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I was in event management before everything collapsed in 2020. I've never done customer service but at this point I'd be willing to try anything remote. Do you know if they offer training or if they need prior experience?
they train everyone! its entry level so no exp needed. dm me and i can send u the link to apply. pay isnt amazing but its something and totally remote
I submitted my NY unemployment claim back on January 8, 2025 and it's been stuck on 'pending ID verification' for almost 3 weeks now! I uploaded all the documents they asked for through their ID.me system - driver's license (front and back), birth certificate, and a utility bill. The ID.me part seemed to go through fine but my claim is still showing as pending in the system. I've called the NYSDOL number literally 40+ times and can't get through to anyone. The automated system just tells me my claim is pending and then hangs up! I'm getting really desperate here as I've got rent due next week and was counting on these benefits. Has anyone else had their claim stuck in ID verification purgatory? How long did it take to resolve and what did you do to get it moving? I'm worried I made some mistake that's holding things up but have no way to find out what it is.
I had this problem back in January. After trying to call for two weeks straight, I finally tried calling at exactly 7:30am when they open instead of during normal hours. Got through in only 20 minutes! The agent told me my verification was actually complete but there was a system glitch preventing it from updating my status. She fixed it while I was on the phone and my payment was released the next day. Also, make sure you're still doing your weekly certifications even while your claim is pending - they'll backpay you once approved, but only if you've been certifying each week!
Thank you for the tip about calling right when they open! I'll try that tomorrow morning. And yes, I've been doing my weekly certifications religiously, even though the system says I'm not eligible for payment yet. Fingers crossed I can get this resolved soon.
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Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious if calling early worked or if you tried another method.
Yes! I actually tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and it worked perfectly. Got connected to an agent in about 45 minutes. Turns out there was a mismatch between my address on my driver's license (which was my old apartment) and the address I entered on my application. The agent was able to override it since I'd uploaded a current utility bill too. My claim was approved the next day and I received backpay for all three weeks! Such a relief - NYSDOL really needs to improve their communication about these issues.
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Just want to add something important - when you do get through to an agent, make sure to get their ID number and the exact name of what they're checking in their system. Write everything down. This can be crucial if you need to reference the conversation later. Also, ask them to add detailed notes to your file about what they told you regarding the back payments being approved.
THIS!! When I finally got my backpay, it was ONLY because I had detailed notes from every single conversation - agent names, ID numbers, dates, times, and EXACTLY what they promised. Otherwise they just keep giving you the runaround hoping you'll give up!
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After reading through this thread, it sounds like your back payments are likely stuck with a system flag or hold. Based on my experience and what others have shared, here's what I recommend: 1. Use Claimyr or keep calling until you reach an agent 2. Specifically request a tier 2 specialist who can check for payment holds 3. Ask them to check for quarterly review flags, payment blocks, or pending certifications 4. File the formal complaint as suggested above 5. If all else fails, contact your state representative The system is frustrating but persistence usually pays off eventually. Keep documenting everything and don't give up!
Thank you so much! This community has been incredibly helpful. I feel like I have an actual plan now instead of just blindly calling and hoping someone helps me.
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To answer your follow-up question about contacting representatives - I recommend BOTH calling and emailing. Start with a phone call to both offices, then follow up with an email that includes your contact information and claim details. This creates two points of contact and makes it easier for their staff to track your case. Make sure you're very clear about: 1. How long you've been trying to reach DOL 2. The specific issue with your claim 3. Any deadlines or financial hardships you're facing They're motivated to help constituents, especially with unemployment issues, as these are high-priority cases for most NY representatives.
Thank you for the detailed advice! I'm calling both offices first thing tomorrow and will follow up with emails. I'll make sure to include all those details. Fingers crossed this finally gets resolved!
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Just wanted to add that while representative offices are helpful, sometimes timing matters too. Monday mornings at 8:00 AM sharp can be effective for direct DOL calls. The phone queues reset over the weekend, and calling right when they open might get you through. If that fails, then definitely pursue the representative route as outlined above.
This is NOT reliable anymore! I tried the Monday morning trick for 3 weeks straight and STILL couldn't get through. The system is completely overwhelmed and they're clearly understaffed. The only thing that works now is having someone with actual influence make calls on your behalf.
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Wait I'm confused... if you file a new claim does that automatically end your old one?? I thought they were separate things? I'm about to file a new claim too but I don't want to mess anything up
Yes, filing a new claim will effectively close your previous claim in the system, preventing you from certifying for any remaining weeks online. Always make sure to certify for all eligible weeks under your current claim before filing a new one. If your benefit year is ending and you need to file a new claim, wait until after you've certified for your final week of the current benefit year.
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UPDATE: I finally got through! Called at 8am exactly like suggested and waited about 45 minutes. The rep was actually really nice and said this happens all the time. She manually processed my certification for the last week and said I should see the payment in 3-5 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
So glad you got it sorted! What number did you call? I'm having a different issue but can't get through anywhere
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Great to hear! For anyone else reading this thread with a similar issue: always make sure to certify for all eligible weeks of your current claim before filing a new one. If your benefit year is ending, certify for that final week first, then file your new claim.
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Update on my situation: After talking with the agent, they explained that even old gig work can trigger these questions. They reviewed my account while I was on the phone and removed the flag! Got my payment the next day. Don't give up - definitely worth getting through to an actual person who can fix it immediately.
anyone know if they backpay the weeks that were delayed? i'm in the same situation now and worried about rent
yes they do backpay all weeks ur owed as long as u keep certifying every week. i got like $2300 all at once when mine finally cleared
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I finally managed to complete the ID.me verification for my NY unemployment claim yesterday, but my account is still showing as locked. The email said it could take up to 24 hours to process, but it's been almost 30 hours now and nothing has changed. I still can't certify for benefits or see my payment history. Has anyone else experienced this delay after completing ID.me? How long did it take for your account to unlock? I'm getting really anxious as I have bills due next week.
I can't believe how COMPLICATED they make this whole process! Why can't they just have a simple system that works?? I had to do ID.me verification TWICE because the first time they said my driver's license was "unreadable" even though it was perfectly clear. Then it took 5 days for my account to unlock! Meanwhile my landlord is threatening eviction and NYSDOL doesn't care at all!!
omg that's terrible! did you eventually get it sorted out? i'm worried about the same thing happening to me
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Yeah, finally got it working but missed two payment cycles because of their stupid system. Had to borrow money from my parents which was humiliating.
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Update on the ID.me verification process in 2025: The NYSDOL system integration has improved somewhat from previous years. Most accounts now update within 48 hours, but there are still occasional delays during high-volume periods (like the beginning of each month). One thing to note is that after ID.me verification, your account security level changes, which sometimes requires a password reset. If your account is unlocked but you still can't access it, try the "Forgot Password" option and create a new password with the enhanced security requirements.
This is really helpful information. My account actually just unlocked this morning! You were right about the 48-hour timeframe. Everything seems to be working normally now, and I was able to certify for last week's benefits.
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I'm convinced they deliberately delay these DocuSign emails to avoid paying us what they owe! My friend in Buffalo got hers right away, but everyone I know in NYC had to wait weeks. It's like they're playing games with our money while we can't pay rent! The whole system is designed to make us give up.
my cousin works for the state (not unemployment) and he says its just that they're super understaffed still since 2020. not a conspiracy, just incompetence lol
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Update from my experience: After you complete the DocuSign, you'll get a confirmation email. Keep this as proof! I had to reference mine when following up about my back pay. Also, when the back payments do process, they might come in separate batches rather than all at once. For me, 3 weeks came in the first payment, then the other 4 weeks came two days later. Don't panic if you only see partial payment at first. The payment release date shown in your payment history might also be different from when it actually hits your bank account or debit card, usually 1-2 business days later.
Thank you! This is really helpful. Did you notice if weekends affected the timing at all? Wonder if I should be counting business days only.
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Definitely count business days only. The DocuSign processing seems to completely pause on weekends. And if a holiday comes up (like Memorial Day is coming), expect additional delays.
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UPDATE: I tried calling the automated system but it kept saying all representatives were busy. Then I tried logging in at 5:30am this morning and IT WORKED! I was able to download my 1099-G form! For anyone else having this problem, definitely try during off-hours like someone suggested above. Thanks everyone for your help!
That's great news! Glad you were able to get in early morning. Smart move - I should have suggested that too.
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Does anyone know if the 1099-G we get this year looks different from last year? Mine has a bunch of new fields on it and I don't understand what some of them mean. There's a section called "Other Taxable Income" that has money listed but I don't remember getting any other payments besides my regular benefits. Should I be worried?
The 2025 1099-G form for unemployment has been redesigned with additional fields. The "Other Taxable Income" section typically refers to any supplemental benefits you may have received, like the additional $100 weekly supplement that was available for part of last year in certain circumstances. If you're concerned about discrepancies, I'd recommend contacting NYSDOL directly to get clarification on exactly what payments are included in that total.
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NebulaKnight
can u imagine if they were as quick to send us money as they r to ask for it back lololol
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Sofia Ramirez
For real! They take 6 weeks to process a claim but expect immediate repayment 🙄
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
Ain't that the truth 😂
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Dylan Wright
Just to follow up on what others have said - here's a summary of options for returning overpayments to NY unemployment: 1. CERTIFIED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT: Good tracking, signature confirmation, costs about $7-8 2. REGISTERED MAIL: Most secure, insured, costs $15-20 depending on value 3. MONEY ORDER instead of personal check: Creates paper trail outside your bank 4. ONLINE PAYMENT: Only if your notice specifically offers this option 5. PAYMENT PLAN: Must call and request this specifically Keep copies of everything - the check/money order, notice, any cover letter, and especially your mailing receipt and tracking information. Write your claim ID on everything.
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Fatima Al-Mazrouei
This is super helpful, thank you! I think I'm going to go with registered mail + money order + calling about a potential payment plan. Better safe than sorry.
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