THATS AWESOME!! Glad you got some extra $$$! This gives me hope maybe I'll get another random card someday too lol

Don't hold your breath waiting for a card 😂 But it's definitely worth checking your account periodically. These system audits seem to be identifying lots of past errors.

My sister works at the DOL call center and she said they get SO many calls about ID.me issues. She recommends using Chrome browser and making sure your webcam is working properly before starting. Also don't try to rush through it - take your time and read each step carefully.

Update: I went ahead and created the ID.me account today. It wasn't as bad as I expected! Took about 15 minutes total. The facial recognition worked on the second try. Now I'm just waiting for it to link to my unemployment account. Thanks everyone for the help and advice!

Hey just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? Did the system start working again or did you have to call?

this is why i always take screenshots of EVERYTHING i do on the unemployment site. they mess up all the time and then its on you to prove what happened. glad u got it fixed!!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now and I'm curious what happens next. Did you get any official confirmation after submitting your appeal? I submitted mine 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. The waiting and uncertainty is killing me!

Just got my hearing date! April 15th, so about 3 weeks from now. They sent instructions for the phone hearing and said both me and my former employer will be called. I'm nervous but feeling more prepared thanks to everyone's advice here. I've gathered all my evidence and am rehearsing how to clearly explain what happened. Will update after the hearing!

Just checking in - were you able to get through with any of these methods? If you've tried everything and still can't certify, you should document all your attempts (dates, times, screenshots of errors). This will help if you need to request retroactive certification later. Don't panic yet - NYSDOL will typically allow backdated certification if you can show you made reasonable attempts to certify on time but were prevented by system issues.

My cousin had this exact same problem last month and it took him 2 weeks to finally get someone on the phone. By then he'd already missed one payment cycle. The whole system needs an overhaul honestly. When I was on unemployment back in early 2025 it was nowhere near this bad.

anybody else notice how they always say 'today or tomorrow' for EVERYTHING? lol when i was on unemployment they told me the same thing about my letter, about my payments, about my interview... its like their script or something

When you receive your Monetary Determination letter, here's what to check: 1. Verify all employers from your base period are listed 2. Confirm the wages shown match your records 3. Check if the weekly benefit amount seems correct (approximately 50% of your average weekly wage up to the maximum of $650) If anything is incorrect, you have 30 days to request a review by submitting a Request for Reconsideration. You can do this through your online account under 'Secure Messages' with supporting documentation like W-2s and pay stubs. The good news is that payments are typically released quickly once the determination is finalized, especially if you've been consistently certifying each week.

Update on my earlier advice: I just learned NYSDOL changed their phone system last month. Now the best time to call is actually between 7:30-7:45 AM (yes, before they officially open). The queue starts accepting callers earlier than advertised. Also, when prompted for your PIN, enter it VERY slowly with pauses between each number. This sometimes bypasses the standard menu tree and gets you to an agent faster. Good luck!

UPDATE: I finally got through to a live agent this morning!!! Used Claimyr and had a call back with an agent in about 30 mins. The rep said my backpay was stuck because of a "wage verification hold" that needed manual override. She processed all 4 weeks while I was on the phone and said the money should be in my account within 2-3 business days. SUCH A RELIEF!!! Thank you everyone for your suggestions and help!!

maybe u could switch to direct deposit to ur own bank? keybank is kinda trash tbh. my sister switched to chase direct deposit and gets her payments way faster now

One more thing to consider: If Monday is a holiday (like Memorial Day, Independence Day, etc.), your deposit would be delayed until Tuesday. Just checking that isn't the case for this coming Monday since you mentioned rent being due.

Unemployment insurance professional here. Yes, you need to specifically request backdating, and there are strict requirements for approval: 1. You must have a qualifying reason for not filing when initially eligible 2. You must have been otherwise eligible during those weeks (able to work, available for work, actively seeking work) 3. You must provide documentation supporting your reason for late filing The best approach is to call the claims center and make a formal backdating request. Document the date/time of your call and get the agent's ID number if possible. Follow up with any requested documentation promptly. Backdating requests don't typically affect current benefit payments unless the investigation reveals eligibility issues that would impact your entire claim. Just be honest and thorough with your explanation.

Just wanted to follow up and mention I had success with my backdating request after using Claimyr to reach an agent. They processed my request on the spot and I received my backdated payments within 5 business days. Good luck with yours!

Just to clarify on the refiling process: Mark your calendar for September 20th. Not the 19th (your BYE date) but the day after. Log in early that morning to file your new claim. Have all your employment information from the past 18 months ready, including any part-time work. For the student question, the most important thing is to show that school doesn't interfere with your ability to search for and accept suitable full-time work. Online classes are definitely viewed more favorably since they offer flexibility. Night classes are also generally acceptable since they don't conflict with typical business hours. Don't volunteer too much information about your student status unless directly asked. Answer honestly but concisely.

btw if the system isnt letting u certify this week call them right away. might be an issue with ur account that needs fixing before ur BYE date