my friend said ID.me was taking FOREVER to verify people in february when he applied. is it faster now? just wondering cuz i might need to apply soon...

Quick update on 2025 timelines: The NYSDOL recently updated their processing systems in March, and many claims are now being processed faster than earlier this year. Current averages for first payments after ID.me verification: - Direct deposit: 3-5 business days - Debit card: 5-7 business days - Paper check: 7-10 business days If it goes beyond these timeframes, there might be an issue with your claim that requires attention.

my friend quit bcuz of childcare and got approved right away but that was bcuz her kid has special needs so maybe different rules?

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.

After reading through the thread, I'm almost certain this is a Base Period recalculation. The timing (beginning of Q3) matches exactly. Here's what likely happened: 1. Your original benefit calculation was based on your highest earning quarters in the base period (the year before you applied) 2. Now that we've entered a new quarter (Q3 2025), the system automatically recalculated using the most recent quarters 3. If your earnings were lower in some of these newer quarters, your benefit amount would decrease This is actually standard procedure for NYSDOL but they do a terrible job explaining it to claimants. You can request a review if you believe the calculation is incorrect, but you need to speak with a claims specialist who can access your wage records across all quarters.

Update us when you get this resolved! Were you able to reach someone at NYSDOL? The base period recalculation explanation sounds most likely, but it's important to confirm. Sometimes there can be multiple issues affecting your benefit amount simultaneously.

My cousin waited till his BYE date and got denied anyway. whole system is a joke

Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread in the future: If you exhaust your benefits before your BYE date, you have two main options: 1. If you've worked since filing your original claim and earned enough in at least two quarters (typically 10x your weekly benefit amount), you can file a new claim immediately. 2. If you haven't worked enough, you need to wait until your BYE date to file a new claim, unless there are special extension programs available. Don't risk a gap in payments by waiting until the last minute. Start the process as soon as you see you only have a few weeks of benefits remaining.

They said it would take about 2-3 weeks for the claim to process, and then I should get payments weekly after that as long as I certify. Feels good to finally have this started!

That's good advice above - definitely keep certifying every week even while waiting for approval. And make sure to check your account/email regularly for any requests for additional information. Those have strict deadlines and can delay your claim if missed.

One more important thing for your friend to know: when the company closes, he should request a letter stating the reason for separation is "lack of work due to business closure." Having this documentation will make the claims process much smoother. Also, make sure he keeps his final pay stub, which shows the employer's name, address, and NY employer registration number. These details will be needed on the unemployment application. When filing, he should be very clear that he did not quit and was not fired - the job ended specifically because the business closed.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I've passed all this along to my friend. He's worked at other jobs before this temporary position, so it sounds like he should have enough wages in his base period. He's going to ask for documentation about the closure from his manager. Really appreciate all the responses!

Wait a minute I'm confused now. Is this about NY state tax refunds or federal tax refunds? Because I thought NY was doing their own separate adjustment for unemployment taxes in addition to the federal one? Can someone clarify?

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I finally got my transcript and found the codes - looks like I'm getting a small refund (code 846) scheduled for next week. For anyone else looking, definitely check the Account Transcript and look for those transaction codes 291 and 846. And make sure you're looking at the right system depending on whether you're checking federal or NY state refunds!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!! They WANT US to get frustrated and stop trying so they dont have to pay!!!!! I had to call 97 TIMES before I got someone and then they said "oh we just needed to verify one thing" which took 30 SECONDS to fix!!!!! 8 WEEKS OF NO MONEY because they couldnt send a letter or email???? THIS IS BY DESIGN PEOPLE!!!

NYSDOL has a social media team that sometimes responds to issues. Try sending a direct message to their official Twitter or Facebook accounts with your name and the last 4 digits of your SSN (never the full number). Be professional and concise. Some people have reported success getting attention this way when traditional channels fail.

Has anyone else noticed that sometimes the ID.me system says you're verified but NYSDOL still shows you need verification? That happened to me and I had to contact ID.me support to have them manually push the verification status to NYSDOL. Just something to watch out for...

One final tip - after your ID.me verification is complete, check your message inbox in your NYSDOL account. They'll usually send a confirmation that your identity has been verified and when you can expect payments. If you don't see that message within 5 business days of completing verification, that's when you should follow up.

I'm so worried this is going to happen to me too...I'm about to reapply next week when my benefit year ends. Reading this is making me panic. What if I can't pay my rent? Did you try going to the actual unemployment office in person? I'm wondering if that might be better than calling?

Just wanted to share what finally worked for me last month. After trying everything, including that Claimyr service someone mentioned (which did get me through but the agent couldn't help with my specific issue), what ACTUALLY fixed my problem was emailing my state senator's office. They have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues. I emailed on a Monday explaining my situation, got a response Tuesday asking for details, and by Friday I got a call from a supervisor at NYSDOL who fixed everything. My benefits were in my account the following Wednesday including all my back pay. Don't give up!