Can I still claim NY unemployment back pay from 2021 in 2025?

Generally, NY unemployment has a limited window for requesting back payments or addressing claim issues. For most situation, you need to report problems within one year of the original claim week. After four years, it's unlikely they'll process a retroactive payment, but it doesn't hurt to try contacting them directly. Call the NYSDOL claims center at 888-209-8124 and explain your situation. Be prepared with specific dates of the missed payments and any documentation you might have showing you certified for those weeks.

You're probably out of luck tbh. I had a similar issue with 2 missing payments from 2022 and tried to get it fixed last year. Took me FOREVER to even reach someone at NYSDOL (their phone system is the worst!!!) and when I finally did, they basically said I was SOL because too much time had passed. They have some rule about requesting back pay within a certain timeframe.

same thing hapened to me but I only waited 6 months to fix it. still got denied! the system is RIGGED against us regular people just trying to get what we're owed. they hope we forget or give up!!

I managed to get back payments from about 14 months after my original claim week, but that was already pushing their limits. After 4 years, I think you're going to have a really tough time. The biggest challenge is just getting through to someone who can help! I tried calling every day for two weeks straight with no luck, then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to an actual NYSDOL agent without waiting on hold forever. They have a good video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Even though my case was complicated, once I actually got through to a person, they were able to review my situation. Can't guarantee they'll approve your back pay after so long, but at least you'll get a definitive answer instead of wondering.

just wondering why did u wait so long to try and fix this?? four years is a really long time to suddenly remember missing money...

The official NYSDOL website says you can only backdate a claim by up to 6 weeks without special circumstances. After 4 YEARS? I wouldn't get your hopes up. But like others said, you lose nothing by trying except some time. Make sure you have EXACT dates when you certified, confirmation numbers if possible, and any emails or screenshots showing you certified. Without proof, they won't even consider it.

To clarify some information here: New York State Department of Labor has specific regulations regarding retroactive payment requests: 1. For regular UI benefits, requests must typically be made within one year of the benefit week in question 2. After the one-year mark, you would need to demonstrate "good cause" for the delay 3. Even with good cause, NYSDOL rarely approves requests beyond 18 months At four years out, standard procedure would be to deny the request. However, if you can demonstrate that the error was on NYSDOL's part (not yours), you might have a slim chance. In that case, you would need to submit form TC-403E "Request for Reconsideration" along with documentation proving your timely certification and the system error that prevented payment. Document everything, including your call attempts, and request a supervisor if the first agent denies your claim without reviewing evidence.

Just want to add - be extremely persistent. The first agent you speak with will likely give you the standard "it's too late" response. Ask to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist who can review special circumstances. Have your certification confirmation emails ready and any bank statements showing you didn't receive those payments. While the chances are slim after 4 years, I've seen exceptions made when people can clearly demonstrate they did everything correctly and the error was on the department's side. Don't take the first "no" as final.

let us know how it goes! curious if they actually help u or not

After you've tried calling a few times with no luck, definitely consider the Claimyr option I mentioned. Even if they ultimately deny your claim, at least you'll get closure instead of wondering forever. The worst part of dealing with NY unemployment is just the uncertainty and inability to reach someone who can give you a straight answer.

I went through something similar but with a shorter timeframe - about 2 years after my original claim. Even then it was an uphill battle, but I eventually got my back pay after filing an appeal. The key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records. Since you have those confirmation emails, that's actually huge - most people don't have any proof they certified. Also check if you have any screenshots of your online account from back then showing pending certifications or payment status. One thing I learned is that NYSDOL sometimes has "system glitches" where payments get stuck in processing limbo. If you can show this was their error and not something you did wrong, you might have a better shot even after 4 years. The fact that you certified correctly every other week except those 3 specific ones could actually work in your favor - it shows a pattern of compliance with a clear system error. Don't give up before you even try! $1,425 is worth fighting for.

I'm in a similar boat - just discovered I'm missing unemployment payments from 2020 that I never received. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the odds aren't great after so much time has passed, but I'm encouraged by the people who actually got results by being persistent and having documentation. @Omar - definitely try that Claimyr service if you can't get through on the phones. I've been trying to reach NYSDOL for weeks with no luck. The fact that you have those confirmation emails is actually really good - most people don't keep records that long. One thing I'm wondering - has anyone tried reaching out to their local state representatives for help with these kinds of cases? Sometimes they can cut through the red tape when regular channels don't work. Might be worth a shot if the direct approach doesn't pan out.