@OP - any updates? Were you able to get this resolved?

Just wanted to add another perspective - I'm currently dealing with this same identity verification nightmare and it's been 5 weeks for me. What's really frustrating is that different agents seem to give different information when you finally do get through. One told me it takes 2-3 weeks, another said 6-8 weeks, and a third said they couldn't see any timeline at all. The inconsistency is maddening when you're trying to plan your finances. I'm going to try the state representative route based on what people are saying here. Has anyone had luck with contacting the governor's office directly, or is that a waste of time?

If the website isnt working right, try disabling all browser extensions and using incognito mode. The NY unemployment site has the worst security certificates and it conflicts with a lot of privacy tools. Just sharing what worked for me!

I feel your pain @Oliver - been there and it's absolutely maddening. After reading through all these responses, here's what I'd recommend trying in order: 1) Use claimyr.com like several people mentioned - seems to have the highest success rate based on the comments here, 2) Try calling from a different phone number in case yours got flagged as a "repeat caller", 3) Use Microsoft Edge or clear your cache/cookies before trying the website again, 4) Contact your state rep if the above doesn't work. The system is designed to wear you down, but don't let it. You've paid into this system and deserve your benefits. Hang in there! 💪

ugh this is so annoying, why do companies have to make everything harder?? i got laid off too and worried my employer might do the same thing. did you get any warning they were going to appeal or did it just show up randomly?

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago. My employer appealed even though I was clearly laid off due to company restructuring. What I learned is that some companies have policies to automatically appeal all unemployment claims regardless of the circumstances - it's just a business decision to try to keep their tax rates low. The hearing process was actually pretty straightforward once I got through it. The administrative law judge was fair and I had my layoff documentation ready. Just stay organized with your paperwork and don't let it stress you out too much - if you were legitimately laid off, the appeal likely won't succeed.

The schedule change thing might work but you need to prove it was a substantial change from your original job agreement and that it creates undue hardship. Save all communications about the schedule changes and document how it affects your ability to maintain childcare arrangements.

I went through something similar with my previous employer constantly changing my hours with no notice. What really helped my case was keeping a detailed log of every schedule change - dates, times, how much notice I was given, and how it impacted my childcare arrangements. I also saved screenshots of the original job posting and my employment agreement that showed my expected schedule. When I applied for unemployment after quitting, having that paper trail made all the difference. The key is showing that the employer materially changed your working conditions from what was originally agreed upon. Document everything now before you make any decisions!

took me 4 months to get approved w alternate base period but I got all my backpay. hang in there

Hey Ravi! The monetary determination letter is actually good news - it means you meet the wage requirements for benefits. Now you just need to wait for the eligibility determination where they review why you lost your job. Keep doing your weekly certifications even while waiting, and make sure you're doing your work search activities (3 per week in NY). If you get approved, you'll receive backpay from your claim date of 10/07/2024. The wait can be frustrating but you're on the right track! 👍