I had this exact same issue! Turns out the problem was that I had entered my mother's name with a middle initial on my original application, but when I was trying to update my direct deposit info, I was only entering her first and last name. Once I included the middle initial exactly as it appeared on my original application, it worked perfectly. Also, make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the name - the system is super picky about that stuff. If you can't remember exactly how you entered it originally, you might need to call and have them read it back to you so you can match it exactly. Hope this helps! The NY unemployment system is definitely frustrating but usually these verification issues are just formatting problems.

I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The NY unemployment system is absolutely brutal with these mother's name verification issues. After weeks of frustration, I finally figured out my problem - I had used a completely different format back in 2020 than what I was trying now. Here's what worked for me: I found an old confirmation email from when I first applied that showed I had entered my mom's name as "Patricia A. Johnson" (with the middle initial), but I had been trying to enter just "Patricia Johnson" when updating my direct deposit. The system wanted that EXACT match including the middle initial! My advice: definitely dig through your old emails first - search for anything from "nys.gov" or with "unemployment" in the subject line. Also try these variations systematically: - Maiden vs married name - With/without middle name or initial - Full legal name vs any nicknames you might have used - Check for extra spaces or typos - Try different spellings if applicable (Catherine vs Katherine, etc.) Use the desktop website instead of mobile - it seems to handle the formatting better. And don't worry about getting locked out, I tried probably 15+ variations over several days with no issues. This problem is definitely solvable! Once you find that exact match, everything will work perfectly. The system is ridiculously picky but at least it's consistent. Good luck! 🤞

Based on your situation as described, you have a legitimate case for unemployment benefits under the "good cause" provision. The key is demonstrating that you exhausted all reasonable alternatives before quitting. From what you've shared about attempting to find childcare, discussing options with your employer, and lacking family support options, you've covered the major bases. A final tip: after uploading your documentation, if you don't hear back within 3 weeks, try contacting your state representative's office. They often have liaisons who can inquire about stalled unemployment claims. This frequently results in faster processing.

I went through something similar when I had to quit due to eldercare responsibilities for my mom. The thing that really helped my case was creating a detailed timeline showing everything I tried before quitting - dates I called daycares, when I spoke with my supervisor, etc. Also keep records of your job search efforts while waiting for the decision because they'll ask about that later. The whole process is stressful but hang in there - sounds like you have a solid case with all the documentation you're gathering!

I'm also brand new to filing unemployment and just submitted my claim yesterday! This thread has been incredibly helpful - I was completely lost trying to navigate the my.ny.gov portal until I found all the detailed guidance everyone shared here. The interface is definitely not intuitive for first-time users like us. Even though my claim is so new that I haven't seen any status updates yet, reading about everyone's "Adjudication in Progress" experiences has really prepared me for what to expect and helped calm my nerves about the process. I've already bookmarked the direct unemployment services link, set up text and email notifications, and made sure I understand that I need to continue filing weekly claims even during the review period. The tip about checking both the Claim Summary AND Messages sections regularly seems absolutely crucial - I would have completely missed that Messages section without this thread! Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed step-by-step guidance and creating this amazing resource for newcomers like me who are trying to figure out this confusing system for the first time.

After weeks of frustration, and waiting on the phone for my unemployment status claim form, I went through Claimyr and within one hour I received a return call. Dept of Labor fixed my issue and I was paid immediately. This site was absolutely worth it. Thank you Miguel Ramos who referred me to Claimyr.com. I just can't believe how easy it was.

This reminds me of when my brother got audited by NYS Department of Labor. It was like 2 years after he stopped getting benefits and they said he owed back $1,800. He tried to fight it but honestly the whole process was such a nightmare. The paperwork, the phone calls, the stress... he ended up just setting up a payment plan. Sometimes I think they count on people being too overwhelmed to appeal.

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this anxiety - it's completely understandable to be worried about old claims. From what I understand, the key factor is usually whether the errors were intentional or honest mistakes. If you genuinely didn't understand the reporting requirements and weren't trying to defraud the system, that typically works in your favor. The fact that you're worried about it now actually shows you weren't trying to be dishonest back then. Have you kept any documentation from that time period that might help show your good faith efforts to report correctly?

Don't panic yet - fact finding doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your claim. Sometimes it's just routine verification. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while it's under review, and document everything. If they do need additional information from you, respond immediately to avoid further delays.

I went through something similar earlier this year. In my case, the fact finding was triggered because there was a discrepancy between what I reported as my last day of work and what my employer reported to the state. Even though I hadn't received any formal notice, I decided to gather all my employment documents (pay stubs, termination letter, etc.) and fax them to the adjudication unit along with a cover letter explaining my situation. This seemed to speed up the process - I got a determination letter about 10 days later. The fax number should be on the NYS DOL website under the adjudication section. Worth trying while you're also attempting to get through by phone.