Can I get my ny unemployment backpay after renewing expired work permit?

Yes, you should be able to get backpay for those weeks. Same thing happened to my cousin last year. Once she got her new work permit and uploaded it to her account, she called and explained the situation. They released all her payments within like 3 days. But the key is actually getting someone on the phone which is nearly impossible these days 🙄

After struggling to reach ANYONE at ny unemployment for weeks, I finally found a solution that worked. Used this service called claimyr.com that basically waits on hold for you then connects you to an agent when they finally pick up. Was able to talk to someone in about 2 hours after trying myself for days with no luck. The agent fixed all my issues in one call - talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast! Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You should definitely get backpay. The issue is just proving that you've renewed your work authorization. You need to talk to a tier 2 agent though, not just the first person who answers. The first level agents don't have access to update work authorization in the system.

This happened to me 5 months ago. I never got the back payments 😡 The system is completely broken and they don't care about people on work permits. I uploaded my renewed docs but they still denied me saying I 'wasn't eligible during the period when the permit was expired' which is TOTAL BS.

Here's the deal with work permits and NY unemployment. I work with an immigrant rights org and deal with this ALL THE TIME. Legally, you ARE entitled to backpay for those weeks IF you can prove: 1) You had a pending renewal application during the gap period 2) Your new permit has now been approved 3) There was no actual gap in your legal status (the renewal was just processing) What you need to do: - Upload your new permit to your NY unemployment account - Send a secure message explaining the situation - Most importantly: CALL THEM directly and speak to an agent The online system won't automatically detect and fix this. You MUST speak with someone. The phone system is terrible but services like claimyr.com can help you get through (they wait on hold so you don't have to). Don't give up - this is a very common issue and can absolutely be resolved with persistence!

lol imagine thinking theyll actually give you the money they owe you 🤡 this whole system is designed to make it as hard as possible to get benefits

I renewed my work permit back in February and had a similar situation with ny unemployment. Here's what worked for me after weeks of frustration: Calling the regular number got me nowhere. I tried the 'call at exactly 8:00am' trick, tried calling right before they close, tried midday... nothing worked. Finally used claimyr.com which got me through to someone in about 2 hours. The agent was able to see that my work permit was renewed and released all my back payments. The money was in my account 2 days later. This is definitely fixable! Don't give up!

Make sure you have PDF scans of BOTH your expired work permit AND the new one. They'll need to see both to process the backpay. Also get a copy of the receipt showing when you applied for renewal if possible. This helps prove there was no gap in your intent to maintain work authorization.

Question for the group - has anyone successfully gotten unemployment backpay WITHOUT talking to someone on the phone? Like just through the messaging system or document upload?

the trick is you NEED to talk to someone who can actually help. the first person you reach probably cant do much. ask specifically for a supervisor or someone who handles work authorization issues. be polite but FIRM - dont let them brush you off. it took me 3 calls but i eventually got my backpay for a similar situation.

I swear the ny unemployment system is specifically designed to make immigrants jump through extra hoops. Had almost the exact same issue last year with my H1B renewal. Took 6 weeks to resolve but I did eventually get all my backpay.

Assuming you were otherwise eligible during those weeks (like you were still looking for work, available to work, etc.), then yes, you absolutely can and should get backpay. Document everything! Note the dates/times you call, names of agents you speak with, reference numbers for any tickets they open. The system is a mess and you might need to follow up multiple times.

This is honestly why I'm convinced we need class action lawsuits against state unemployment agencies. They routinely violate their own policies and federal guidelines on processing claims for people with work authorization. Anyone else think we should organize?

Whatever u do, dont mention the expired permit in your weekly claims until its resolved! Just keep certifying as normal. A friend of mine was honest about it and they flagged her account for review which took MONTHS to clear up.

Try contacting your state assembly person's office! Seriously, this was the ONLY thing that worked for me after weeks of calling NY unemployment with no luck. Their office has special contacts at the DOL and can often push claims through faster. Google your district and give them a call.