Backpay for NY unemployment from October 2025 - need to talk to Pre-date Dept?

yeah i had to do this last yr.... you gotta talk to the BRI pre-date ppl but good luck even getting through to a regular rep to transfer you lol. took me like 2 weeks of calling

I went through this process back in July. Here's what happens: 1. You'll file your initial claim on Jan 3rd like normal 2. Then you need to speak with a representative and specifically request to be transferred to the BRI Pre-date Department 3. They'll review your eligibility for the backdated period 4. If approved, you will need to certify for each week individually In my experience, they didn't have me verbally certify - they sent me a DocuSign form where I had to certify for each week separately. You'll need to recall if you were available for work, actively seeking employment, and if you earned any income during each week. Make sure you have documentation of your work search efforts for each week since October. This is really important for the backdating approval.

I tried getting backpay last month and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! They kept transferring me around to different departments and nobody could help. Finally got to the Pre-date dept after FOUR CALLS and then they said I didn't qualify because I didn't have a "good cause" for not filing earlier. Make sure you have a solid reason why you waited to file!

I had to call like 50 times before getting through to anyone at NYSDOL last month. After trying for days, I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through, I explained my situation about needing backpay and they transferred me to the BRI Pre-date Dept immediately. Made the whole process way less stressful. The BRI folks asked me questions about each week and submitted my backdated certifications right there on the call.

To directly answer your question about certification: It varies depending on who you speak with at the BRI Pre-date Department. Some representatives will have you verbally certify for each week during your phone call, while others will send you a secure form to complete. For your situation, since it's going back approximately 12-14 weeks, they'll likely use the form method rather than having you verbally go through each week on the call. Regarding your reason for delay, be aware that waiting because your employer suggested they might rehire you is considered a valid reason for backdating, but you'll need to clearly explain this. If possible, have any communication from your employer (emails, texts) showing they indicated potential rehiring. This strengthens your case significantly. Also, when you do reach the BRI Pre-date Department, get the representative's name and ID number. This helps if you need to follow up later.

im going thru this RIGHT NOW actually!!! filed my claim yesterday (dec 26) and got backdated to September. i actually DID have to verbally certify for each week on the phone which was kinda stressful. the lady asked me for each week: 1) was i ready and able to work 2) did i refuse any work 3) did i work or earn any money 4) did i look for work each week. she went thru all 13 weeks with me on the phone! took like 30 min but she said my payments would process in 3-5 business days. make sure u have your job search records for EACH WEEK they will ask about it!!!!

Wait I'm confused about something—why are you waiting until January 3rd to file? If you were laid off in October you should file ASAP. The longer you wait the harder it gets to backdate. Just curious why the specific date?

To update my earlier comment: I forgot to mention that when you do reach the BRI Pre-date Department, they'll likely ask about your work search activities. For each week you're requesting backdated benefits, you should have made at least 3 work search activities per week. Work search activities can include: - Applying for jobs (online or in-person) - Attending job fairs - Creating accounts on job search websites - Networking events - Career counseling appointments Since you're going back to October, I'd recommend creating a simple spreadsheet documenting what you can remember of your work search efforts. Even if it's not comprehensive, having something documented is better than nothing. After I certified for my backdated weeks, it took about 5 business days for the payments to start appearing in my account. They came in batches, not all at once.

btw my assemblymans office helped me too last time!! they sent in some special request that flagged my account and i got a call back from NYSDOL within like 48 hrs so if ur still having trouble after jan 3 def reach out to them again!!