happened to my cousin too last week. they told her 7 days but it showed up in 5! so maybe ull get lucky

oh and btw make sure u activate the card the SECOND u get it. cause the activation line sometimes has long wait times too. this whole system is just waiting and more waiting lol

Quick update about the phone system since January 2025: The NYSDOL has implemented a new call distribution system. If you call and get the message "all representatives are currently busy," do NOT hang up. The new system will eventually place you in a queue after about 7-10 minutes of this message repeating. Many people hang up too soon, thinking it's not working. Stay on the line for at least 15 minutes before giving up on any call attempt.

UPDATE: After 3 days of trying, I FINALLY got through to an agent this morning! Called right at 8:00am and stayed on the line through the repeating message like @HelpfulNYer suggested. After about 12 minutes it suddenly switched to hold music and I got an agent about 20 minutes later. The issue was exactly what was mentioned earlier - a "verification flag" on my account triggered by my recent job change. The agent removed it while I was on the phone and I was able to certify for all my missed weeks immediately after. They said benefits should be deposited within 3 business days including all back weeks. Thanks everyone for your help with this!

Quick update for those following this thread: I completed my extension process successfully, but I learned that the requirements became more strict in 2025. Now they require documentation of at least 5 job applications per week (used to be 3), and they're actually verifying them more frequently. Pro tip: Take screenshots of every job application confirmation page and save emails from employers. NYSDOL randomly selected me for a job search audit during my extension process, and I had to provide evidence for every week I certified.

When I went through this last summer, I had a similar experience where they told me to keep certifying while they processed additional funds. I was worried because I have kids and bills, so I totally understand your panic! In my case, I received a notice in my online message center about 10 days later asking me to verify some information about my previous employment. After I responded to that, it took another week before the extension was approved. So about 2.5 weeks total, and yes, they did backpay for the weeks I certified during the wait period.

After using Claimyr to reach an agent, make sure to specifically request they check the "identity verification override" flag in your account. Many agents don't know this exists or don't think to check it. Also ask them to document in your case notes that ID.me verification is complete but not syncing properly, to help if you need to call again.

Thank you all for the helpful advice! Just wanted to update - I finally got this resolved! I used Claimyr to get through to someone at NYSDOL (took about 15 mins instead of the endless busy signals I was getting before). The agent I spoke with immediately found the problem - there was some kind of flag on my account that was preventing the ID.me verification from being accepted, even though it was complete. She removed the flag, manually verified my identity in their system, and my claim started processing right away. Three days later all my backpay hit my account! Such a relief after months of stress and being given the runaround.

My cousin works for NYSDOL (not in unemployment though) and she said they're extremely understaffed right now. Apparently they lost like 30% of their call center staff since January and haven't replaced them. Not making excuses for them, just explaining why it's so hard to get through. The backpay requests are all going into a giant queue that's barely being processed.

Just wanted to update - I finally got my backpay issue resolved this morning! After seeing the suggestions here, I tried several approaches: 1. Called the Spanish line - got through but they just transferred me to the English queue where I waited 2 hours before being disconnected 2. Contacted my assembly member - they took my info but said it could be 2-3 weeks before they can help 3. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) - got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes The agent found that my backpay was held because of a "verification inconsistency" between my application and my employer's quarterly report. They fixed it on the spot, and said I should receive all payments within 3-5 business days. She also gave me a direct reference number for the case. Hope this helps anyone else in a similar situation!

To summarize for anyone finding this thread later: 1. A $0.00 deposit from NYSDOL is normal and usually indicates your real payment is coming soon (typically 1-3 business days) 2. If you don't receive payment within 3 business days, there might be an issue with your claim that requires contact with NYSDOL 3. Sometimes the $0 deposit happens but payment is delayed due to pending verifications or other claim issues 4. Even after receiving the test deposit, continue checking your claim status online for any messages or required actions Hope this helps anyone experiencing the same situation!

ya my brother got same thing last month they r just making sure ur bank info works

I saw someone mention Safety Net Assistance - just a heads up that it has very strict asset limits. They check your bank accounts and everything. Unemployment doesn't have asset limits, just earnings requirements, which is why it's worth fighting for if you're close to qualifying.

Any update? Were you able to get through to anyone about recalculating your base period?

btw make sure u answer NO when it asks if u returned to work. i messed up and hit yes once thinking it meant ever and it completely stopped my payments. took 3 weeks to fix.

Update: I successfully reopened my claim! For anyone with the same question - if you still have effective days left within your benefit year, you don't file a new claim. You just go through the normal certification process and it reactivates automatically. Thanks everyone for your help!

i got denied after waiting 7 weeks. applying for a hearing now but thats another 2-3 month wait they said. this system is designed to make ppl give up istg

TIP: Call the TTY/TDD line instead of the regular number. It's 1-888-783-1370. Sometimes the wait is shorter there and they can still help regular claims. That's how I finally got through after two weeks of constant calling. The representative was able to see notes on my account and told me exactly what was holding things up.

Here's my advice after helping many people with NY unemployment claims:\n\n1. Apply immediately - don't wait until September\n2. When asked why you delayed filing, be honest that you thought you'd find work quickly\n3. Start documenting your work search activities going forward (3 per week minimum)\n4. Try to gather evidence of past job search efforts if possible\n5. Be prepared for possible follow-up questions about your gap in filing\n\nBased on your work history (all of 2024 and January 2025), you should meet the wage requirements if you had standard employment with regular wages.

Thank you so much. This is incredibly helpful. I'm going to apply today and follow all your advice.