Can you get NY unemployment back pay from previous claim after filing new claim?

Yes, you can still get back pay from your previous claim even after filing a new one. The key is to make sure you document everything properly. You'll need to file what's called a 'retroactive certification' for those weeks. Log into your NY.gov account, go to your payment history, and look for any weeks marked as 'unpaid' or 'pending'. You should be able to certify for those weeks specifically. Make sure to note the exact dates of the unpaid weeks when you contact them.

i had this exact problem in feb. u gotta call them bc the website wont let u backdate certify after a new claim starts. been there done that lol

After struggling with the same issue (4 weeks of back pay from my previous claim), I finally got it resolved last month. Calling was impossible - I'd wait for hours and then get disconnected. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent right away. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent I spoke with explained that you absolutely CAN get your back pay even after filing a new claim, but it requires manual intervention from their side. They processed my retroactive certifications over the phone and I got my payments within 3 days.

THEY ALWAYS DO THIS!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you lose benefits you're entitled to. I went through this EXACT thing last year and had to fight for 2 MONTHS to get my back pay. Half the reps will tell you it's impossible once a new claim starts, the other half admit they can do it but claim they need "supervisor approval" which NEVER happens!!! I finally got mine after filing a formal complaint with both NYSDOL and my state rep's office. Don't let them scam you out of YOUR MONEY!!!

I had a similar situation last year where I had to file a new claim while still having unpaid weeks on my old one. It doesn't automatically erase those weeks - you're still entitled to them. But the process isn't straightforward.

Question related to this - does anyone know if there's a time limit for requesting back pay? I have a similar situation but it's been about 7 weeks since my last claim ended and I'm worried it might be too late to request those unpaid weeks.

I got my backpay after about 3 weeks of trying. The key was getting to an actual claims specialist, not just the frontline reps. Regular reps often don't have the system access to process retroactive payments from a previous claim period.

@OP - After you get through to someone (either through regular calling or using Claimyr), ask specifically for a "claims examiner" or "claims specialist" - not all phone agents can handle retroactive payments from previous benefit years. Once you get the right person, they'll need to process what they call a "retroactive certification authorization" for those specific weeks.

One more important detail: after they process your retroactive certification, make sure to check your payment history daily. The payments likely won't come all at once - they'll release them individually as they process each week. If you don't see movement within 7-10 business days, call back and reference your previous call (have the date and representative's name if possible).

update us if u get ur $$$ thru! dealing w/the same issue rn so would love to know what works