I just went through this exact same frustration last week! What finally worked for me was logging into my.ny.gov and going to the "Documents" section under unemployment services - there was a PDF called "Initial Claim Acknowledgment" that had my account number right on the first page. I had completely overlooked it before because it was just listed as a generic document name. Also, if you're still having trouble, try clearing your browser cache and cookies before logging back in - sometimes the system glitches and doesn't display all your account information properly. The account number is usually formatted as UI followed by some numbers (like UI1234567). Once you find it, definitely screenshot it or write it down somewhere safe because you'll need it every week for certifications. Don't worry about the filing deadline - as long as you file within a reasonable time and explain any delays, they're usually understanding about technical difficulties with their system.

I had this exact same problem a couple months back and it was so stressful! After trying all the usual places (email, my.ny.gov dashboard, etc.), what finally worked for me was calling the automated phone system at 1-888-581-5812 and following the prompts for "claim information." Even though I didn't have my account number to enter initially, there's an option to use your SSN and date of birth instead, and then the system actually reads your account number back to you before proceeding. It's kind of buried in the menu options, but if you listen carefully to all the prompts, you'll find it. Also, once I got my account number this way, I immediately saved it in three different places - my phone notes, a screenshot, and wrote it on a sticky note by my computer. The NY unemployment system is definitely not intuitive, but don't panic about deadlines - they're usually pretty understanding if you explain you had trouble accessing your account info. Hope this helps!

I went through something similar last year. You can definitely still file a new claim - the overpayment won't block you from getting benefits. In my case, they automatically deducted about 30% from each weekly payment to recover what I owed. It wasn't ideal but I was still able to get enough to cover my basic expenses. The key is to file as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting week anyway. Also, make sure to keep detailed records of all your job search activities and any part-time work you might pick up, because they're really strict about reporting requirements now and you don't want to create another overpayment situation.

I'm dealing with a similar overpayment situation right now - about $1,900 from 2022 that I'm still paying back through weekly deductions. Just wanted to add that when you do file your new claim, make sure to report ANY income accurately, even small amounts from odd jobs or gig work. That's how a lot of these overpayments happen - people forget to report something or don't realize certain income counts. The good news is that once you're in the system paying back the overpayment, they usually don't hit you with penalties or interest as long as you keep filing honestly. Also, keep copies of everything - your weekly certifications, any correspondence from DOL, etc. It helps if there are ever questions later.

I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread - you've all been incredibly helpful! I'm new to this community but have been struggling with NY unemployment issues for the past month. After reading through all these suggestions, I'm planning to try the incognito browser method for my ID.me problems first thing tomorrow, and if that doesn't work, I'll use the early morning calling strategy with the specific menu sequence that several people mentioned. It's both reassuring and frustrating to know so many others are dealing with the same broken system, but at least we're helping each other navigate it. This kind of peer support is exactly what we need when the official channels are so unreliable. Will definitely update with my results to help the next person who finds this thread!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who recently went through this exact same ordeal! The ID.me verification issues are incredibly common right now - I think their system is just overwhelmed. What worked for me was actually a combination of several suggestions I'm seeing in this thread: I used incognito mode, cleared all my browser data first, and then tried with Firefox instead of Chrome. The key thing I learned is to make sure you're entering your information EXACTLY as it appears on your original documents - even tiny differences in spacing or punctuation can cause failures. For the phone system, I had success with the 7:58 AM approach on Wednesday mornings specifically. Also pro tip: if you do get through to someone, ask them to add notes to your file about the ID.me issue so future agents can see what's been tried. The whole system is definitely broken but these workarounds do help! Hang in there everyone - persistence really does pay off eventually.

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 3 weeks for my NY unemployment claim to move from "pending review" status. Reading through everyone's experiences here gives me hope that it's normal (even if frustrating) and that there are actual solutions like the Claimyr service. It's reassuring to see that @Jibriel Kohn got their full back pay once everything was resolved. Going to try calling at 8am again tomorrow, but if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into that calling service. Thanks for documenting the whole process - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that's hard to find elsewhere!

Just wanted to add my recent experience to help others! I filed my NY unemployment claim in early February and it took exactly 5 weeks to get approved. Like @Jibriel Kohn, mine was stuck on "review in progress" with no additional messages or alerts in my account. I tried calling the regular NYSDOL line dozens of times with no luck - always got disconnected or busy signals. Finally broke down and used the Claimyr service everyone mentioned here, and it was honestly worth every penny. Got through to an agent in about 15 minutes who found that my claim was flagged because my previous employer took the full 10 business days to respond (even though they didn't contest it). Once the agent noted that in my file, I was approved within 2 business days and got all my back pay. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're stressed about money, but it really does seem like most of these delays are just system backlogs rather than actual issues with people's claims. Keep certifying weekly no matter what - you'll get paid for all those weeks once it goes through!

I just went through this same nightmare a few weeks ago and wanted to share what worked for me. First thing - DO NOT PANIC (easier said than done, I know). Here's what you need to do immediately: 1) Log into your NY.gov account and check if you can file a new claim. Look at your base period wages - if you worked ANY hours during your original claim (even part-time or gig work), you might qualify for a fresh 26 weeks. 2) While you're checking that, apply for SNAP TODAY. Don't wait. The application process takes weeks and you need that safety net now. 3) Contact your local DSS office for emergency assistance - they can help with rent and utilities while you sort this out. 4) If you're having trouble getting through to DOL by phone, try calling right at 8 AM when they open, or use the callback feature on their website. I know this feels overwhelming but there are more options than it initially seems. You've been doing everything right with your job search - don't give up now!

I went through this exact same panic last year and wanted to share what I learned. First - breathe! There are still options. The most important thing is to immediately check if you can file a NEW claim. I had worked some temp jobs during my original benefit year and didn't realize I had earned enough to qualify for a fresh 26 weeks. Log into your NY.gov account and look at your "Monetary Determination" - if you see wages from work you did during your claim period, you might be eligible. Also, start applying for other assistance NOW - don't wait. SNAP, emergency rental assistance through your county DSS, HEAP for utilities. The applications take time to process so get them in ASAP. I also found local food pantries and community organizations were lifesavers during the gap. Check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for resources in your area. The system isn't great but there are more safety nets than it initially appears. You've been doing everything right - keep pushing forward!