Can't reach NY unemployment since August - zero benefits received despite daily applications

I had a similar issue back in September. The system is totally overwhelmed right now. When you got that message saying you're out of benefits, did it specifically mention your benefit year ending? Sometimes that message appears when your benefit year expires, even if you haven't collected all weeks. You need to file a new claim if your benefit year ended.

the same thing happnd to me! system is garbage tbh. try going on at like 3am, thats when i finally got thru the website without it crashing

There are a few issues that could be happening here: 1. System glitch showing you've used 26 weeks when you haven't - this happens more than you'd think 2. Your benefit year could have expired (they last 52 weeks from initial filing) 3. Your claim might be stuck in pending status due to an identity verification issue 4. There could be an employer protest/contesting your claim First, check if your claim is still within the benefit year. Log in, go to "Payment History" and look for "Benefit Year Ending (BYE) Date." If that date has passed, you need to file a new claim. If your benefit year is still active, you likely have an unresolved issue on your claim. Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this is to speak with a claims specialist directly. Have you tried calling right when they open at 8:00 AM?

After months of frustration trying to get through on the phones, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real NY unemployment agent in about 20 minutes. Basically saved my sanity after weeks of trying to call myself. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent was able to see that my claim had a flag on it for identity verification that I didn't even know about. Got it sorted in one call. Worth considering if you're desperate like I was.

you said you put in where you apply every day. are you actually applying to at least 3 jobs per week? because that's the minimum requirement. and you gotta keep a detailed record in case they audit you. also you need to do different types of work search activities. not just applications.

The NY unemployment system is DESIGNED TO FAIL!! Wake up people!! They WANT you to give up so they don't have to pay!! I went through this exact nightmare for THREE MONTHS in the spring. Every time I called I got different answers - first it was "just wait", then it was "oh there's a problem with your ID", then "your previous employer didn't respond", then back to "just wait"! THEY ARE PLAYING GAMES WITH OUR LIVES!!! The ONLY way I finally got paid was by contacting my state assembly person's office. Email them, call them, be persistent. They have special contacts at DOL who can actually fix things. The regular phone lines are USELESS!!!

One important thing to check - log into your NY.gov account and make sure all your correspondence is up to date. Sometimes they send you messages requiring action, but the system doesn't notify you properly. Click on "Messages" and make sure you haven't missed anything requiring a response. Also, double-check that your bank account information is entered correctly. I've seen cases where people weren't getting paid because there was a typo in their direct deposit info. Lastly, regarding that message about exhausting 26 weeks - sometimes this happens if you had a previous claim in the last few years that used up benefits. The system might be incorrectly linking to an old claim. This definitely requires speaking with a representative to sort out.

Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like there's definitely some kind of system glitch or flag on your account that only a claims specialist can resolve. At this point, you have a few options: 1. Keep trying to call early in the morning (7:55 AM, right before they open) 2. Try the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above 3. Contact your state assembly person as suggested 4. Reach out to them through social media - sometimes the NYSDOL Twitter account responds to DMs Personally, I'd try options 2 and 3 simultaneously. The assembly person route is free but might take a bit longer, while the phone service could get you immediate answers. When you do finally reach someone, make sure to get their name and a reference number for the call. And don't accept vague answers - ask specifically what's holding up your claim and what steps YOU need to take to resolve it.

wait are we supposed to be applying to jobs every day?? i thought it was just 3 per week? now im worried

UPDATE: I finally got through!!! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned, and I was connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. Turns out there was an identity verification flag on my account from when I first applied back in May. The agent was able to clear it and release all my payments! They should be in my account within 3 business days. The agent also explained that weird message about exhausting benefits - apparently there was a glitch in the system that was showing an old claim from someone else with a similar name!!! Can you believe that?? So glad I finally got this sorted out. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!!