Ugh the whole system is so frustrating!!! I'm dealing with something similar and it's been WEEKS of waiting. Why does everything with unemployment have to be so complicated? Just want to know if I qualify or not!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago. The key thing to understand is that "good cause" in NY is very specific - it's not just about a bad boss or toxic workplace, but about conditions that would force any reasonable person to quit. Things like documented harassment, unsafe working conditions, or significant changes to your job that weren't agreed to. I'd strongly recommend consulting with an employment attorney before you quit if possible. Many offer free consultations and can help you understand if your situation meets the legal standard for good cause. Also, consider filing complaints with HR, your state's labor board, or OSHA first if applicable - having a paper trail of trying to resolve issues internally really strengthens your case. The process is stressful and can take months, so make sure you have a financial backup plan regardless of what you decide.

After seeing your post, I wanted to follow up. Were you able to get through to anyone? I know how stressful this waiting game can be.

So glad to hear you got it sorted out! I'm actually dealing with the same ID.me nightmare right now - it keeps rejecting my selfie even though I'm following all their instructions. The lighting thing is so finicky and then it times out halfway through. I've been on hold with NYSDOL for over an hour today but seeing all these success stories gives me hope. Going to check out that Claimyr service too. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get our own benefits!

just wondering but did u have any jobs in the last 18 months out of state? that always makes it take longer

Update for everyone: I just checked my account and my claim was FINALLY approved this morning! It took exactly 24 days from filing to approval. All my certified weeks show as paid now, with the payment scheduled for tomorrow. Huge relief! Going to keep certifying weekly going forward. Thanks everyone for your advice and support through this stressful time.

One thing to remember is that your benefit type can change during your claim period. I started on standby because my restaurant said they'd reopen in 4 weeks, but when that didn't happen I had to switch to regular UI. The transition was pretty smooth through the my.ny.gov portal, but I had to restart my job search log from that point forward.

As someone who just went through this process, I can add that there's also Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was due to foreign trade competition - not common but worth mentioning. Also, @Andre Dupont, make sure when you file for regular UI that you have all your employment history for the past 18 months ready. The NYS Department of Labor system will ask for detailed info about each employer including dates, wages, and reason for separation. It's much easier if you gather all that beforehand rather than trying to remember during the application process.

so yea everyone's giving advice about how to reach them but let me tell u what happens when you DO reach them - they'll say they need to transfer you to a "specialist" and then you'll get disconnected 🙃 happened to me THREE TIMES.

This is absolutely maddening! I've been dealing with the exact same identity verification nightmare for almost a month now. The system just says "additional verification required" but gives zero specifics about what they actually need. I've uploaded my license, social security card, and bank statements but still nothing. Has anyone had success with that Claimyr service people keep mentioning? I'm honestly at the point where I'd pay anything to just talk to a human being. The stress of not knowing when (or if) my benefits will resume is killing me. My savings are completely drained and I'm starting to panic about basic bills. Also - does anyone know if there's a way to escalate this through legal channels? Like, is there a state ombudsman or something for unemployment issues? This can't be legal to just indefinitely hold people's benefits with no clear path to resolution. Thanks for posting this - at least I know I'm not alone in this bureaucratic hell.