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Benjamin Carter

Can't access NY unemployment W2 due to login error - paper copy options?

Has anyone received a paper copy of their W2 from NY unemployment? I've been locked out of my online account for MONTHS due to some persistent computer error. Every time I try to login, the system just freezes or gives me an error message. I've had to call for literally everything unemployment-related since January. Now tax season is here, and I have no access to my tax documents! I'm getting really worried since the filing deadline is coming up soon. Has anyone else experienced this nightmare or know what to do to get my W2 without online access? I've tried calling but keep getting disconnected before reaching an actual person.

Maya Lewis

ya i had same issue. system always crashes when i try 2 view tax docs. called like 20 times n finally got through last week. they said they can mail paper w2 but takes 7-10 business days. might wanna file extension just in case

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Benjamin Carter

Ugh, 7-10 business days?? That's cutting it so close to the deadline. Did they explain why their system is so broken? I swear the NY unemployment website gets worse every year.

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Isaac Wright

You can request a paper W2 by calling their tax document request line at 1-888-209-8124. Press 2 for tax documents, then 4 for W2 issues. They have a specific department that handles these requests. Make sure to verify your mailing address is current. Also, if you have your previous notice of monetary determination letter, it should have your account information that you might be able to use to create a new account if your current one is locked.

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Benjamin Carter

Thank you for the detailed instructions! Do you know if I'll need my NY.gov ID to request this over the phone? I've tried writing that down somewhere but honestly can't find it now.

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Lucy Taylor

I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR THREE MONTHS!!! Their system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and nobody at NYSDOL seems to care!!! I've called over 50 times and either get disconnected or put on hold for hours only to get disconnected anyway. When I finally got through once, they told me they'd mail my W2 but it NEVER ARRIVED! Now I've filed an extension but I'm worried about penalties. This is SO frustrating!!!

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Connor Murphy

I feel your pain! After weeks of calling and getting nowhere with the regular unemployment line, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through. They have this service that basically calls for you and notifies you when an agent is on the line. Got through in about 30 minutes instead of days of trying. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - totally worth it for tax document issues since those have actual deadlines!

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KhalilStar

To correctly address your W2 access issue: 1. You can request a paper W2G (Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits) by calling 888-209-8124. Have your SSN and NY unemployment PIN ready. 2. If you can't get through by phone, submit a secure message through their message portal if you can access that part of the system: https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment-assistance 3. You can also visit a local NY Department of Labor Career Center in person - they can print your tax documents on the spot. Bring identification. 4. If all else fails, you can estimate your unemployment income based on payment records and file an amended return later if needed. Important: Unemployment benefits are reported on Form 1099-G, not a W2 (which is for employer wages).

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Benjamin Carter

Thank you so much for the correction and detailed options! I didn't realize unemployment uses 1099-G instead of W2. The career center option sounds promising - I'll try calling first but if that fails, I'll go in person. Really appreciate the help.

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Amelia Dietrich

last year i couldnt get my tax forms either lol. i just guessed the amount on my taxes based on my bank deposits. probably not the best advice but i was desperate. ended up getting a letter from irs to correct it tho so dont do what i did

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KhalilStar

While I understand the desperation, I'd strongly advise against estimating tax documents. This often leads to IRS notices and potential penalties. The local career center option is much safer - they can print official documents same-day with proper ID.

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Kaiya Rivera

Anyone else notice how the unemployment system ALWAYS has issues right during tax season? I swear it's intentional. Last year their site crashed for a whole week in April. My sister works for the state (not DOL) and she says they're still using computer systems from the 90s for some departments. No wonder nothing works right.

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Maya Lewis

for real!! my cousin's neighbor works there and told him they still use DOS for some of the backend stuff. like actual 1980s DOS. crazy they expect us to rely on this junk

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Connor Murphy

When I had this issue in January, I tried for weeks to get through on the phone without success. The trick that finally worked was calling right when they open at 8:00 AM on Wednesday specifically (for some reason this day seemed less busy). Also, make sure you're calling from the phone number you have registered with your account - sometimes their system prioritizes calls that match their records.

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Benjamin Carter

Thanks for the tip about Wednesdays - I'll definitely try that tomorrow morning! I've been calling from my cell which is what's listed on my account, so at least I'm doing that part right.

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Isaac Wright

Just an important update for anyone following this thread: For tax year 2024, NY unemployment has actually extended the availability of 1099-G forms until May 30, 2025 due to the widespread system issues. You can also request your 1099-G information by sending an email to 1099G@labor.ny.gov with your full name, last 4 of SSN, and phone number. They're supposedly responding to these requests within 72 hours now with secure document links.

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Benjamin Carter

This is incredibly helpful! I'll try the email option today. Good to know they've extended the availability timeline too - at least they're acknowledging the problems.

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Amelia Dietrich

my roommate just said we can also go to the unemployment office in person and they'll print the tax forms right there! might be faster than waiting for mail

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Benjamin Carter

Oh that's perfect! There's an office about 20 minutes from me. I'll try calling first thing tomorrow, but if that doesn't work, I'll just go in person. Thanks everyone for all the helpful suggestions!

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