Have you tried checking your refund status online? The NY Tax Department has a "Where's My Refund" tool on their website where you can check the status without calling. Also, double-check that your banking information is correct in your tax filing - sometimes refunds get returned if there's an issue with the direct deposit information.

Just wanted to update - I called the Tax Department this morning using the number someone shared above. After 45 minutes on hold, I gave up and decided to try Claimyr. I got connected to a Tax Department representative within 30 minutes! Turns out there was an issue with my address verification (I moved in January) that was holding everything up. The representative removed the hold and said I should receive my refund within 2-3 weeks. So relieved to finally have an answer!

Another important point: If you're waiting for a refund related to unemployment taxes but can't access your transcript online, you can request it by mail using Form 4506-T. It's free and will show if the IRS has processed any adjustments to your account. Takes about 10 business days to arrive.

Wait I'm still confused about something... are you talking about a NEW unemployment tax refund for 2025? Or are you still trying to get the old one from 2020-2021? Because those are totally different things and I haven't heard about any new unemployment tax exemption for 2025???

Update on the backpay situation: As of March 2025, the NYSDOL has implemented new procedures for backpay claims over $20,000. These now require a secondary review by the Backpay Verification Team. The current processing times are: - $5,000-$19,999: Approximately 4-6 weeks - $20,000-$49,999: Approximately 12-16 weeks - $50,000+: Approximately 16-24 weeks These timeframes are from the date of backpay approval, not from the date of initial claim filing. Since you're at 6 months, you should request to speak with a supervisor specifically about the Backpay Verification status. There's a specific status code they can check that regular agents don't typically access.

I finally got my backpay after 7 months of waiting! What worked for me was documenting EVERY single call (date, time, agent ID, what they promised) and then sending that documentation to both my state senator AND assemblyperson offices. Include all the details about your hardship situation too. The legislative offices have special contacts at NYSDOL that can actually get things moving.

Based on all the responses here, it looks like you have two likely issues: 1. The quarterly review that automatically happens at the start of Q1 2025 2. A potential miscalculation in how you reported your days worked (10 hours across multiple days = 2 days, not 0) Either way, the solution is the same - you need to speak with a NYSDOL representative as soon as possible. When you call, be sure to: 1. Explain you're on the Shared Work program 2. Tell them exactly how your hours were distributed (5 hours Monday, 5 hours Wednesday) 3. Ask them to expedite the release of your payment due to financial hardship if applicable Once resolved, your payment will typically process within 1-2 business days.

did u ever get this fixed? im having same issue now lol

Thanks everyone for the advice! She's going to try calling tomorrow morning when they first open. I told her to be prepared for a long wait but to be persistent. I'll let you know how it goes if anyone's curious.

UPDATE: She couldn't get through this morning after trying for 2 hours. She's going to try the Claimyr service tomorrow. I'll update again when we know something!

To address the original question more directly: According to publicly available data, NYSDOL audits approximately 7-10% of all unemployment claims annually. These audits range from simple verification checks to comprehensive reviews. While that's a relatively small percentage, it still represents thousands of claimants each year. The department prioritizes cases where there are discrepancies or red flags, but they also conduct random audits to ensure compliance. The best approach is to be meticulous with your documentation. It's much easier to maintain records as you go than to try reconstructing your job search activities months later.

@OP - Yes, save screenshots, confirmation emails, and keep a spreadsheet with all the details (company name, position, date applied, method of application, contact info if available, any response received). This documentation is gold if you get audited. I wish I had been more organized from the beginning of my claim!

anybody else notice that ny unemployment always releases the $$ on fridays? makes no sense cuz then it hits bank accounts on weekend sometime. wish they would do it monday or tuesday instead

Just to clarify some confusion in this thread: When NYSDOL shows a payment as "released," it means they've initiated the ACH transfer to your bank. Chime and other online banks typically make funds available as soon as they receive the ACH notification, which is why they're faster than traditional banks that might hold funds for processing. For NY unemployment back payments specifically: - Chime usually processes within 24 hours of release - If released before 3pm, often same-day deposit - First-time deposits may take longer due to verification - Weekends and holidays will add delay If your payment status changes from "released" back to "pending," that indicates an issue that requires contacting NYSDOL directly.

Update: I just submitted all my documents! I ended up sending the full 1040 with all schedules, plus my W-2s, and several pay stubs from different parts of 2019. The upload process was actually easier than I expected. Thanks everyone for the help!

I just got the confirmation number on the screen - no email. I took a screenshot just to be safe. Maybe check your spam folder though?

BTW my neighbor had their bankruptcy case temporarily suspended because of unemployment issues. The court gave them 90 days of reduced payments until benefits kicked in. DONT listen to people saying you have to wait 10 weeks - that's the standard garbage they tell EVERYONE to get you off the phone. The system is designed to frustrate you into giving up!!!

Any updates? Were you able to get through to someone who could actually help? I'm really curious if any of these suggestions worked for you because I know how frustrating the whole system can be.

Just an update for anyone finding this thread later: NYSDOL acknowledged this as a system issue in their February 2025 update. They're working on fixing it, but in the meantime, you should: 1. Answer the break in claim questions with your most recent employer information 2. Continue certifying weekly as normal 3. Allow 3-5 business days for payment instead of the usual 1-2 days The system flag is automatically cleared after the first affected payment processes. If your payment doesn't arrive within 5 business days, then you should contact them for manual intervention.

hey does anybody know where to find your employer's EIN if you don't have it? my old boss won't answer my texts