


Ask the community...
After dealing with this exact situation for WEEKS, I finally gave up on calling and used claimyr.com - got connected with an agent in about 30 minutes. They fixed my PIN issue, updated my address, and coordinated with Key Bank for a new card. Best decision I made after banging my head against the wall trying to get through the regular phone line. Highly recommend if you're desperate.
another day, another company promising to fix the unfixable unemployment system lol
I feel your pain! I went through something similar last year - expired card, wrong address, the whole mess. Here's what worked for me: First, call Key Bank at 866-295-2955 ASAP to report the card as potentially delivered to wrong address and request a new one to your current address. They can expedite it. For the PIN reset, I know everyone's mentioning Claimyr and honestly after reading all these comments I wish I had known about it back then. I spent literally 3 weeks calling at 8am sharp every day before I finally got through. One thing that helped me was calling the TTY line at 888-783-1370 - sometimes it's less busy than the main number. You don't need to be hearing impaired to use it, just explain your situation. Also, while you're waiting to get through, gather ALL your documents - SS card, ID, proof of address, employment history, etc. When you do get someone on the phone, have them fix EVERYTHING at once so you don't have to go through this nightmare again. Your benefits are still there, just temporarily stuck. I know it's frustrating when bills are piling up but you'll get through this! 💪
The whole system is set up to confuse people I swear. They use all these outdated program names that don't even exist anymore just to make us think we're missing out on benefits. Meanwhile they're probably saving money every time someone gives up trying to figure out what they're actually entitled to.
@Malik Jackson, definitely check if you can file a new benefit year like StarSurfer mentioned. When I was in a similar situation, I found out that even part-time work from the past 18 months could qualify me for a fresh claim. The key is whether you earned enough wages since your original benefit year started. You can check this in your online account under "Monetary Determination" or call the Tele-Center (though good luck getting through). If you don't qualify for a new claim, you might also want to look into job training programs through WIOA - they sometimes provide income support while you're in approved training.
This is really helpful advice! I'm in a similar boat - been unemployed for 6 months and seeing that confusing EUC message. I didn't realize that part-time work could help qualify for a new benefit year. @Malik Jackson, you might also want to check with your local One-Stop Career Center - they can help you navigate the system and see what options are available. Sometimes they have resources that aren't obvious on the main NYS Department of Labor website.
This question confused me too when I was applying. I overthought it and called three times before getting an answer. Basically if you haven't gotten unemployment checks from anywhere else during this stretch of being unemployed, just put no.
I think everyone gets confused by this question! I just went through the same thing last month. The way it was explained to me is they're asking if you received unemployment benefits from ANY source (other states, different programs, etc.) during your current period of being unemployed. Since you said this is your first time filing and you've been unemployed for 6 weeks without benefits, the answer would be no. They just want to make sure you're not double-dipping or getting benefits from multiple places. Hope that helps clear it up!
Anyone know if theres a time limit on how far back they'll go? I probably should have filed months ago but didnt realize I was eligible
I think it varies by state, but most have a limit. In my state it's 6 weeks. Best to check your state's unemployment website for specifics.
Just went through this process last month! A few things that helped me: 1. Call early in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - better chance of getting through 2. Have ALL your documentation ready before you call - dates of layoff, last day worked, any severance info 3. Be prepared to explain WHY you couldn't file earlier (was hospitalized, didn't know you were eligible, etc.) 4. Write down the agent's name and case number if they give you one The whole thing took about 2 hours on the phone but they approved my backdate request. Don't give up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these folks.
Ellie Kim
i worked at like 3 different jobs last year for short periods does that count towards the wage requirement or does it have to be all from one job?
0 coins
Kristian Bishop
•All your jobs count! NYS Department of Labor looks at your total wages from all employers during the base period. So if you worked multiple part-time jobs or changed jobs during that time, all those wages get added together to determine if you meet the $2,600 minimum.
0 coins
Fiona Sand
Same boat here, worked retail for about 5 months then restaurant work for 3 months before getting let go. Wasn't sure if the short job periods would hurt me but sounds like as long as the total wages add up I should be okay?
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•Yeah exactly! The duration at each job doesn't matter - it's all about your total earnings during the base period. Since you worked 8 months total between retail and restaurant, you probably earned enough to meet the requirements. Just make sure you have all your pay stubs or W-2s when you apply so they can calculate your wages from both jobs.
0 coins