Do I need to create an ID.me account for NY unemployment claims in 2025?

Yes, you definitely need to create an ID.me account now. NY unemployment requires it for identity verification before you can access your benefits. It's been mandatory since late 2024 for all new claims. The process takes about 15-20 minutes where you'll need to upload your ID (driver's license or passport), take a selfie video, and verify your SSN. Make sure you have good lighting for the facial recognition part - that's where most people run into issues.

yep its required now. i did mine last month. not a big deal just have ur drivers license ready and they make u take a selfie. whole thing took like 10 mins tops

I HATE this ID.me garbage!!! Had to do it last month and it took me FOUR TRIES to get through the verification. First my internet connection was too slow, then my license was "unreadable" (it was PERFECTLY clear), then the facial recognition kept failing!!! The whole thing is a JOKE and just another way to make it harder to get benefits we DESERVE!! The whole ID.me system is probably just collecting our data to sell!!!!

I created mine back in January when I had a partial unemployment claim. The website is kinda glitchy but once you get through it works fine. Just wondering - did anyone have to wait a long time after the ID.me verification before your account was actually approved? Mine took almost a week before I could access my benefits dashboard.

After trying to reach the NY unemployment office for THREE DAYS with no luck (always busy signals or disconnections), I used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that ID.me is absolutely required now - no exceptions - and walked me through the process. If you're having trouble with ID.me or need immediate help, check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE or go to claimyr.com. Seriously saved me hours of frustration.

To answer your original question: Yes, ID.me is mandatory for all NY unemployment claims in 2025. The system was implemented to reduce fraud and streamline verification. Here are some tips for a smooth ID.me setup: 1. Use a desktop/laptop rather than a mobile device 2. Have your government ID and Social Security card ready 3. Complete the process in a well-lit area with minimal background noise 4. Use a secure, private internet connection 5. Allow camera and microphone permissions if prompted Once verified, your ID.me account links directly to your NY unemployment profile. If you're concerned about privacy, ID.me is FedRAMP certified and complies with NIST digital identity guidelines, meaning they maintain strict data security standards.

My sister works at the DOL call center and she said they get SO many calls about ID.me issues. She recommends using Chrome browser and making sure your webcam is working properly before starting. Also don't try to rush through it - take your time and read each step carefully.

Update: I went ahead and created the ID.me account today. It wasn't as bad as I expected! Took about 15 minutes total. The facial recognition worked on the second try. Now I'm just waiting for it to link to my unemployment account. Thanks everyone for the help and advice!