Can I still claim my ny unemployment benefits from 3 weeks ago?

You have up to one week after the end of the benefit week to certify. After that, you need to request backdated payments. Call the ny unemployment office and explain your situation. You'll need to provide a good reason for not claiming on time (which you have). You'll probably have to fill out a form too.

I had the same issue last month. I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a live agent without waiting forever. Basically they call the unemployment office for you and when they get through to a real person, they connect you. I was able to backdate my claims and get all my missed payments. Best money I've ever spent since I got all my back pay in a few days. Check them out at claimyr.com or watch their explanation video here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You have 30 days from the last day of the week you're trying to claim. So if the week ended on a Sunday, you have 30 days from that Sunday to request backdated certification. But you CANNOT do it online - you MUST call and speak to a rep.

The whole system is such a joke 🤡 Making it nearly impossible to talk to someone but then requiring a phone call for anything outside the most basic functions. It's like they're designed to make you give up and lose your benefits.

Here's everything you need to know about requesting backdated payments with NY unemployment: First - you need to call and explain your situation. Family emergency is a valid reason, especially with a hospitalized family member. The agent will likely have you complete a form called a "Request for Backdated Claim." You need to do this within 30 days of the week ending date of the missed week. So if you missed claiming for the week ending May 7th, you have until June 6th to request backdated certification. Getting through on the phone is the hardest part. I tried for weeks with no luck until I found claimyr.com - they call for you and connect you when a live agent answers. Saved me hours of frustration and I got all my backdated benefits within days after speaking with an agent. Also important - DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! Have the dates of your travel, any hospital documentation if possible, and be ready to provide this information when you talk to the agent. Good luck!

Trust me, youre NOT alone! The DOL makes this process confusing on purpose. If enough people give up on claiming backdated benefits it saves them millions.

Whatever you do DONT just give up on those weeks! That's YOUR money that you're entitled to. Call until you get through. Be persistent.

Pro tip: try calling right when they open at 8am. I've had better luck getting through then versus midday. Also avoid Mondays if possible - those are the worst days to call.

If all else fails and you cant get through on the phone, try reaching out to your state representative or senator. Their offices can sometimes help push your case through. Worked for me when I was desperate.

the deadline is 30 days but even if ur past that deadline, still call and explain ur situation. sometimes they make exceptions especially for medical/family emergencies.

Anyone else notice that the ny unemployment website says one thing about deadlines but then when you talk to an actual rep they tell you something completely different? It's so frustrating!