yep file immediately, learned this the hard way

Don't stress too much about the exact timeline - the key thing everyone here is saying is right: file ASAP! I just went through this process last month after getting laid off from my retail job. The online system at my.ny.gov is actually pretty user-friendly once you get started. Just make sure you have all your documents ready (Social Security card, ID, last employer's info, bank account details for direct deposit). The whole application took me about 25 minutes. And yes, you can file the day after your last day of work - don't wait! Every day you delay is money you're potentially losing since benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job.

Have you tried contacting your local state representative? Sometimes they can help push things through when you're stuck in bureaucratic limbo.

I had this exact same problem a few months ago! Turns out the issue was that I was entering my mother's maiden name exactly as it appears on my birth certificate, but the system had it stored differently from when I first applied. Try checking any old paperwork from when you initially filed your claim - sometimes there are slight differences in spelling or formatting that you might not remember. Also, if your mother had multiple names (like a middle name or hyphenated name), try different combinations. The system can be really picky about these security questions. Hope this helps!

You can try contacting your state representative's office. They sometimes have connections to get help with unemployment issues when you can't get through yourself. Just google your district rep and give their office a call.

Same thing happened to me back in December - zero warning, just suddenly hit zero effective days after being on UI for about 6 months. Turns out NY regular unemployment is exactly 26 weeks and that's it. No extensions available right now since the pandemic programs ended. I ended up having to scramble for temp work and food assistance. The lack of communication from NYSDOL is seriously messed up - they should at least send you a heads up when you're getting close to exhaustion. Really feel for you with rent coming up, that stress is real. Definitely try calling your local rep's office like someone mentioned above, sometimes they can at least clarify if you have any other options or help you get through to someone at DOL.

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!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 5 weeks for my backpay after they said it was "approved and being processed." Reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying! It sounds like there are so many different things that can go wrong in their system. I'm definitely going to try that formal complaint process that Olivia mentioned since I'm already past the 21 business day guideline. Has anyone had success with contacting their local assemblyperson or state senator? I'm wondering if political pressure helps move things along faster than just dealing with the DOL directly.

Contact your state assembly person!!! This worked for me when I couldnt get any help from unemployment directly. Google your district rep and their office will help escalate your case.

I went through this exact same situation last year! You absolutely should get those 3 weeks of backpay - that money is legally yours if you certified for those weeks before your BYE date. The fact that they show as "processed" with $0.00 payment is actually a good sign because it means they're in the system but just stuck. Here's what worked for me: I called right at 8am on a Tuesday (seems like less busy than Mondays) and got through after about 45 minutes. When I got an agent, I specifically said "I need help with outstanding payments from my previous benefit year that show as processed but never paid out." Having that exact phrase seemed to help them understand the issue faster. The agent was able to see the stuck payments immediately and released them with some kind of manual override. I got all the money within 2 business days. Don't let them tell you the money is gone - it's not! You just need someone with access to actually process the release. Also keep track of exactly which weeks you're owed (sounds like April 9th for sure, maybe others depending on your exact BYE date). Having specific dates ready helps speed up the call. Good luck! 🤞