Update: I tried again at 11pm last night using Chrome instead of Safari and it worked! Got all the way through the application. For anyone else having this problem, definitely try during off-hours and use Chrome. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

random question but did anyone elses claim take forever to process? i finally got mine submitted but its been pending for 3 weeks now....starting to worry

my roommate said they release payments on specific days of the week depending on last name. anyone know if thats true??

UPDATE: The rest of my payments just hit my account this morning! So it was exactly 2 business days after the waiting week payment came through. Thanks everyone for the advice and support! What a relief to finally have this sorted out.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at NY unemployment! I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a flag on my account because my former employer disputed my reason for separation (they claimed I quit, I was actually laid off). The agent was able to schedule an expedited fact-finding interview for tomorrow morning to resolve the dispute. She said once that's cleared, my payments should process within 3-5 business days for all backdated weeks. Thank you to everyone who offered advice - will update again after my interview tomorrow!

FINAL UPDATE: Had my fact-finding interview this morning. It was quick - about 15 minutes. I presented my termination letter which clearly stated "position eliminated due to departmental restructuring" and the interviewer seemed satisfied. My former employer didn't even show up for the call. The interviewer said my claim should be processed within 3 business days and all backdated weeks will be paid at once. Such a relief! Thanks again everyone - if anyone else is dealing with a stuck claim, definitely try to speak with an actual person. The online system just doesn't handle complex situations well.

@profile6 Yes, it's legitimate. It's basically a call service that navigates the phone system and waits on hold for you, then calls you when they have an agent on the line. I was skeptical too but it worked for me when I was desperate after trying for days to get through. With these interstate employer situations, sometimes you really need to speak to someone directly to get it resolved.

Update: Just submitted my claim with my home address as work location and employer's address in Boston. The system accepted it but now says "pending review" so I guess I'll have to wait and see. Thanks everyone for the help!

just wondering did u get the tourism payment yet? I applied but haven't heard anything, trying to figure out how long it takes

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked! I tried calling for days with no luck, but after seeing the suggestions here, I tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned. It actually connected me to an agent in about 30 minutes. The rep was able to change my payment method from direct deposit to check! She said I caught it just in time as my payment was scheduled to go out next week. Thanks everyone for your help!

Has anyone tried using different browsers? I switched from Chrome to Edge last week and haven't had the problem since. Maybe it's a browser compatibility issue?

Update: I tried a few different things based on everyone's suggestions, and I think I've found what works for me! I cleared my cache, switched to Edge browser, and did my entries early this morning. Everything saved correctly the first time! Also started taking screenshots just in case, and I'll be using that form UI-501WS if I notice any of my old entries are still incomplete. Thank you all for the help!

Update for everyone following this thread: NY Department of Labor just issued a press release confirming that Extended Benefits have been triggered due to the state unemployment rate. They're automatically enrolling eligible claimants who have exhausted regular UI. The additional 13 weeks will be available to those who meet criteria. Additional requirements include: - Must have exhausted regular UI benefits - Must be within your benefit year end date - Must complete 5 work search activities weekly (increased from 3) - Must document all work search activities The press release says notification letters are being mailed out in batches over the next 2 weeks, so many of you may not have received official notice yet, but the benefits are already being applied to eligible accounts.

UPDATE: I got an official letter in my online inbox today confirming I've been enrolled in Extended Benefits! It explained the additional work search requirements (5 activities per week) and confirmed I'm eligible for 13 more weeks. Thanks everyone for your help with this confusing situation!

After using Claimyr, the agent explained to me that when you switch payment methods, the timing depends on where you are in the payment cycle. If you're just about to get paid (like within 48 hours), the change won't apply to that payment - it'll go to whatever method was active before. The change applies to the next payment cycle. Just wanted to clarify since there's some confusion in the responses.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know I followed the advice here. I used Claimyr to reach an agent who confirmed my direct deposit will be active by Monday (just in time for next payment). They also said my replacement card is being expedited at no extra charge. Thank you all for your help!!

I work at a community assistance center and we're seeing this issue constantly with the new partial unemployment system. The "break in claim" error is happening to about 30% of our clients right now. It's a technical glitch that only a claims specialist can fix. If you can't get through by phone, another option is to contact your state representative's office. Many of them have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues and they can escalate your case directly to NYSDOL's internal resolution team. Make sure you have your claim ID number, the date when the payments stopped, and documentation showing you've been certifying regularly. This will speed up the resolution process once you get through to someone.

any update? did u get thru?

My sisters boyfriends brother works for unemployment (not in NY but still) and he says their whole computer system is from like 1995 and crashes ALL THE TIME. They know it's a problem but the state won't pay to fix it properly. They just keep patching it together. It's ridiculous.

UPDATE: Just a heads-up to everyone in this thread - I've been told by several claimants that the website is working again as of this morning. They apparently fixed whatever was causing the crashes. @OP - try logging in now and see if you can certify! If not, definitely try that automated phone certification line that was mentioned.