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Fatima Al-Suwaidi

Can't login to certify UI benefits after changing phone number - HELP!

Hey everyone, I'm having trouble logging in to certify for my unemployment benefits. I recently changed my phone number and now I can't seem to access my account. Has anyone else run into this issue? Any advice on how to fix it?

Ugh, I feel your pain! The system is such a mess. Have you tried calling the unemployment office? It's a nightmare to get through, but sometimes that's the only way to fix these things.

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Yeah, I've been trying to call all morning but keep getting a busy signal. It's so frustrating!

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Pro tip: call right when they open. Like, set an alarm and everything. Sometimes you can get through if youre one of the first callers of the day.

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Or try calling at weird times, like during lunch or right before they close. Ive had luck with that before 🤞

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I had a similar issue last month. Here's what worked for me: 1. Go to the unemployment website and click on 'Forgot Password' 2. Use your old phone number to request a password reset 3. Once you're in, immediately update your contact info 4. Log out and log back in to make sure everything sticks Hope this helps! Let me know if you need any more details.

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Thank you so much! I'll give this a try right now and report back.

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This is solid advice. Worked for me too when I changed my email. The system is kinda wonky but this method seems to bypass some of the issues.

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have you tried turning it off and on again? 🤣 jk jk... but seriously, sometimes clearing your browser cache and cookies can help with login issues. worth a shot!

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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 explaining it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?

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20 bucks? Thats highway robbery! The goverment should make it easier to reach them without having to pay extra 😤

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I get the skepticism, but it honestly saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imho. And yeah, the system should be better, but until it is, this is a solid workaround.

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Oof, changed numbers? Rookie mistake my friend. Always update your contact info BEFORE making any changes. Now youre in for a world of bureaucratic fun 🎢

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Yeah, I realize that now. Lesson learned the hard way I guess 😅

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Have you checked if theres any system maintenance going on? Sometimes they do updates and it messes with logins. Might be worth waiting a day or two to see if it resolves itself.

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Hey Fatima! I went through this exact same thing a few months ago. Here's what finally worked for me: try using the "Account Recovery" option instead of just "Forgot Password." It's usually a separate link on the login page. You'll need to provide your SSN and answer some security questions, but it should let you update your phone number without needing access to the old one. Also, make sure you're using the exact same browser you originally set up your account with - the system sometimes gets picky about that. Good luck, and don't give up! 🤞

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This is really helpful advice! I'm actually dealing with a similar issue right now and was getting nowhere with just the password reset. I didn't even know there was a separate "Account Recovery" option - definitely going to try that. Thanks for the browser tip too, that's something I wouldn't have thought of! @b32aa47aa7e1 hope this works for you too!

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I had this exact same problem a few weeks ago! What ended up working for me was going to a local Department of Labor office in person with my ID and proof of address. I know it's a pain, but the staff there were able to update my phone number directly in the system and reset my login credentials on the spot. It took about an hour total (including wait time), but I was able to certify that same day. If you can't get through on the phone or the online options don't work, this might be your best bet. Just call ahead to make sure they're open and ask what documents you need to bring!

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This is such great advice! I was hesitant about going in person because I thought it would take forever, but an hour total sounds totally manageable. Do you remember which documents they asked for besides ID and proof of address? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I make the trip. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's giving me hope that there's actually a solution to this mess! 😊

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Going in person is definitely the way to go when you're stuck! I had a similar phone number issue last year and the online system was a nightmare. The local office staff are usually really helpful with these account problems. @9c0372ccdf4b do you remember if they needed any specific unemployment documents too, or was the ID and address proof enough? I'm dealing with a different login issue but thinking this might be my best option as well.

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I actually just went through this nightmare myself! Here's what ended up working after trying everything else: I had to call the technical support line (not the regular unemployment line) at 518-457-9000. They have a separate department that handles login and account access issues. When you call, press 3 for technical support, then 2 for account access problems. The wait time was still pretty long (about 45 minutes), but they were able to verify my identity over the phone and manually update my phone number in the system. They sent me a temporary login code to my new number right away. The key is being super specific about it being a phone number change issue - don't just say "can't login" or they'll transfer you to the wrong department. Hope this helps and saves you some time! 🙏

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This is exactly what I needed to hear! I've been banging my head against the wall trying to get through the main line all week. I had no idea there was a separate technical support number - that's such a game changer! The specific menu options you provided are super helpful too. I'm definitely going to try this first thing tomorrow morning. Really appreciate you taking the time to share the exact steps and phone tree navigation. Fingers crossed this finally gets me back into my account! 🤞

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I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the phone options, another thing that worked for my cousin was using the "Contact Us" form on the NY DOL website. It's under the "Get Help" section. She explained her phone number change issue in detail and included her SSN and old phone number in the message. They actually responded within 3 business days (which is pretty fast for government stuff) and sent her instructions to verify her identity and update her contact info. Not as fast as calling, but it's another option if you're getting nowhere with the phone lines. Just make sure to be super detailed about your situation and include all your identifying info so they can help you right away. Good luck getting this sorted out! 💪

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This is really helpful! I didn't even think about using the contact form - sometimes the online options get overlooked when everyone's focused on calling. 3 business days is actually pretty reasonable compared to some of the wait times I've been hearing about. @6aa7a6feb364 do you know if your cousin had to provide any additional documentation after they responded, or was the SSN and old phone number info enough to get it resolved? I'm definitely going to try this route along with the technical support number that @1dc1fac72b82 mentioned. It's nice to have multiple options to try! Thanks for sharing this tip!

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I just went through this exact same headache last month! What finally worked for me was a combination of approaches. First, I tried the password reset with my old number like @61d990d64ed3 suggested, but that didn't work since I no longer had access to that phone. Then I found out about the "Account Recovery" option that @b9ced393b56c mentioned - that's KEY! It's separate from the regular password reset and lets you verify with your SSN and security questions instead of needing the old phone number. If that doesn't work, definitely try the technical support line at 518-457-9000 that @1dc1fac72b82 shared - press 3 then 2 for account access issues. Be very specific that it's a phone number change problem. I also had success with the online contact form as a backup plan. The most important thing is DON'T PANIC! I know it feels like you're going to miss your certification, but they can backdate it once you get access restored. I was stressed for nothing. You've got multiple good options here - one of them will definitely work! Keep us posted on what ends up working for you! 🙌

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