Just wanted to update - I finally got through to someone after 3 weeks and they told me I got denied because I quit my job, NOT because of the monetary determination! So even if you complete all their stupid steps, they can still deny you for completely different reasons they never tell you about until the end! This system is BROKEN.

Quick update: I completed the IDme verification yesterday (was actually pretty smooth) and today I received another letter asking me to call for a phone interview about my claim. Maybe there's hope after all! Thanks everyone for your help explaining the process - I would have given up without your advice.

To answer your follow-up question about contacting representatives - I recommend BOTH calling and emailing. Start with a phone call to both offices, then follow up with an email that includes your contact information and claim details. This creates two points of contact and makes it easier for their staff to track your case. Make sure you're very clear about: 1. How long you've been trying to reach DOL 2. The specific issue with your claim 3. Any deadlines or financial hardships you're facing They're motivated to help constituents, especially with unemployment issues, as these are high-priority cases for most NY representatives.

Just wanted to add that while representative offices are helpful, sometimes timing matters too. Monday mornings at 8:00 AM sharp can be effective for direct DOL calls. The phone queues reset over the weekend, and calling right when they open might get you through. If that fails, then definitely pursue the representative route as outlined above.

After reading through all these responses, I thought I'd share what worked for me when this happened. I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and it actually worked really well. I was skeptical, but they got me connected to an agent in about 45 minutes versus the 3+ hours I spent trying on my own. The agent found a "certification block" on my account that was caused by a random quarterly review. They fixed it while I was on the phone, and I was able to certify immediately after that. Just sharing since this sounds exactly like what happened to me.

UPDATE: I tried again this morning and still nothing. Used a different browser too. I finally broke down and called them. After 2.5 hours on hold (!!!) I finally got through. Turns out there was a "program review" flag on my account that was blocking me from certifying. The agent removed it and I was able to certify right away. She said this is happening to a bunch of people right now because of some internal review process they're doing. So if anyone else runs into this problem, unfortunately you DO need to call. Thanks everyone for your help!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I just talked to my friend, and he checked his payment history section like you all suggested. Everything shows as properly certified for each week, and he does have the letter specifically saying payments will be made. He's feeling much more relieved now knowing that backpay should be coming soon. I'll update here when the money actually arrives in case it helps someone else in the future.

UPDATE: Great news! My friend just called me - all the backpay hit his account this morning! It took exactly 4 days after he got the letter. Everything was included from his application date (minus the waiting week like someone mentioned). Thanks again for all the help and reassurance!

Just an update - the current NY unemployment system actually has improved a bit in 2025. If you request back pay now, they're processing most claims within 7-10 business days. Much better than the 3-4 weeks it was taking last year. Just make sure when you call to specifically request to speak with a Retroactive Payment Specialist, not just any agent.

UPDATE: I finally got through today! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. The specialist confirmed I'm owed for 4 weeks of back pay, totaling about $2,180. She said I should receive the payment within 5-7 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! For anyone else in this situation - definitely call and specifically ask about retroactive benefits, they don't process automatically!

did u ever find out if they go back and give u the money from when ur benefits ran out until now? i'm worried about the same thing happening to me soon

Just to follow up on this thread - I've helped several clients with similar situations. When you file your new UI claim, make sure to use the "Comments" section at the end of the application to explain your situation. Specifically state: "I previously exhausted UI benefits and received MEUC approval letter dated [date]. I'm requesting this new claim be backdated to [date your benefits exhausted] due to confusion caused by the MEUC approval." This written record is important if you need to appeal later.

DONT PANIC if it takes longer than expected!!! The system is SO GLITCHY in 2025!! my first payment took almost 2 weeks even though the website said it was released!!! I called like 20 times before getting through and they said it was a "processing delay" whatever that means. Second payment came right on time though. The whole system is just broken.

Quick update for anyone finding this thread: the NYSDOL revised their payment processing schedule in May 2025. Now if you certify on Sunday, payments are typically processed Monday and hit accounts Tuesday-Wednesday for most major banks. Credit unions and smaller banks might still take an extra day or two. First payments still tend to take slightly longer than recurring ones.

Just checking back - did you ever get through to them? I'm curious if any of these suggestions worked for you.

Congrats! Always nice to hear when someone actually gets through the system successfully lol. Fingers crossed your payment comes through quickly!

did they give u a direct number to call them back if theres any problems with ur payment? im thinking of leaving a note on my door so i dont miss their call lol

MY ACCOUNT SAYS THE EXACT SAME THING! Pending for no reason since January and my landlord is threatening eviction. I can't even get through the phone system to talk to a real person. I've sent 12 messages through the online portal and gotten zero responses. Did they tell you why yours was held up for so long? Was there something specific you did that finally got them to call you?

anyone else notice they ALWAYS call at the worst times?? like when ur in the bathroom or just stepped out to grab lunch lol

To clarify for everyone: 888-581-5812 is indeed a legitimate NYSDOL number used for outbound calls. Here's what you need to know: 1. If they call, they're likely trying to resolve an issue with your claim that's causing the pending status 2. They typically make 2-3 attempts to reach you by phone 3. If they can't reach you by phone, they'll send a secure message to your online account and/or a letter 4. You do have a limited time to respond (usually 7-10 days from their final attempt) 5. Missing their calls won't automatically deny your claim, but it will extend the processing time If you missed their call, I recommend: - Calling the main claims number (888-209-8124) during regular business hours - When connected, explain you missed a call from their office and want to address any issues with your claim - Be prepared with your claim information and employment history details - Check your online account for any secure messages they may have sent This should help you get your claim moving again.