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@Ella Knight I just went through this exact same nightmare two weeks ago! After trying everything people mentioned here, what finally worked was calling at 8:07 AM on a Tuesday (855-233-8223). The trick is press 1 for English, then 3 for card issues, then listen for "press 9 for callback" - don't wait on hold! They called me back in about 20 minutes from a random local number, so definitely answer any calls that morning. Had my card unlocked in literally 3 minutes once I got through to a real person. Make sure you have your SSN last 4, full card number, and zip code written down before they call back. The early morning timing is everything - avoid calling after 9 AM when it gets crazy busy. Hang in there, you'll get your money! 🙏
@GalaxyGazer Thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! I've been reading through all these comments and the callback option seems to be the real game changer. I had no idea Way2Go even offered that - I've been sitting on hold for hours like an idiot 🤦♀️ The Tuesday 8:07 AM timing is super specific and I love it! Quick question though - when they called you back from the random local number, did you have to go through any verification again or did they already have your info from when you requested the callback? I'm planning to try this exact method next Tuesday and want to make sure I'm fully prepared. This thread has been a lifesaver!
@Ella Knight I feel your pain! Just got through this exact situation last month. Here's what worked for me after trying everything: Call 855-233-8223 at exactly 8:05 AM on Tuesday or Wednesday (seriously, the timing matters!). Press 1 for English, then 3 for card issues, then listen for the callback option (press 9) - this is a LIFESAVER and way better than sitting on hold forever. They'll call you back from a random local number in about 20-30 minutes, so answer any unknown calls that morning. Have your SSN last 4 digits, full 16-digit card number, and zip code ready when they call. Once I got connected, they unlocked my card in under 5 minutes. The early morning window before 8:30 AM is crucial - after that it's a nightmare. Don't give up, you WILL get your money! 💪
@Chris Elmeda This is super helpful! I ve'been trying to reach them for days with no luck. Just to clarify - when you say exactly "8:05 AM ,"do you mean start dialing at 8:05 or actually get connected at 8:05? I want to make sure I time this right for Tuesday. Also, roughly how long did the callback take? I m'planning to block out my whole morning just in case. Thanks for sharing your success story - gives me hope! 🙏
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I just wanted to add that I've found it useful to create folders in my email to automatically save Indeed application confirmations. Most of the time Indeed sends you a confirmation email when you apply, so I set up a filter to move those to a "Job Applications" folder. That way I have timestamped proof of my applications without having to manually screenshot everything. Plus, if the job posting gets taken down, I still have the company name and position details from the confirmation email. Has anyone else found good ways to automate their record keeping?
That's a brilliant idea about setting up email filters! I never thought of automating it that way. I've been manually saving screenshots and it's been such a pain. Do you happen to know if the confirmation emails from Indeed include enough detail to satisfy the DOL requirements, or do you still need to supplement with additional notes? I'm thinking the confirmation might not always have the full job description or salary range that could be useful to document.
@c9805b824a32 The Indeed confirmation emails usually have the basic details like company name, job title, and date, which covers most of what DOL wants to see. But you're right that they don't always include salary or full job descriptions. I typically just add a quick note in my spreadsheet about the role type (like "remote customer service" or "warehouse supervisor") to give more context. The confirmation emails are great as backup documentation, but I still keep my main tracking in a simple spreadsheet since it's easier to review everything at once when filing my weekly claims.
I've been using Indeed for my unemployment work search for about 6 months now and it's definitely accepted by NYS DOL. One thing I'd recommend is being selective about which jobs you apply to - don't just mass apply to everything. I focus on positions that actually match my experience and skills, and I make sure to customize my applications when possible rather than just using the one-click apply for everything. This way if they ever audit your job search activities, you can show you were being thoughtful and strategic about your applications, not just going through the motions.
This is really solid advice! I've been worried about looking like I'm just going through the motions. Do you have any tips for customizing applications on Indeed when using their easy apply feature? Sometimes there's not much space to write a personalized cover letter, and I want to make sure I'm still showing genuine effort in my job search activities. Also, how do you balance being selective with meeting the weekly application requirements - do you supplement with other types of work search activities when you can't find enough suitable positions to apply for?
Hey Connor! I just went through this exact situation after graduating from college last year. You're absolutely right that it's frustrating - the unemployment system really wasn't designed with new graduates in mind. While you likely won't qualify for regular UI benefits without substantial covered wages, I wanted to add a few things that helped me during my search. First, check if your campus jobs were actually W-2 positions rather than work-study - sometimes bookstore, dining, or IT support roles are regular employment that counts toward your base period. Second, look into your local American Job Center (One-Stop) - they have programs specifically for recent grads including job search workshops and sometimes short-term training with stipends. Third, don't overlook applying for SNAP benefits while you're searching - it can really help stretch your budget. Also, consider reaching out to your academic advisor or favorite professors - they often have industry connections and may know about opportunities that aren't posted yet. The transition from college to the workforce is genuinely one of the hardest periods, but all the advice in this thread shows there are more resources available than you might think. Document everything you're doing in your job search and stay persistent - you've got this!
@d69e71ffdcaf This is such comprehensive and encouraging advice! I really appreciate you mentioning the American Job Centers - I keep seeing references to these but hadn't looked into what they actually offer for recent grads. The idea of training programs with stipends sounds exactly like what I need right now. Your point about checking if my campus jobs were W-2 positions is really important too - I worked in the IT help desk for almost two years and I'm pretty sure that was different from my work-study dining hall job. I'm going to dig out my old pay stubs and see what kind of employment that actually was. It's so helpful to hear from someone who just went through this successfully - it gives me hope that there really is light at the end of this tunnel. Thanks for validating that this transition period is genuinely difficult and for all the practical steps. I'm feeling much more optimistic about my options after reading everyone's advice in this thread!
Connor, I completely feel your frustration! I graduated from college about 8 months ago and went through this exact same struggle with unemployment eligibility. Unfortunately, you're right that regular UI benefits require substantial covered wages that most students don't have. But don't lose hope - there are definitely resources out there! One thing that really helped me was connecting with my local Workforce Development Board - they often have specific programs for recent graduates that include job placement assistance and sometimes even small stipends during training periods. Also, make sure to check if you're eligible for emergency assistance through your county's social services - many have short-term programs for people actively job searching. I ended up getting connected to a temporary staffing agency through my local One-Stop Career Center that led to my current position. The financial stress with student loans starting is real, but this transition period really is temporary. Keep documenting your job search activities like others have mentioned, and don't hesitate to leverage every connection you have from school. You've worked hard to get your degree and that effort will pay off - just hang in there!
Just completed my unemployment phone interview yesterday, filed claim end of May. Got a text from NYS DOL today at 2:08 PM saying: "Your unemployment insurance (UI) benefits claim can now be paid. More information: https://on.ny.gov/uipay" I filed my claim at the end of May and had to wait until yesterday for my phone interview. Now that I've gotten this text message confirmation that my claim can be paid, I'm wondering how long until I actually see the first payment hit my account? The text doesn't give any timeframe, just says it "can now be paid" and provides a link for more information. Has anyone else gone through this process with NYS Department of Labor recently? How long after receiving this specific text message did you receive your first UI payment? I'm trying to plan my budget accordingly since it's been almost a month since I initially filed.
I'm in a very similar situation! Filed my claim in late May and had my phone interview just this past Monday. Still waiting for that text message but seeing your timeline gives me so much hope that I should get it any day now. The whole process has been incredibly frustrating - almost 3 months of waiting and wondering if everything was going to work out okay. It's really encouraging to hear that once you get that text, the actual payment comes within just 2-3 business days. I've been staying on top of all my weekly certifications and have direct deposit set up, so hopefully when my text comes through everything will process smoothly. Thanks for posting this - it's so helpful to see real experiences from people going through the exact same thing right now. Fingers crossed we both see those backpay deposits hit our accounts very soon! 🤞💪
Hey Aiden! Since you had your interview on Monday and I just got my text yesterday (Thursday), you should definitely be getting yours today or tomorrow! The timing seems really consistent - most people are getting that text within 2-4 days after their interview. I totally get the frustration of waiting almost 3 months, but you're literally at the finish line now! Make sure to keep your phone close and watch for that text from 41411. We've both made it through the hardest part - that backpay is going to feel so good after all this waiting! 🙌
Just went through this same exact process! Got that text on a Wednesday and money hit my account Friday morning via direct deposit. Since you filed back in May, you're going to get a really nice lump sum of backpay - mine was over $3,500 when I finally got it. The key thing now is DON'T change anything with your payment method or bank info, and keep doing those Sunday certifications religiously. You're literally days away from seeing that money! The relief after months of waiting is incredible. Make sure to screenshot that text for your records too - it's good documentation to have. Congrats on making it through the phone interview, that was definitely the hardest part! 🎉
Thanks for sharing your experience! $3,500 in backpay sounds incredible after all this waiting. I'm definitely not going to touch any of my payment settings now that I'm this close - don't want to mess anything up! Really appreciate the tip about screenshotting the text too. It's so reassuring to hear from people who've actually made it through to the other side. Can't wait to feel that same relief! 🙏
GalacticGladiator
Just wanted to share what's been working for me after struggling with this for months! I've been using Microsoft Edge mobile with these specific steps: 1) Force stop the app completely and clear all Edge data, 2) Open Edge and immediately go to settings to enable "Request desktop site" before navigating anywhere, 3) Turn off WiFi and use cellular data (seems to work way better with their servers), 4) Navigate directly to labor.ny.gov/signin rather than going through the homepage, and 5) Log in during non-peak hours (I've had best success between 5-7 AM). The key thing I discovered is to NEVER switch between desktop/mobile modes once you're on the site - their session management is completely broken and will lock you out. Also if you get any kind of error, don't try to refresh or go back - just close Edge entirely and start the whole process over. It's absolutely insane that we need these elaborate rituals just to access unemployment benefits in 2025, but this method has gotten me through consistently for the past 3 weeks. Hope it helps someone else avoid the endless login loop nightmare! 🤞
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Brandon Parker
•This is super comprehensive! The direct navigation to /signin is a game changer - I've been going through the homepage this whole time which probably adds another layer of mobile compatibility issues. The cellular vs WiFi tip keeps coming up in these comments and I'm finally convinced to try it. The "never switch modes once you're on the site" rule makes total sense given how fragile their session handling is. Thanks for laying out the exact Edge workflow - having a step-by-step process beats the random troubleshooting I've been doing. It's wild that accessing basic government services requires this level of technical wizardry but your method sounds rock solid! 🙌
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Omar Fawaz
Been lurking on this thread for a while and finally got my mobile login working! What saved me was using Firefox Focus (the privacy browser) with desktop mode enabled. The key difference is that Focus automatically blocks trackers and scripts that seem to break their ancient login system. Also discovered that logging out of ALL devices first (including any computers you've used) is crucial - their session management can't handle multiple logins and will just keep erroring out on mobile. Try clearing your phone's DNS cache too (on Android: Settings > Apps > Chrome > Storage > Clear Cache, then restart). I know we shouldn't have to be IT experts just to file for benefits but this combo has been bulletproof for me the last two weeks. The whole system desperately needs an overhaul but at least there are workarounds! 🤞
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