UPDATE: I called again this morning with all my info ready (SSN, PIN, claim ID, driver's license, address) and got through much more easily! The agent even apologized and said they should be more specific about what they mean by "personal identification" because lots of people get confused. My issue is now resolved and my payment should be processed within 3 business days. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - been trying to get through for days and getting nowhere with that vague "personal identification" request. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I need to have my PIN, claim ID number, driver's license number, and exact filing date all ready before I call again. It's really frustrating that they don't just tell you upfront what specific information they need instead of using confusing terminology. Thanks to everyone who shared what worked for them - this gives me hope that I can finally get my claim sorted out!

just a heads up that once your regular UI runs out theres no more extensions like there were during covid. so make sure you're really looking for work and not just going through the motions

One thing to also keep in mind is that your benefit year has an end date regardless of your balance. Even if you still have money left, your claim expires exactly one year from when you first filed. You can find this date on your monetary determination letter or in your online account. So if you filed in June 2024, your claim ends in June 2025 no matter what. This caught me off guard when I was on unemployment a few years back - I thought I could just keep collecting until the money ran out, but the year limit hit first.

Been dealing with the exact same overseas access nightmare! After reading through all these comments, I'm convinced the regular system is completely broken for international users. The geo-blocking is ridiculous and those international call charges add up fast with zero results. Based on what everyone's saying here, claimyr.com seems like the most reliable solution - multiple people confirming it actually works is pretty convincing. Also definitely going to try contacting my assembly person since that seems to be another solid option people have had success with. It's insane that we have to jump through all these hoops just to submit required documents while traveling, but at least there are workarounds. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - really helpful to know I'm not alone in this mess! 🙏

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now! I'm in Europe for a month and they just requested income verification documents, but I can't access my account either due to their location blocking. I've tried multiple VPN services with no luck - it's like they specifically designed the system to block anyone traveling abroad. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like claimyr.com might be my best bet since so many people have had success with it. I'm also going to try reaching out to my state assembly person's office since several folks mentioned that worked well. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to submit documents they're demanding, but I'm grateful for all the tips here! Has anyone tried the certified mail option while overseas? Wondering if that might be worth doing alongside trying to get someone on the phone. This whole system is such a nightmare for anyone who travels for work or family emergencies 😤

I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare and it's absolutely infuriating! Been trying to get through for 5 days now and that "high call volume" message followed by an instant disconnect feels like a cruel joke when you're already stressed about your claim. What really gets me is that I can see there's an issue with my account online, but the website just says "contact customer service" - which is impossible when their phone system is designed to hang up on you! It's like being trapped in some kind of bureaucratic hell. I'm definitely going to try that 8am sharp strategy @Zoe mentioned tomorrow morning. Also love @Mei's tip about having all your documents ready - I'll make sure to have my NY.gov ID, PIN, and SSN info all written down so I don't waste any precious seconds if I somehow manage to get through. It's completely insane that we need a whole battle plan just to reach our own state's unemployment office, but here we are! If the early morning calls don't work after a few attempts, I might have to try that Claimyr service @Liam used. The fact that your verification issue was literally a 2-minute fix after weeks of trying really highlights how broken this system is. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and creating this support network. We shouldn't have to figure this out together, but I'm so grateful we can help each other navigate this mess!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to reach someone for the past 10 days and that "high call volume" message followed by an instant disconnect is absolutely soul-crushing. What makes it even worse is that I can see my claim is stuck with some kind of verification flag online, but there's literally no way to resolve it without speaking to an actual person. I'm definitely going to try that 8am sharp strategy @Zoe mentioned - seems like precise timing is everything with this broken system. Also going to have all my documents ready like @Mei suggested, including my NY.gov ID, PIN, and SSN. It's completely ridiculous that we need a whole military operation just to contact our own state agency! If the early morning calls don't work after a few days, I'm seriously considering that Claimyr service @Liam used. I'm usually hesitant about third-party services, but the fact that your issue was literally a 2-minute verification fix that took weeks to resolve through traditional methods really shows how backwards this system is. I might also try that TTY line @Ella mentioned as another workaround, and I'm bookmarking that assemblyperson contact info as a backup plan. It's honestly shameful that we need multiple backup strategies just to access basic unemployment services we're entitled to. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and creating this incredible support community. We shouldn't have to band together just to figure out how to get help from our own state agency, but I'm so grateful we can help each other navigate this bureaucratic nightmare! Will definitely update if I break through using any of these strategies.

Make sure you keep track of exactly what you report because sometimes their system glitches and doesn't record things properly. Screenshot everything when you file your final claim showing you reported the return to work date.

Definitely report it on your next weekly claim - there's usually a specific question about starting work where you'll enter your start date. Once you report returning to work, that should be your final claim. Don't stress too much about it, the system is designed to handle this situation and as long as you're honest about your work start date you'll be fine. Good luck with the new job!