Can't change direct deposit info - NY Unemployment system says mother's name is wrong

I found a way to solve NY unemployment direct deposit issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKg8eH6ibe8

Ugh, the ny unemployment system is such a mess. I had a similar issue with my father's name last year. Have you tried calling them? It's a pain, but sometimes that's the only way to get things sorted out.

I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Have you checked if your mother's name is entered correctly in your original application? Sometimes these issues stem from initial data entry errors.

This happened to me too! Turns out they had my mom's maiden name instead of her married name. Check if that might be the issue for you.

The ny unemployment system is a joke. They probably outsourced the coding to some clowns who can't even spell 'mother' correctly. 🤡

Here's what you need to do to resolve this issue with NY Unemployment: 1. First, double-check all your information. Make sure you're entering your mother's name exactly as it appears on your original application. 2. If that doesn't work, you'll need to speak with a representative. Unfortunately, getting through on the phone can be challenging. Here are some options: - Try calling right when they open (usually 8 AM) - Use the online chat feature if available - Consider using a service like Claimyr (claimyr.com) which can help you get through to an agent 3. When you do get through, explain the issue in detail. Ask them to verify all your information in the system. 4. If they can't resolve it immediately, request a callback from a tier 2 support agent who might have more access to change your information. 5. Keep detailed notes of all your interactions, including dates, times, and names of representatives you speak with. 6. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your local state representative. They often have channels to escalate unemployment issues. Remember, persistence is key when dealing with bureaucratic systems. Don't give up! And if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, seriously consider using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It costs a bit, but many users find it worth it to finally get their issues resolved. Good luck!

have u tried turning it off and on again? 😂 jk jk... but seriously, sometimes logging out and back in can refresh the system. worth a shot!

This is why I always tell people to keep a copy of their original unemployment application. Makes it easier to spot discrepancies like this.

Oof, sounds like you're in the same boat as a lot of us. The ny unemployment system is held together with duct tape and prayers at this point. Hang in there!

I had this exact same issue! Turns out the problem was that I had entered my mother's name with a middle initial on my original application, but when I was trying to update my direct deposit info, I was only entering her first and last name. Once I included the middle initial exactly as it appeared on my original application, it worked perfectly. Also, make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the name - the system is super picky about that stuff. If you can't remember exactly how you entered it originally, you might need to call and have them read it back to you so you can match it exactly. Hope this helps! The NY unemployment system is definitely frustrating but usually these verification issues are just formatting problems.

I went through something similar last year! The key thing that worked for me was making sure I entered my mother's name EXACTLY as it appears on my Social Security card or birth certificate - including any middle names, initials, or even suffixes like "Jr." or "Sr." The NY system is super strict about matching these security questions to official documents. If you originally used her maiden name when you first applied, you have to keep using that. If you used her married name, stick with that. Also, double-check for any typos or extra spaces. I spent weeks frustrated only to realize I had accidentally added an extra space after her last name! If you still can't figure out what format they want, definitely try calling first thing in the morning around 8 AM - that's when you have the best shot at getting through. Good luck! 🤞

Just went through this nightmare myself a few months ago! The NY unemployment system is incredibly picky about the mother's name verification. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Check if you have any old emails or documents from when you first applied - they sometimes include the info you originally entered 2. Try different variations: maiden name vs married name, with/without middle name or initial, even check if you accidentally used a nickname instead of her full legal name 3. Pay attention to punctuation - I had used "Mary-Jane" with a hyphen originally but was typing "Mary Jane" with a space when trying to update The system basically requires an EXACT match to whatever you entered years ago, which is insane but that's how it works. If you're still stuck after trying all variations, honestly the paid calling service that others mentioned might be worth it - I wasted way more than $20 in time and stress trying to get through on my own. Hang in there, this issue is definitely solvable once you find the right format! 💪

I just dealt with this exact same issue a couple weeks ago! The NY unemployment system is ridiculously strict about mother's name verification. Here's what ended up working for me: First, try to remember if you used any abbreviations when you originally applied. I had used "Liz" instead of "Elizabeth" back in 2020 and completely forgot about it. Also check if you included or excluded middle names/initials - the system wants the EXACT same format. Another thing to watch out for is suffixes like "Jr.", "Sr.", or "III" - if your mom has one and you included it originally, you have to keep using it. If you can't figure out the exact format, here's a trick that worked for me: go to your state assemblyperson's website and fill out their unemployment assistance form. They have direct lines to the DOL and can usually get answers within a few days instead of you spending hours on hold. The whole system is honestly broken, but once you get the name format right, everything should work smoothly. Don't give up - this is definitely solvable! 🙏

Had this exact same problem! The NY unemployment system is super frustrating with these verification issues. One thing that helped me was checking if I had used any nicknames or shortened versions of my mother's name when I originally applied. I had put "Kathy" instead of "Katherine" years ago and totally forgot. Also make sure you're not accidentally adding or missing any punctuation - the system is crazy picky about apostrophes in names like "O'Connor" or hyphens in names like "Smith-Jones". If you still can't get it after trying different variations, definitely try that assemblyperson contact method someone mentioned - sounds way better than sitting on hold for hours!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! It's so frustrating how the NY unemployment system requires such precise formatting after all this time. Reading through all these responses is really helpful though. I'm going to try checking if I used my mom's maiden name vs married name, and also look for any old confirmation emails from when I first applied. The tip about checking for extra spaces and punctuation is something I never would have thought of. Has anyone had success with updating their direct deposit info through the mobile app vs the desktop website? Sometimes one works better than the other with these glitchy government systems.

I went through this exact same frustrating issue! Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying: The NY unemployment system stores your mother's name exactly as you typed it when you first applied - including any typos, extra spaces, or formatting quirks. Try these variations: 1. Check if you used her maiden name vs married name 2. Look for middle names or initials you might have included/excluded 3. Try common nicknames (Beth vs Elizabeth, Sue vs Susan, etc.) 4. Watch out for punctuation in names like O'Brien, Mary-Kate, etc. 5. Make sure there are no extra spaces before/after the name Pro tip: If you have any old emails from 2020 when you first applied, search for "application" or "unemployment" - sometimes the confirmation emails show exactly what info you originally entered. The system is ridiculously picky but once you find the exact match, everything should work! Don't give up - this is definitely solvable. If you're still stuck after trying variations, that assemblyperson contact method others mentioned sounds like a solid backup plan. Good luck! 🤞

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually dealing with a similar issue right now where the system won't accept my security answers. After reading through everyone's experiences, I'm realizing I probably used a different format when I originally applied back in 2021. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - if you're trying to remember what you originally entered, check if you have any old tax documents or bank statements from that time period. Sometimes seeing other paperwork from around when you applied can jog your memory about which version of names you were using then. Also, has anyone tried contacting their local unemployment office directly instead of the main state line? I'm wondering if the local offices might have shorter wait times or be able to access your info more easily. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions - it's nice to know this is a common (though frustrating) issue and not just me being unable to work the system! 😅

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! The NY unemployment system is absolutely brutal when it comes to these verification questions. After reading through everyone's suggestions, I'm realizing I probably need to be way more systematic about this. I'm going to start by digging through my old emails from when I first applied to see if I can find any confirmation messages that might show exactly what I originally entered. Then I'll try all the different variations people mentioned - maiden vs married name, with/without middle initial, checking for typos or extra spaces. It's honestly insane that the system is this rigid about exact formatting after all these years, especially when people's circumstances and how they write names can change over time. But it sounds like once you crack the code and find that exact match, everything works fine. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions! This thread is way more helpful than anything on the official NY DOL website. Sometimes the best tech support comes from fellow people dealing with the same broken system! 🙏 If I figure out what was wrong with my formatting, I'll definitely come back and update this thread in case it helps the next person dealing with this issue.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! The NY unemployment system rejected my mother's name when I tried to update my direct deposit info yesterday. After reading through all these responses, I think I know what my problem might be - I probably used my mom's maiden name when I first applied in 2020 but was trying to enter her married name this time. The tip about checking old emails for confirmation messages is brilliant - I'm going to search through my inbox right now to see if I can find the original application details. It's honestly ridiculous that the system requires such exact formatting after all this time, but at least now I have a clear game plan to work through all the possible variations. Has anyone had issues with the system temporarily locking you out if you try too many incorrect attempts? I'm worried about getting locked out before I can find the right format. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is way more helpful than the official NY DOL website! 🙏

I'm currently struggling with this exact same issue! My direct deposit update keeps getting rejected because the system says my mother's name is wrong. After reading through everyone's helpful responses here, I'm realizing I need to be way more methodical about figuring out what format I originally used back when I first applied. I'm going to start by searching through my old emails from 2020-2021 to see if I can find any confirmation messages that might show the exact information I entered. Then I'll work through all the variations people have mentioned - checking maiden vs married name, with/without middle names or initials, looking for typos or extra spaces, and even testing different spellings of names that could go multiple ways. It's honestly frustrating that the NY unemployment system is so rigid about exact formatting after all these years, but it's reassuring to know this is a common issue with clear solutions. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips! This thread has been incredibly helpful - way better than anything I could find on the official DOL website. If I manage to crack the code and get my direct deposit updated, I'll definitely come back to share what the issue was in case it helps others dealing with this same problem. We're all in this bureaucratic nightmare together! 🤞

This exact same thing happened to me! I spent weeks pulling my hair out over this issue. Turns out the problem was that I had entered my mother's name with her middle initial when I first applied in 2020 ("Mary J. Smith" instead of just "Mary Smith"), but I completely forgot about that detail when trying to update my direct deposit info years later. The NY unemployment system is incredibly strict about matching the EXACT format you used originally - down to punctuation, spaces, and whether you included middle names or initials. Here's what I recommend: 1. Search your email for any old confirmation messages from when you first applied - look for subjects like "claim filed" or "application submitted" 2. Try every variation you can think of: maiden vs married name, with/without middle initial, different spellings, nicknames vs full names 3. Check for extra spaces or missing punctuation 4. Use the desktop website instead of mobile - it seems to work better for these updates Don't give up! Once you find that exact match, everything will work perfectly. The system is annoying but this is definitely solvable. Good luck! 🤞

I'm going through this exact same frustrating issue right now! The NY unemployment system keeps rejecting my mother's name when I try to update my direct deposit. After reading through all these incredibly helpful responses, I realize I need to be way more systematic about this. I think my problem might be that I used my mom's maiden name when I originally applied but I've been trying to enter her married name now. I'm going to dig through my old emails from 2020 to see if I can find any confirmation messages that show exactly what I originally entered. The tip about checking for middle initials, extra spaces, and even punctuation like hyphens or apostrophes is so helpful - I never would have thought the system would be that picky about formatting after all these years! I'm also going to try using the desktop website instead of mobile since several people mentioned that works better. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to go through detective work just to update our banking info, but at least now I have a real game plan instead of just randomly guessing. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions! This thread has been way more helpful than anything on the official DOL website. I'll definitely update if I figure out what my specific formatting issue was. We're all suffering through this broken system together! 😅