Denied NY unemployment because my long name doesn't fit in their system - help!

I had a similar issue with my hyphenated last name back in 2024. What you need to do is file an appeal immediately (you have 30 days from the denial date). On the appeal form, explicitly state that the denial is due to a technical limitation in their system, not because of any error on your part. In the meantime, call the NYSDOL and ask to speak with a supervisor who can manually verify your identity. Be prepared to provide additional documentation like your marriage certificate, social security card, and both your driver's license and passport if you have one. They actually have an internal process for handling name discrepancies like this, but frontline staff aren't always trained on it. Request that they make a note in your file about the name length issue.

ugh the NYS unemployment system is THE WORST with names!!! i have a hyphenated last name and they ALWAYS mess it up. have u tried putting just part of ur last name in the system? sometimes that works

Dealing with name issues through NYSDOL can be incredibly frustrating. Here's what you need to do: 1. File an official appeal using form T402 - Claimant Request for Hearing. You can download it from the NYSDOL website or request it by mail. Submit it within 30 days of your denial notice. 2. Include copies (not originals) of: your social security card, marriage certificate, driver's license, and any other government ID you have. 3. Write a detailed explanation of the character limit issue in both their system and the DMV system. 4. Request a reasonable accommodation under state administrative procedure law, specifically citing that their system limitations should not prevent you from receiving benefits you're otherwise qualified for. In my experience working with clients facing similar issues, you'll need to get past the automated systems and speak with an actual claims specialist who can manually override the system limitations. The appeal process will get you there, but it might take 3-4 weeks to schedule your hearing.

I was in almost your exact situation but with a different twist - I'm from Puerto Rico and my two last names wouldn't fit in their system either. The trick is getting through to an actual human at NYSDOL who can help. After being unable to reach anyone for over a week, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an unemployment agent. They got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days with no luck. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through to an actual agent, they manually verified my identity and overrode the system. They told me this is actually a common issue they have a procedure for, but you HAVE to talk to the right person. My claim was approved within 48 hours after that call.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY PEOPLE!!! i swear they do this on purpose with all these stupid technical problems. my cousin's wife got denied for a similar reason and ended up having to go to her local assembly person's office to get help. try contacting your state rep - sometimes they can cut through the red tape faster than you can alone.

I'm going through something similar right now! My issue is that I go by my middle name, but my SSN has my first name. What I found is that there's a special phone line for identity verification issues: (888) 783-1370. You have to call right when they open at 8:00am to have any chance of getting through. Also, when you do get through, ask them to note in your file that you need a "name field exception" - that's the actual term they use internally for these situations. The regular agents might not know about it, so you might need to ask for a supervisor or identity verification specialist.

wait did ur employer officially lay you off or just close temporarily? cuz that affects if ur eligible 4 unemployment. my roomate works at a seasonal restaurant that closes every winter and she can get unemployment during that time, but only because they actually lay her off and then rehire her when they reopen.

Quick update on your appeal rights: Make sure to check your denial letter for the exact deadline to appeal. While it's typically 30 days, sometimes it can be shorter. Also, when filing your appeal, use the exact wording "Request for Reconsideration due to System Limitation" in your subject line. And yes, as others mentioned, trying to speak directly with an agent is crucial. The standard wait times right now are 2-3 hours on the main line, and many people report getting disconnected after waiting that long.

my friend had trouble with her name too but different reason, she got married and changed it. what worked for her was going to the local DOL office in person! they have computers there and staff who can help you fill everything out right there. better than dealing with phone calls IMO

Update on my situation that I mentioned earlier: After getting through to an agent using Claimyr, they helped me file what's called a "Request for Reconsideration Based on Technical Limitation." The agent actually told me they have a specific internal code for name-length issues (Code 117-N if that helps). They approved my claim within 48 hours after verifying my identity documents, and I even got retroactive payments for the weeks I was trying to sort this out. So it is definitely possible to get this fixed!

One more thing - if you're still struggling after trying these approaches, New York State has a Claimant Advocate Office that can help with complex cases. They're specifically there to help when you're running into bureaucratic walls. Their number is (855) 528-5618. They won't be able to approve your claim directly, but they can guide you through the appeal process and sometimes expedite cases where there are clear system limitations at play.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what worked! I tried the identity verification line with no luck, but then used Claimyr as suggested and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes. When I mentioned Code 117-N and asked for a "name field exception" the agent immediately knew what I was talking about! They took down all my information and verified my identity with my marriage certificate and social security card (I had to email photos of them). They put a note in my file and told me they would reprocess my claim. Got an approval email this morning! Thank you all so much for your help. This group literally saved me from having to go 3 months without income!