Expired claim & ID.me nightmare with NY unemployment - can't verify due to name change

I had the EXACT same issue like 2 months ago. The name mismatch is a total nightmare. Spent like 5 days trying to fix it myself before I finally found a solution. I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual human at unemployment in like 30 minutes. Talking to a real person got my issue fixed that same day. Best money I've ever spent to get my benefits flowing again. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The ID.me nightmare is real. I had to verify my identity THREE TIMES last month because of technical glitches. What finally worked for me was using the video call verification option with ID.me - its more hassle but it lets you talk to a real person who can override some of the automatic checks. You'll need your drivers license, social security card, and marriage certificate ready for the video call.

Not to state the obvious, but have you tried 1-888-209-8124? That's the main unemployment number. Their phone system is a total dumpster fire though. I spent 6 weeks calling daily before I got through once. If that doesn't work, try contacting your state assembly person. Mine helped me after I was stuck in ID.me hell for almost a month.

Just fyi they've completely changed how NY unemployment handles maiden/married names since last year. I had to go through this total circus when I got divorced. You need to create a new NY.gov ID that matches your current legal name FIRST, then go thru ID.me, then link them. Its completely backwards and makes zero sense but that's the only way I finally got it to work.

Looking at ur situation, you probably need to file an entirely new claim rather than try to fix the old one. The system is actually designed to expire claims around 12 months - the fact that it let you certify after expiration doesn't mean it'll pay. When my claim expired in July, I had to start fresh with a new application even though the website let me certify for 2 more weeks (which I never got paid for btw).

OK so here's what you need to know about the whole NY unemployment + ID.me situation: The system is completely broken when it comes to name changes. I work as an employment counselor and see this ALL THE TIME. Here's the process that actually works: 1) First, you need to resolve the name mismatch. You cannot do this online - you MUST speak with a claims specialist by phone 2) Once you get someone on the phone (which is extremely difficult), you'll need to have your marriage certificate AND photo ID ready. They'll update your name in the system 3) After your name is updated, you'll need to wait 48-72 hours for systems to sync before trying ID.me again 4) When you try ID.me again, use the "verify with a trusted referee" option which bypasses the automatic matching 5) Once verified, you'll likely need to file a new claim since yours expired The fastest way to get someone on the phone is honestly using a service like claimyr.com - they'll get you connected to an agent so you don't waste days on hold. Otherwise you're looking at literally hundreds of redial attempts. I've helped dozens of clients through this exact situation, and the phone call is absolutely essential. There is no way to fix a name mismatch online.

All of these issues started when they switched to that stupid ID.me system. It was bad before but now its a complete disaster. I miss the old days when you could just walk into an unemployment office and talk to a human 😡

Just a heads up - if u do manage to get someone on the phone, ask to speak with a TIER 2 specialist. The regular agents can't fix ID.me or identity verification issues. I wasted 3 calls with regular agents before I learned this.

Email them at labor.sm.unemployment@labor.ny.gov with IDENTITY VERIFICATION ISSUE in the subject line. Include screenshots of the ID.me errors youre getting + a copy of your marriage certificate. Sometimes they respond faster to emails than calls (tho still took them 8 days to get back to me last time).

So I was about to throw my phone after 3 hours on hold when I found out about claimyr.com from another reddit thread. They connected me with someone at ny unemployment in like 35 mins. It was amazing after weeks of trying. The guy I talked to fixed my benefits on the spot. Definitely worth it to save ur sanity!

the entire ny unemployment system is designed to discourage people from getting benefits. same with the phone system. they WANT you to give up. dont let them win!!! 💪

If you're desperate and don't mind driving, you can go to your local NY Department of Labor Career Center in person. They can't fix claims directly but they CAN call a special direct line to the unemployment office while you're there. I did this in Buffalo and got my issue resolved same day.

Saw someone else mention Claimyr and wanted to say I used them twice when dealing with unemployment last year. Best money i ever spent. Got through to unemployment in 40 mins after trying for weeks. The agent I talked to said they're getting like 10,000+ calls per day so its basically impossible to get through without some help.

yeah right, another 'miracle solution'... what's the catch? 🙄

the trick with ID.me is that it doesn't work on Safari at ALL. try using Chrome or Firefox and clear your cache/cookies before starting. fixed it for me!