Best way to send NY unemployment overpayment refund - certified or registered mail?

Definitely use certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof of delivery with a signature. I had to return an overpayment of $2,875 in February and used certified mail. Keep digital copies of the check, the notice, and any cover letter you include. Also write your claim ID number in the memo line of the check. NY unemployment offices are equipped to receive certified mail, so someone will sign for it. If for some unusual reason nobody signs, yes it would be returned to you after a few attempts.

i sent mine regular mail last yr. big mistake!!! took 3 months for them to process and they kept sending me notices saying i didnt pay. dont do what i did lol

I mailed mine certified about 3 weeks ago and just got confirmation that it was received and processed. The peace of mind was worth the extra $4 or whatever it costs now. Just make sure you keep the receipt until you get confirmation they've applied it to your account.

Actually, certified mail only proves it was delivered, not what was in the envelope. If you're really worried, I'd recommend sending a MONEY ORDER instead of a personal check via REGISTERED mail (not just certified). Registered mail is the most secure method offered by USPS and provides insurance for the value of the contents. It's what banks and government agencies use to send valuables. Also, call the overpayment unit at 888-209-8124 about a week after sending it to confirm receipt. Their systems don't always update immediately when payments are received.

I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to someone at NY unemployment last month about my overpayment. Kept calling that stupid 888 number over and over. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual human. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Worth it because I found out I could set up a payment plan instead of sending it all back at once. Might be worth checking if that's an option for you before mailing a big check.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT SEND CASH!!!! My cousin sent cash (I know, incredibly stupid) and of course they "never received it." Also make sure you're sending it to the correct address. There's a specific address for overpayment returns that's different from the general unemployment office. The address should be: NYS Department of Labor Overpayment Unit PO Box 1968 Albany, NY 12201 Double-check this against your notice though since they sometimes change addresses.

Be aware that if you are appealing the overpayment determination, sending money could be interpreted as accepting that you owe it. If you're planning to appeal, consult with a legal aid attorney first. If you're not appealing and just paying it back, then I agree with the others - registered mail is your safest bet. The extra cost is worth avoiding the potential nightmare of them claiming non-receipt.

Has anyone tried the online repayment option? I think they added it last year. Might be easier than mailing anything.

can u imagine if they were as quick to send us money as they r to ask for it back lololol

Just to follow up on what others have said - here's a summary of options for returning overpayments to NY unemployment: 1. CERTIFIED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT: Good tracking, signature confirmation, costs about $7-8 2. REGISTERED MAIL: Most secure, insured, costs $15-20 depending on value 3. MONEY ORDER instead of personal check: Creates paper trail outside your bank 4. ONLINE PAYMENT: Only if your notice specifically offers this option 5. PAYMENT PLAN: Must call and request this specifically Keep copies of everything - the check/money order, notice, any cover letter, and especially your mailing receipt and tracking information. Write your claim ID on everything.