Anyone get that NY unemployment text/email today with benefit updates?

Yeah I got it too! It was basically explaining the changes to benefit calculations starting April 2025. They're adjusting the minimum weekly benefit amount from $124 to $138 and the maximum from $540 to $563. Also mentioned something about extended benefits being available for another 13 weeks if you exhaust regular benefits and meet certain criteria.

I received the communication as well. In addition to the benefit amount changes already mentioned, the message outlined several important updates: 1. New certification window: Weekly certifications must now be completed between Sunday 12:01 AM and Saturday 11:59 PM (extended by 24 hours) 2. Quarterly earnings reviews: Starting June 2025, all claimants will undergo mandatory quarterly reviews to verify continued eligibility 3. ID verification: New claimants must complete ID.me verification within 10 days (previously was 14 days) 4. Work search requirements: Now need 5 verifiable work search activities per week (up from 3) The email also mentioned their new online document upload system that should speed up processing times for additional documentation requests.

got the txt but no email?? weird. anyone else having this issue

The text was just a notification - the email has all the details. If you didn't get the email, you should: 1. Check your spam/junk folders 2. Log into your NY.gov account and verify your email address is correct 3. Go to your Messages section in your online account - they typically post these notifications there as well I thought the most important part was about the new online appeals process. If you get denied or have an overpayment issue, you can now submit appeals entirely online instead of mailing in the forms. They're trying to reduce the 8-week appeal processing time down to 3 weeks.

Did anyone else notice they're CUTTING backdating allowances from 6 weeks to only 2 weeks?? And they've added a stupid new rule where you need "documented proof" of system errors if claiming you couldn't file on time. This whole thing is designed to pay us LESS and make it HARDER to get what we deserve!!! Classic NY unemployment games!!

I want to clarify something important about the quarterly reviews that people might miss. The email states these reviews are NOT the same as recertification. They're specifically looking at: 1. Any unreported income 2. Job refusals 3. Availability for work If selected for review, you'll get a questionnaire to complete within 7 days. If you don't respond, your benefits will be automatically suspended until you complete it. This is new and wasn't part of the process before.

Wait I'm so confused... I've been on UI for 4 weeks and haven't received any text or email. Does this mean I'm being kicked off the program?? My benefit amount is already so small I can barely pay rent. If they're changing things I'm going to have a total breakdown. Can someone please tell me if this affects current claims or just new ones going forward??

One thing nobody's mentioned yet - the email also said they're finally fixing that glitch in the certification system where people were getting locked out for answering the travel question incorrectly. Instead of an automatic lock, they'll now just flag your account for review if you indicate travel but still let you complete the certification.

So does anyone know when these changes actually start? cant find the email anywhere on my account

Can we talk about how they're sending these "important notices" but their website STILL crashes every Sunday when everyone tries to certify?? They need to fix their broken system before adding more requirements. Last Sunday I tried for 3 hours to certify and kept getting error messages!! Anyone else dealing with this garbage?

Just to make sure everyone has the complete information, here's what else was in the email that hasn't been mentioned yet: 1. They're launching a new mobile app in June 2025 for certifications and status checks 2. Direct deposit payments will process 1 day faster (48 hours instead of 72) 3. The monetary determination process is being streamlined from 10 days to 5 days for most claims 4. They're adding Saturday call center hours (8am-2pm) starting in May Overall, while there are some stricter requirements, there are also several improvements to the system that should help claims process faster.