I'm having the exact same problem right now but with my husband's account! He verified through ID.me two days ago but the system isn't recognizing it. SO STRESSFUL!! We really need his benefits to come through this week for rent. Has anyone here had success getting this fixed quickly?

Update for anyone finding this thread later: The NYSDOL released a statement on their Twitter account acknowledging the ID.me sync issues. They said the normal processing time is 3-5 business days, but they're currently experiencing delays up to 7 business days due to high volume. They recommended: 1. Continue certifying via the web portal during this time 2. Don't complete the ID.me verification multiple times as this can cause further delays 3. If it's been more than 7 business days, contact them directly Hope this helps others facing the same issue!

Has anyone gotten through today? I'm trying right now (1:30pm) and still getting error messages when I try to certify. Getting really worried as I'm already behind one week because of ID verification issues.

Update: Finally got through! For anyone else having issues, what worked for me was using Chrome in incognito mode. All my benefits are now certified for the week. Thanks everyone for the help!

One more tip if you're still struggling to get through - when the automated system asks why you're calling, clearly say

This NEVER works for me! The system just ignores what I say and goes back to the same stupid menu no matter what I try!! 🤬

If you're helping your coworker, make sure you're not actually speaking for her on the call. NYSDOL requires the claimant to speak for themselves (even with language barriers) unless you have filed official paperwork to be their representative. They're very strict about this now after all the fraud cases. Your coworker needs to be the one talking, even if you're helping translate.

Just wanted to update - we finally got our waiting week credit issue resolved. We ended up using Claimyr and got through to an agent within 90 minutes. Once connected, we asked for a Spanish speaker and they transferred us pretty quickly. The actual fix only took about 15 minutes once we had someone on the line. My coworker's claim is now processing normally and she should get her first payment next week.

One more thing to check - log into your NY.gov ID account (not just the unemployment portal) and make sure your identity verification is fully completed. The new system implemented in April 2025 requires additional verification steps that weren't needed before. Some claims get stuck in pending because there's an identity verification issue that wasn't clearly communicated to the claimant. Look for any alerts or incomplete sections in your NY.gov ID profile.

This might sound strange, but try calling and saying you need to update your direct deposit information (even if you don't). That sometimes gets you to a different department that can actually see what's happening with your claim. When you get that person, then mention the real issue. Worked for me back in June when my claim was stuck.

That's definitely the right move. When you call, make sure you have your tax return, NY-1099G form, and filing confirmation number ready. Ask specifically about the unemployment tax exclusion status, not just the general refund status. Sometimes the representatives only check the main refund system unless you ask about the unemployment portion specifically.

last year my buddy had to file an admended return to get his unemployment tax back... might be worth asking about that too when u call

Update: just got mine!! check ur accounts people, finally showed up this morning

This happens literally EVERY THREE MONTHS like clockwork. I've been on NY unemployment since last May and I swear they do this on purpose to mess with people. One time my payment was delayed TWO WEEKS and I had to borrow money from my parents to pay rent. Then when I finally got through to someone they acted like it was no big deal and couldn't tell me why it happened. The whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up on benefits they deserve!!!

My tax person told me that they're STILL processing some of these refunds from last year! The IRS is so backed up it's ridiculous. I filed in February 2024 and didn't get my unemployment tax adjustment until November! You might still be in their system waiting to be processed.

Just to clarify one thing - the refund being discussed was for unemployment benefits received in 2024, not the refund itself. The American Rescue Plan excluded a portion of unemployment benefits from taxation for that tax year only. If you received unemployment in 2024 and had federal taxes withheld (or paid estimated taxes on it), and your AGI was under $150,000, you should have qualified. The IRS was supposed to automatically recalculate and issue refunds, but many people fell through the cracks. Definitely check your tax transcript first before taking any other steps.

I work in IT (not for NY unemployment lol) but these account lockouts are pretty standard security features. The 24 hour thing is annoying but it's actually protecting your account. What's MORE annoying is that some government sites count CAPS LOCK as a failed password attempt even if you type the right password. So maybe check that next time? Just a thought.

To add to what others have said, once you get back into your account, I strongly recommend setting up two-factor authentication if you haven't already. NY unemployment started offering this in January 2025, and it's much better than just relying on a password. With 2FA enabled, even if you forget your password, you can still get in using the verification code they send to your phone.

I had this exact situation back in February. After weeks of trying to call with no success, I tried using Claimyr (the service someone mentioned above), and it actually worked. Got through to someone who told me my claim had a "pending review" status due to my former employer contesting the reason for separation. Once I talked to the agent, they removed the hold and I received all my backpay within 3 days. Definitely try to get through to a human - either through persistent calling, your state rep, or a service like that.

Just wanted to check back - were you able to make any progress with your claim? Sometimes if your work history includes multiple employers in your base period, that can also cause delays as they verify information with each one.