Can't change direct deposit info - NY Unemployment system says mother's name is wrong
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble changing my direct deposit info for my unemployment benefits. When I try to update it, the system keeps telling me my mother's name is incorrect. This isn't the first time it's happened - I had the same issue back in 2020 when I was on unemployment before. Has anyone else run into this problem or know how to fix it? I'm getting pretty frustrated here.
22 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve NY unemployment direct deposit issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKg8eH6ibe8
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Ruby Blake
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.
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Miles Hammonds
•I've been trying to call for days but can't get through. It's so frustrating! 😤
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Micah Franklin
•Pro tip: call right when they open. I usually have better luck getting through then.
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Ella Harper
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
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PrinceJoe
•Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work? How long did you have to wait?
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Brooklyn Knight
•Idk man, paying to get through to unemployment? Seems sketchy af 🤔
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Ella Harper
•I get the skepticism, but it honestly worked for me. Waited about 2 hours, but didn't have to sit by my phone the whole time. Worth it to finally get my issue resolved.
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Owen Devar
•20 bucks to save hours of frustration? Sign me up lol
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Daniel Rivera
Have you checked if your mother's name is entered correctly in your original application? Sometimes these issues stem from initial data entry errors.
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Sophie Footman
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.
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Miles Hammonds
•Oh snap, I didn't even think of that! I'll def check. Thanks for the tip! 👍
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Connor Rupert
The ny unemployment system is a joke. They probably outsourced the coding to some clowns who can't even spell 'mother' correctly. 🤡
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Molly Hansen
•Lmao truth. Wouldn't be surprised if they're using Windows 95 to run the whole thing 💀
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Brady Clean
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!
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Miles Hammonds
•Wow, thanks for the detailed response! This is super helpful. I'll give these steps a try.
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Skylar Neal
•Solid advice right here. Especially the part about keeping notes - that's saved my butt more than once when dealing with unemployment.
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Vincent Bimbach
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!
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Kelsey Chin
This is why I always tell people to keep a copy of their original unemployment application. Makes it easier to spot discrepancies like this.
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Norah Quay
•Facts. I learned that lesson the hard way 😭
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Leo McDonald
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!
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Ryan Kim
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.
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