I want to emphasize something important: make sure you're answering the weekly certification questions 100% accurately. Any inconsistencies can trigger a hold on your payments. The questions about availability for work, looking for work, and refusing work are particularly important. Also, check your message inbox in the portal daily. Sometimes they send requests for additional information with tight deadlines, and if you miss them, it can further delay your claim.

After reading all the comments here, it definitely sounds like your claim is in adjudication because of the multiple employers situation. Once I got through to an actual claims specialist (using Claimyr to bypass the phone wait), they told me exactly what was happening with my claim. Turns out they were waiting on my former employer to respond to their inquiry about my job separation. The specialist was able to expedite this and note on my account that I had provided all necessary documentation. Within two weeks, my claim was approved with the correct amount and I received all my backpay. The key is getting to someone who can actually SEE and WORK on your claim, not just the frontline people who can only see basic notes.

wait i just realized somthing. do we have to pay taxes on the extra $150 weekly supplement that NY is giving this year too? or just on the regular benefit amount?

Just to add some helpful information: You can check what you've already had withheld by logging into your NY.gov account, going to Unemployment Services, and selecting 'Payment History.' This will show each payment with tax withholding amounts. If you're concerned about whether you've withheld enough, speaking with a tax professional now rather than waiting until tax season might be worthwhile.

I waited 5 weeks to file last year because I was in the hospital after a car accident. Had all my medical records and everything. They still only backdated me for 2 of those weeks. The system is totally unfair sometimes. Hope you have better luck than I did!

Update us on how it goes with your backdating request! If your employer genuinely misled you about eligibility, that's one of the more solid reasons for backdating. Document everything, be persistent, and don't forget to keep certifying weekly while you wait for their decision. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I was able to check my ERAP application status online and found out that they did pay my landlord $5,860 two months ago! I'm going to confront him with this information and make sure he applies it to my account. I'll also look into making a complaint since he's been charging me late fees which apparently he's not allowed to do after accepting the assistance. I appreciate all your help!

Glad you were able to find the information! I'd recommend communicating with your landlord in writing (email or certified letter) about this discovery, so you have documentation of informing them. If they're uncooperative, contact the Legal Aid Society or Housing Court Answers for free legal assistance with addressing the situation.

THE NY UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!! They DELIBERATELY make it hard to get your money hoping you'll give up. I had the EXACT same issue last month and had to call 67 TIMES before getting through. When I finally talked to someone they said "oh it was just a glitch in the system" and fixed it in 30 seconds. They do this ON PURPOSE to save money!!!! Everyone should file complaints with the state oversight board!

FINAL UPDATE: All my payments just hit my account this morning! 5 weeks of backpay all at once. Such a relief! If anyone else is dealing with this, definitely keep calling until you get through to someone who can actually check your specific claim status. Don't just trust when they say "it's processing" or "it should be there next week" - ask for specific details about what's causing the delay.

my sister got hers but shes in buffalo and im in NYC. maybe theyre doing it by region? anyone else notice that pattern?

Update for anyone still checking this thread - I called the tax department this morning (waited 45 minutes) and the representative told me they are STILL processing single filer unemployment tax refunds and will be through July. They're prioritizing earlier filers first, but there are apparently over 200,000 eligible returns to process just for singles. So hang in there!

I finally got through to someone who could help! After trying Claimyr this morning (which actually worked to get me past the hold time), I spoke with an agent who explained that my payments were in a 'pending rejection' status. They manually pushed them through to a KeyBank card that should arrive within 7-10 business days. The rep also said they're hoping to have the direct deposit update issue fixed by the end of next week, but no guarantees. For now, at least I know my money is coming eventually. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

not to change the subject but does anyone know if they're gonna extend benefits again this year? my 26 weeks are almost up and im still looking for work

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me in case someone else has this problem. I tried the Claimyr service that was suggested and got through to an agent in about 30 minutes (after trying for days on my own). The agent put a 10-day hold on the ID.me requirement so my benefits wouldn't be interrupted. Then I tried the ID.me verification again at 1:30am as suggested here and it went through without any problems! Thanks everyone for your help - would have been totally lost without these suggestions.

For anyone else facing this issue: the NY DOL just announced they're implementing a fix for the ID.me verification system by April 15, 2025. In the meantime, they've published an official workaround document here: https://dol.ny.gov/identity-verification-assistance The document includes specific troubleshooting steps and alternative verification methods. Always check the official NY DOL website for the most up-to-date information.

yep its real! i got mine back in january. just call the number on the back to activate it. the whole thing is weird cuz nowhere on the envelope does it say its unemployment benefits lol

To answer your original question - yes, you can transfer the funds to your regular bank account after activation. Log into the Wisely account online (instructions come with the card) and look for the transfer option. It usually takes 1-2 business days for the transfer to complete. Just be aware there's a daily transfer limit of $2,500.

UPDATE: I called using the Claimyr service that someone suggested, and got through to a real person at the unemployment office. They explained that my Return Transcript doesn't show refund info, and I need the Account Transcript. They also checked my account and confirmed I DO have a refund coming - $743! It should be deposited next week. Thanks everyone for your help!

for next year just know that the online transcripts from the ny unemployment website are way easier to read than the mailed ones. save yourself the headache