62 and trying to figure out the best strategy. Just to clarify what I'm understanding: my NYS unemployment won't reduce my future Social Security retirement benefits, but if I start collecting SS now while getting unemployment, the combination might push me into a tax bracket where I have to pay taxes on the SS benefits? Also wondering if there are any other programs or benefits that unemployment might affect - like Medicare eligibility timing or anything else I should be aware of?