Can I still claim NY unemployment back pay in 2025 if I never received it before?

Yes! You can definitely still get your back pay, but you'll need to specifically request it. NY unemployment back pay doesn't automatically process in many cases, especially if there was any issue with your initial claim. Call the claims center and explain your situation - make sure to have your claim information ready including the exact weeks you're missing payments for.

You're entitled to any benefits you were eligible for, even if it's been 3 months. Back pay (or 'retroactive benefits' as they're officially called) can be requested anytime within a year of your claim date. You NEED to speak with an agent though - this isn't something you can do through the website. Make sure to mention 'retroactive benefits' specifically when you call.

good luck getting through on the phone lol i spent HOURS trying last month and kept getting disconnected

I just went through this exact same situation! Waited 4 months thinking they'd eventually send the backpay automatically but nope. Finally managed to get through to someone last week and they're processing my backpay now - should be about $2,870 for the three weeks I was owed. But yeah, phone system is absolute nightmare...

I had this same issue back in January. After trying to call for weeks with no luck, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They basically call for you and connect you once they get through. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE When I finally got through, the agent processed my back pay for the 4 weeks I was owed. Took about 3 business days to hit my account after that.

I work in HR and deal with this ALL THE TIME with our laid-off employees. Here's the official deal with NY back pay in 2025: 1. You are entitled to retroactive benefits for any weeks you were eligible and certified for 2. There is a 1-year limit from your initial claim date to request these payments 3. You MUST speak with an agent - the online system cannot process retroactive payments 4. You need documentation showing you were eligible during those weeks 5. If approved, payment usually comes within 5-7 business days Call first thing Monday morning (7:59am) for your best chance of getting through without waiting for hours.

This happens ALL THE TIME. The system is BROKEN!!! I had to fight for 4 months to get my back pay and even then they shorted me $780!!! You have to call and call and call until you get someone who actually knows what they're doing because half of them will tell you wrong information. The worst part is they never tell you that you need to specifically request retroactive benefits - they just assume everyone knows this???

Just be prepared when you call - I got through after like 2hrs on hold but then got disconnected when they transferred me to a specialist. Had to start all over the next day! So frustrating!

my cousin just got $4300 in backpay after waiting like 5 months so dont give up lol

Just an update - the current NY unemployment system actually has improved a bit in 2025. If you request back pay now, they're processing most claims within 7-10 business days. Much better than the 3-4 weeks it was taking last year. Just make sure when you call to specifically request to speak with a Retroactive Payment Specialist, not just any agent.

UPDATE: I finally got through today! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. The specialist confirmed I'm owed for 4 weeks of back pay, totaling about $2,180. She said I should receive the payment within 5-7 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! For anyone else in this situation - definitely call and specifically ask about retroactive benefits, they don't process automatically!