Address change issue with NY unemployment - can't access benefits on Key Bank card

I had a similar issue last year and finally got it resolved. Here's what worked for me: 1. Submit the change of address through your NY.gov account AND call them. Sometimes the online system doesn't sync properly with their main database. 2. When you call, specifically ask for a supervisor and explain that this has been ongoing for months. Regular agents often can't access the systems needed to fix these kinds of issues. 3. Request that they put a note in your file that this is causing financial hardship. 4. Ask them for a direct reference number for your address change request and write it down. As for legal options, before going that route (which can be time-consuming), try contacting your state representative or senator's office. They often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with state agency problems, and a call from their office can work wonders in getting NYSDOL to move quickly.

the same EXACT thing happened to me in january!!!! its crazy how they cant fix something so simple. i ended up having to go to the unemployment office in person with my id and proof of address. took 3 hours of waiting but they fixed it right there. might be worth a try if u can take time off

This is a common issue with the Key Bank system. The disconnection between NYSDOL's database and Key Bank's system creates these problems. Here's what actually works: 1. You need to simultaneously update your address with BOTH systems. 2. For Key Bank, call their dedicated unemployment card services at 1-866-295-2955. Explain the situation and that NYSDOL has your current address but Key Bank doesn't. Sometimes they can verify your identity and update it on their end. 3. For NYSDOL, submit form DS-1204 (Change of Address form) again, but this time add a cover letter specifically stating this is preventing access to your benefits and causing financial hardship. 4. Request that they note in your file that there is a discrepancy between their system and Key Bank's records. Legal action is likely to take longer than solving this administratively. However, if you've tried everything, you can file a complaint with the NY State Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau. They can sometimes intervene more quickly than a lawsuit.

I feel your pain! I've had my own nightmare with NY unemployment, though mine was about backpay not getting processed. After weeks of not being able to reach anyone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in under 30 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE I was skeptical but desperate, and it actually worked. The agent I spoke with was able to escalate my issue to a specialized team. For address changes specifically, you need to speak with someone in the account management department, not just the general claims reps. Worth trying since nothing else seems to be working for you and you've got money just sitting there you can't access.

NYSDOL is THE WORST!!! They do this on purpose I swear. I had almost $2000 stuck on a card I couldn't access for 3 months last year. The whole time they kept saying "it's been updated" but nothing happened. They're hoping people just give up so they can keep the money!!

Update: I finally got through to someone helpful at unemployment! I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes instead of the hours I've been spending. The agent I spoke with was able to see that my address change HAD been processed in their main system but hadn't been transmitted to Key Bank's system due to some technical error. She submitted an expedited request to their technical team to force a data sync with Key Bank and said I should receive the card within 7-10 business days. She also gave me a direct reference number for the case and told me to call back next Friday if I haven't received anything by then. Fingers crossed this actually works!

For anyone else facing this issue, here's the formal process that should work (though as we've seen, sometimes there are technical glitches): 1. Submit your address change through your NY.gov account AND by submitting form DS-1204. 2. Call NYSDOL at 1-888-209-8124 and specifically request that they verify the address change has been processed in all their systems. 3. Ask them to check the "Key Bank transmission status" specifically - this is a separate field in their system that indicates whether your updated information has been sent to Key Bank. 4. If the change has been processed but not transmitted to Key Bank, request an "external system sync" - this is the technical procedure the helpful agent performed for the original poster. 5. Get a confirmation number for this request. The disconnect between NYSDOL's system and Key Bank's database is a known issue that affects many claimants. When standard procedures don't work, asking specifically about the "transmission status" and requesting an "external system sync" can help get the right technical solution applied.

FINAL UPDATE: It worked! Got my Key Bank card yesterday with the correct address. All my benefits were there ($1,340 total). Such a relief after months of stress. For anyone else dealing with this: 1. Use Claimyr to get through to an actual person (saved me hours of frustration) 2. Specifically ask about the "Key Bank transmission status" and request an "external system sync" (exactly as someone suggested above) 3. Get a reference number and follow up if nothing happens Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! Now I can finally catch up on my bills.