i had something similar happen but my problem was i put my nickname (Mike) in ID.me but my full name (Michael) was on my unemployment stuff. easy fix once i talked to someone but took forever to figure out!

This thread is super helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - ID.me verification completed but getting that vague "something doesn't match" error. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the most common culprits are: 1. Email address differences between ID.me and NYSDOL accounts 2. Name formatting (nicknames vs full names, middle initials, etc.) 3. Address formatting differences (St vs Street, Ave vs Avenue) 4. Date of birth format issues I'm going to double-check all of these before trying to call. Has anyone tried updating their info in ID.me to match what's in the NYSDOL system instead of the other way around? Or does it have to be fixed on the NYSDOL side? Also really glad to hear that Max got it resolved - gives me hope that this nightmare will end soon!

Quick question - do they verify employment for the whole base period or just your most recent job? I had like 3 different jobs last year and wondering if they check all of them.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my employer suddenly closed. NYS Department of Labor was actually pretty understanding about it. They do have access to quarterly wage reports like others mentioned, but what really helped me was keeping detailed records - I had screenshots of my work schedule, copies of direct deposit records from my bank, and even some work emails on my personal phone. The key thing is that business closure is considered "involuntary separation" so you're automatically eligible as long as you can prove you actually worked there. My claim was approved within 2 weeks even though they couldn't contact my former employer. Don't stress too much about it - the system is designed to handle these situations since small businesses close all the time.

My advice is to also make sure you give your former employees proper notice about filing for unemployment benefits. Some of them might not know they're eligible or how to file with NYS Department of Labor. It's the right thing to do and can prevent them from coming back with questions later.

I'm going through something similar right now with my catering business. One thing I learned is that you also need to notify NYS Department of Labor about your business closure through their online system - there's a specific form for ceasing operations. Also, make sure you keep all your payroll records for at least 4 years even after closing, because they might audit or request documentation later. The employees' unemployment claims could trigger questions about wages paid, so having those records accessible is crucial.

I'm in week 2 of waiting for my determination and this thread is such a relief! I was starting to worry that something was wrong since I hadn't heard anything yet. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel so much better about the timeline - sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty typical for straightforward cases. I was laid off due to company downsizing, so hopefully that's clear-cut enough to not cause delays. One thing I'm wondering about - should I be concerned if they don't request any additional documentation from me? I keep seeing people mention that they needed wage verification or employer responses, but I haven't gotten any requests for extra info. Is that a good sign or does it not really mean anything either way? Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences here - it really helps to know we're all going through this together!

I'm currently in week 2 of waiting for my determination and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! I filed after being laid off from a tech company due to restructuring, and like many others here, I've been anxiously checking my.ny.gov multiple times a day with no updates. The lack of communication from NYS Department of Labor about expected timelines is really stressful when you're already dealing with job loss. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me realize that 2-4 weeks seems to be the norm for straightforward cases, which gives me some peace of mind. I've been keeping up with my weekly certifications and job search activities, and thankfully haven't received any requests for additional documentation yet. It's frustrating how opaque the process is, but knowing that most people eventually get approved helps me stay patient. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories - this community support means a lot during such an uncertain time!

This happened to my cousin and she never got that week back even though she called. The NYS Department of Labor rep told her that missing the deadline means you forfeit that week's benefits period. Maybe it depends on who you talk to but just wanted to give you a heads up that it might not work out.

I work as a benefits advocate and can confirm that NYS allows late filing for good cause within 30 days of the missed deadline. Family emergency absolutely qualifies. When you call, be prepared to explain the situation clearly and mention you have hospital documentation ready if needed. The key is being persistent - if the first rep says no, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Also, make sure you continue filing your weekly certifications on time going forward so this doesn't impact your ongoing eligibility. Don't let anyone tell you that missing one week forfeits it permanently - that's not how the system works when you have valid cause.