Can't reach NY unemployment after ID.me verification - anyone get called back?

Same boat here! I did the ID.me verification 2 weeks ago and they also told me 5-7 business days. Day 12 now and still nothing. My application is stuck in limbo too. This is so frustrating because I can't even check my claim status online. I don't understand why they make this process so difficult when people are already stressed about losing their jobs.

I went through this last month. They are EXTREMELY backed up right now due to the new verification requirements. It took them 15 business days to call me back, not the 5-7 they promise. But they did eventually call! The number came up as unknown or blocked, so make sure you're answering those calls. One tip: call exactly at 8:00am when their phone lines open. That's how I finally got through to someone who could at least confirm my verification was in the queue.

maybe try contacting your state rep? my cousin had same issue and his assembly person got it fixed in 3 days. worth a shot

I waited for TWO MONTHS after my ID.me verification!!! The system is completely BROKEN. I kept calling and calling. No one ever called me back. I finally got through after 67 attempts in one day. That's not an exaggeration - I literally kept a tally. The NY unemployment system is a JOKE and they don't care about regular people struggling to pay bills!!!

I had this exact problem and found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. I was skeptical at first, but it really worked - they hold your place in line and call you when they have an agent on the phone. Saved me days of frustration. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE or just go to claimyr.com

Make sure you keep checking your email (including spam/junk folders) and voicemail! I was expecting a phone call, but they actually emailed me a link to complete the next steps of my application after my ID.me verification was approved. I almost missed it because it went to my spam folder with a subject line that didn't even mention unemployment.

As someone who worked with the unemployment system previously, here's what you need to know about the current ID.me verification process: 1. The official timeframe is 5-7 business days, but current actual processing time is 10-15 business days due to volume. 2. Make sure you've completed BOTH parts of the verification: the ID.me portion AND the NYSDOL follow-up verification (they're separate systems). 3. While waiting, continue to claim weekly benefits via phone (call 888-581-5812) even if your online account doesn't work. 4. If it's been more than 15 business days, you should contact the dedicated ID verification helpline at 888-209-8124 and press options 1, then 6, then 1 again. This bypasses the general queue. 5. All payments will be backdated to your original filing date once verification is complete, so you won't lose any eligible benefits.

UPDATE: They finally called me back today (16 business days after ID.me verification). The agent was actually very helpful and got everything sorted out in about 20 minutes. She said they're experiencing a 300% increase in verification requests compared to December. Just wanted to give you some hope that they do eventually call!

UPDATE FOR EVERYONE: I finally got through this morning! I took several of your suggestions: 1. Called right at 8:00am 2. Used the specific number and menu options that were suggested (888-209-8124, press 1, 6, 1) 3. Had all my information ready The agent confirmed my ID.me verification was completed but stuck in their system. She manually approved it and pushed my application forward. She said I should receive my first payment within 3 business days, including all the backdated weeks. Thank you all for your help and advice! This community has been amazing.