Can't claim weekly benefits even though my ny unemployment BYE isn't until April

Went through the exact same thing last month. Had to call them like 47 times to get through. Turned out there was a flag on my account because they thought I worked somewhere I didn't? Had to verify my identity again even though I'd already done it twice. So annoying.

After trying to call for weeks and never getting through, I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that kept dialing for me and connected me when an agent was available. Talking to an agent got my benefits flowing again in just 48 hours. Honestly it was the only way I could talk to a real person at unemployment. Here's a vid about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

This happened to me too! Turned out my employer contested my claim 3 months after I'd been receiving benefits. Make sure you explain that your BYE date isn't up yet when you talk to them. Sometimes the computer system doesn't sync properly with their other systems.

Just a headsup for everyone... even if your BYE is not up, you might still need to file a new claim if you worked and earned over 10× your weekly benefit amount during your benefit year. It's stupid and confusing and they never explain this anywhere obvious.

I'm going thru almost the EXACT same thing right now. My BYE date is in May, but suddenly my effective days dropped to 0 and I can't certify anymore. I'm on day 5 of trying to get through on the phone. This is killing me financially.

Has anyone tried sending a message through the online portal? Sometimes they actually respond in a few days and it's better than calling (which is basically impossible).

I've worked in HR for 15 years and here's what's likely happening: there's probably a system flag on your account. When your effective days hit 0, the system should automatically evaluate if you're eligible for an extension or need to file a new claim. If that process gets disrupted for ANY reason (verification issue, employer protest, technical glitch, etc.), you'll lose the ability to certify. What you need to do: 1. First priority is getting through to a live agent. The regular phone lines are absolutely swamped and you'll waste days trying. Use claimyr.com - it's a service that dials repeatedly for you and connects when an agent answers. Many of my clients have used it successfully. 2. When you talk to an agent, specifically ask them to check for: - Any flags or holds on your account - Whether your identity verification is current - If your employer submitted any new information - The status of your extension processing 3. Request that they manually reactivate your ability to certify while they investigate. 4. Get a confirmation number or reference ID for your call. The good news is that once fixed, you should be able to certify for all the weeks you missed (backpay). Don't give up!

UPDATE (not OP): I had this same issue in December. After 3 weeks of trying, I finally got through and they told me my account was flagged for identity verification. Even though they never sent me any notice about it! Had to upload my ID and SS card to the portal, then wait another 2 weeks. System is completely broken.

check ur email spam folder! sometimes they send notices there that get filtered. happened to me and i almost missed a deadline to submit docs.

anybody else notice that these problems ALWAYS happen right when rent is due? like clockwork every month something goes wrong with NY unemployment right when people need money the most. almost feels intentional tbh

Have you tried going to one of the actual unemployment offices in person? Sometimes that's the only way to get help with complex issues.

try calling exactly at 7:30am when they open. that's when i finally got through after trying for weeks. might take a few attempts but way better than calling midday.