UPDATE: I managed to get through to someone on the phone today! Had to try Claimyr like someone suggested above, and it worked. The agent confirmed my license + health insurance card is enough for verification. She also explained that the system message about "all of the hundred" was actually referring to my weekly benefit amount being approved (it's $865). The payment is pending until identity verification completes, which should be in the next 3-5 business days. Such a relief to finally get answers!

That's awesome that you got through and got some clarity! For anyone else still struggling with this - I went through the same identity verification nightmare back in December. What finally worked for me was uploading my driver's license AND a recent bank statement (within 30 days) together in one submission. The key is making sure both documents show your full legal name exactly as it appears on your unemployment application. Also, scan or photo the documents in good lighting - blurry images get automatically rejected. The whole process took about 7 business days after I uploaded the right combo of documents. Hang in there everyone, it's frustrating but it does eventually work out!

UPDATE: I finally got through to a representative! Used the Claimyr service that was suggested here and got a callback in about 40 minutes. The rep said there was an issue with my identity verification (apparently my driver's license scan was too blurry) and they needed additional documentation. She helped me upload it right on the call. She said my claim should update within 2-3 business days and I'll receive backpay for all the weeks I've certified. Such a relief to finally get answers! Thanks everyone for your help.

Congrats on getting through! That's such a common issue with the document uploads - I had the same problem with a blurry photo of my Social Security card. It's crazy that they don't give you any notification when documents are rejected, you just have to figure it out yourself. Definitely going to bookmark that Claimyr service for future reference. Thanks for posting the update, it gives hope to others dealing with the same frustrating situation!

The whole system is designed to confuse small business owners IMO. They make it so complicated on purpose so you mess up and pay penalties.

As someone who's been through this process recently, I'd recommend getting an EIN from the IRS first if you haven't already - you'll need it for both federal and state registrations. For the NYS Department of Labor registration, you can do it online through their employer services portal, but make sure you have all your business info ready including your NAICS code. One thing that caught me off guard was that even if you don't owe FUTA tax in a quarter (because you're under the $1,500 threshold), you still need to file Form 940 annually. Also keep detailed payroll records from day one - both systems will want quarterly wage reports and it's much easier if you're organized from the start.

anybody else notice these payment stops tend to happen right when rent is due??? seems SUS to me... almost like they intentionally make it hard to reach them 🤔

This exact same thing happened to me in March! Payments just vanished with zero explanation. After reading all these comments, I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and also contact my assembly person. It's insane that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get our own benefits. The fact that so many people are recommending the calling service makes me think it's legit. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not alone in this nightmare!

When I went through this, I uploaded all my documents online but ALSO faxed physical copies to them (yes, they still use fax 🙄). For some reason the physical copies got processed faster than the online submission. Worth a try if you're desperate.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Lost my job in September, submitted wage docs in early November, and it's been radio silence for 6 weeks. My landlord is breathing down my neck and I'm down to my last $200. The worst part is not knowing if there's an issue with my documents or if they're just buried in the pile. I've called literally hundreds of times and can never get through. This system is absolutely broken and it feels like they're hoping we'll all just give up and disappear. Stay strong OP - sounds like we're all in this together unfortunately 😤