I just went through the same thing last month! Got a text saying my account was flagged for suspicious activity and I needed to verify my identity. I ignored it and checked my actual account on the labor.ny.gov website directly. Everything was fine, no issues with my account at all. It's definitely a scam.

I'm so glad you didn't click that link! I got hit with a similar scam text about 2 weeks ago - same story about "suspicious activity" and needing to verify within 48 hours or lose benefits. The whole thing felt sketchy so I went directly to the official NY unemployment website instead. My account was completely fine, no flags or issues at all. These scammers are really ramping up their efforts lately and targeting people when they're most vulnerable. Always trust your gut when something feels off - the real unemployment office has much more official ways of contacting you if there's actually a problem with your account.

im in the same boat rn. identity stolen, cant access benefits since february. the most infuriating part is that whoever stole my identity is STILL collecting MY money and i cant do anything about it

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! After ID.me verification, the key is that you need to wait about 5-7 business days for their systems to sync up. Then log into your unemployment account and look for either a "Pending Actions" section or check under "Inbox" for messages from DOL. If nothing shows up after a week, you'll definitely need to call. I know everyone says calling is impossible, but I found the best time is right at 8am when they open - keep hitting redial for about 30 minutes straight. Once I got through, the agent was actually super helpful and cleared everything up in like 10 minutes. Also make sure to file that police report for identity theft ASAP if you haven't already. They'll ask for the report number later in the process. Hang in there - it's frustrating but you'll get through this! 💪

lmao welcome to the club. been trying to sort out my claim since february. at this point im just gonna give up and live in the woods 🌲🏕️

I've been in a similar situation and here's what finally worked for me: I started calling the regular unemployment line but also tried the employer services line (they sometimes transfer you and the wait is shorter). Also, if you have a local career center or One-Stop office, they often have direct contacts at the unemployment office that can help escalate your case. Don't give up - I know it's exhausting but you deserve those benefits! Keep detailed records of every call attempt with dates and times too.

This is why I hate ny unemployment. Everything takes 100x longer than it should. And if theres any kind of problem with your account good luck getting anyone on the phone to help.

I feel your frustration! I'm new to the NY unemployment system and ran into the same confusion when I certified on Thursday last week. Had to learn the hard way that weekends are basically dead zones for processing. What really helped me was setting up text alerts through my bank app so I get notified the moment any deposit hits - at least then I'm not constantly checking my balance wondering if today's the day. Also discovered that some banks will let you see pending ACH transfers a day or two before they actually post, which gives you a heads up that the payment is coming. Hang in there, the waiting game sucks but once you get the timing down it becomes more predictable!

Just wanted to add that you should keep filing your weekly claims even while the backdating request is being reviewed. Don't stop claiming weeks or you'll have gaps that are even harder to fix later.

I went through something similar last year. For NYS Department of Labor backdating, they can go back up to one year from when you file the request, but you need solid documentation. Besides the doctor's note, gather any records showing when your medical condition prevented you from working vs when you were cleared to return. Also collect evidence you were able and available during the weeks you're claiming - like medical records showing treatment was completed, any job search activities once cleared, etc. The medical exception for good cause is one of the stronger arguments, so you have a decent shot if you have the right paperwork. File the backdating request ASAP since there are time limits on how long after your initial claim you can request it.