I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! One thing that helped me was checking my phone's autofill suggestions - when I went to the login page and tapped on the username field, my phone suggested a username I had completely forgotten about. Also, if you have an iPhone, check Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords - sometimes it saves login info even when you don't remember saving it. Worth a shot before going through the hassle of calling! Hope you get it sorted out soon, the rent stress is real 😰

I feel your pain! Been there myself and it's absolutely maddening. Here's what I learned from my own nightmare experience: First, definitely try what others mentioned about checking ALL your email accounts - I mean every single one, including that old Gmail or Yahoo account you haven't touched in years. Search for "NY.gov", "unemployment", "DOL", and "benefits". Second, if you have Chrome or Safari, check your saved passwords in your browser settings - sometimes they auto-save even when we don't realize it. Third, if those don't work, you HAVE to get to a human. The regular unemployment phone line is basically useless, but try calling the NY.gov ID technical help line instead (it's separate from unemployment customer service). I also heard good things about that Claimyr service people mentioned - expensive but apparently works. Whatever you do, DON'T create a new account as that can flag your claim for fraud review. Hang in there, this system is designed to be horrible but you'll get through it! 💪

This is so unfair! How are we supposed to survive when they take most of our benefits for back support? The whole system is broken.

If you're concerned about the deduction amount, you might want to contact your local child support enforcement office to discuss a payment plan modification. Sometimes they can work with you to adjust the amount being taken from your unemployment benefits, especially if you can demonstrate financial hardship. You can also request that they leave you with enough to cover basic living expenses - there are usually minimum amounts they have to leave you with. Document everything and keep records of all your communications with both the child support office and NYS Department of Labor.

I remember when mine was about to run out last year, I got some kind of letter in the mail maybe 2 weeks before? But honestly the whole system is such a mess, I wouldn't count on getting proper notice. Just keep track yourself.

You can also calculate it yourself pretty easily! Take your weekly benefit amount and multiply by 26 weeks - that's your maximum. Then check how much you've already collected in your payment history. The difference is what you have left. I started doing this math every few weeks so I could plan ahead. Also worth noting that if you're getting close to running out, you might want to look into whether you qualify for any job training programs through NYS Department of Labor - some of them can extend your benefits while you're in training.

even if you can't get unemployment you should definitely apply for other assistance programs like food stamps or medicaid while you look for new work

I went through something similar when my long-term home care client passed away. Even though I was paid as a 1099, I filed for unemployment anyway because my work situation really looked more like an employee relationship - I had set hours, used their supplies, couldn't work for others during my shifts, etc. The NYS Department of Labor initially denied my claim, but I appealed and provided documentation showing how controlled my work environment was. It took about 6 weeks, but they eventually approved it after reviewing the employment relationship more closely. Don't assume you're automatically disqualified - if your work arrangement had employee-like characteristics, it's worth filing and letting them make the determination.

Try calling RIGHT when they open at 8am. I got through after only 20 minutes on hold that way. Any other time of day is basically impossible.

I went through this exact nightmare last year! What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I used Claimyr to get through to a human (totally worth the cost when you're desperate), and while waiting for that callback I also sent the written request to the Albany PO Box that Zoe mentioned. The written request actually came through first - took about 10 days but I got my 1099-G in the mail. Don't stress too much about the IRS coming after you immediately - they're pretty backlogged too. But definitely get that form sorted ASAP. Also pro tip: once you get through to someone, ask them to email you a copy too so you have it digitally for next year!