anybody else think its crazy that in 2025 we still have to jump through all these hoops just to get our benefits?? the whole system needs to be completely redone!!

I'm going through something very similar right now - been waiting 3 months with a fraud flag on my account despite submitting all requested documents multiple times. The inconsistency between different reps is the worst part! One told me my case was being reviewed, another said I needed to resubmit everything, and a third said there was no fraud flag at all. It's like they're not even looking at the same system. I'm definitely going to try the Section 597.4 language that others mentioned here. It's ridiculous that we have to learn their internal codes just to get basic service, but if that's what it takes... Has anyone had success with the online portal messaging system, or is calling really the only way to make progress?

So glad to hear your payment came through! This is exactly why I always tell people to wait at least 3-4 business days before panicking. The NY unemployment system has been having intermittent delays all year, especially during peak certification periods. It's super stressful when you're counting on that money, but 9 times out of 10 it's just a processing delay rather than an actual problem with your claim. For future reference, payments can be delayed up to 72 hours from normal timing without it being considered an "issue" by DOL standards. Thanks for updating us - it helps other people in similar situations know they're not alone!

This is such a common issue lately! I've been collecting unemployment for about 6 months now and I've noticed the payment timing has gotten really inconsistent. Sometimes it's Tuesday, sometimes Wednesday, and once it didn't come until Thursday. It's so nerve-wracking when you're relying on that money for basic expenses. The lack of communication from NYSDOL about delays is really frustrating - they should at least send an email or update their website when there are system-wide processing delays. Glad to see from the other comments that your payment finally came through! For anyone else reading this thread in a similar situation, it seems like waiting 3-4 business days is becoming the new normal before reaching out to customer service.

yep file immediately, learned this the hard way

Don't stress too much about the exact timeline - the key thing everyone here is saying is right: file ASAP! I just went through this process last month after getting laid off from my retail job. The online system at my.ny.gov is actually pretty user-friendly once you get started. Just make sure you have all your documents ready (Social Security card, ID, last employer's info, bank account details for direct deposit). The whole application took me about 25 minutes. And yes, you can file the day after your last day of work - don't wait! Every day you delay is money you're potentially losing since benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job.

Just checking back in - any updates? Did you ever receive a confirmation email or has your status changed from "Processing"?

That's such a relief to hear you got your confirmation email! I went through this exact same panic about 6 months ago. The waiting period after submitting documents is honestly the worst part of the whole unemployment process. At least now you know the system works, just very slowly. Hopefully your review goes smoothly and you get approved soon. Thanks for updating us - it helps other people who might be going through the same thing!

Have you tried contacting your local state representative? Sometimes they can help push things through when you're stuck in bureaucratic limbo.

I had this exact same problem a few months ago! Turns out the issue was that I was entering my mother's maiden name exactly as it appears on my birth certificate, but the system had it stored differently from when I first applied. Try checking any old paperwork from when you initially filed your claim - sometimes there are slight differences in spelling or formatting that you might not remember. Also, if your mother had multiple names (like a middle name or hyphenated name), try different combinations. The system can be really picky about these security questions. Hope this helps!