Got both denial and approval letters for ny unemployment - what's going on?

The NY unemployment system is a total mess right now. I got the exact same contradictory messages last summer - denial letter followed by payment info. Turns out I was approved but they automatically send denial letters for certain weeks where eligibility is in question. The appointment is usually a good sign tho - they dont schedule those unless your claim is at least partially valid.

After dealing with the same runaround for 3 weeks, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual human at unemployment. Went to claimyr.com, they kept calling and then connected me directly to an agent when they finally got through. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I work in HR and have helped employees navigate unemployment stuff. Here's what's probably happening: the denial letter was for a specific week or reason, not your entire claim. The appointment is standard for everyone who's been approved. They just review your eligibility requirements and make sure you understand how to document your work searches correctly.

This literally happened to me 2 months ago! The denial letter was for the first week (waiting week) but I was approved for everything after that. Check your online portal if you can - sometimes it shows more detailed status info than what they mail you.

Pro tip for dealing with NY unemployment: call EXACTLY at 8:00am when they open. Don't call 8:01, call at 8:00:00. That's the only time I've ever gotten through without waiting hours. Also, try the callback option if it's available in your region - much better than sitting on hold forever.

The appointment thing is normal for everyone. I had mine last month and it was actually helpful. The rep explained that my denial was just for a specific issue they needed to confirm (I had vacation pay they needed to account for), but my overall claim was valid. Bring all your paperwork and screenshots of any job applications you've submitted.

DOCUMENT 👏 EVERYTHING 👏 Seriously, take screenshots of every communication, note the time/date of every call, keep copies of EVERYTHING they send you. NY unemployment has "lost" my documents twice and I only got my benefits because I had proof of everything.

I finally reached someone at NY unemployment last week by calling my state senator's office. They have special contacts at unemployment and can escalate your case. Seriously - call your local rep's office and explain the situation. They helped me get through in 2 days after I spent weeks getting nowhere.

That appointment is usually just a formality. They go over the requirements for staying eligible - basically making sure you're looking for work and documenting it correctly. Nothing to stress about. The fact that you got one is actually a good sign because they don't schedule them for completely denied claims.

I know it sounds weird but try contacting them through Twitter DMs. I couldn't get through on the phone for WEEKS, sent one DM to their official account explaining my situation, and got a call back from a supervisor the next day. Apparently their social media team has different escalation protocols.

After 5 HOURS of trying to get through on the phone, I finally found success with claimyr.com - it's a service that keeps calling for you and then connects you when they reach a real person. It was the best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits paid quickly. Complete game changer.

Welcome to the wonderfully broken NY unemployment system! 🎉 The contradictory letters are practically a rite of passage at this point. My advice after dealing with this nightmare for months: attend the appointment, be super professional, have all your work search records organized, and don't mention the conflicting letters unless they do. Sometimes bringing it up just confuses them more lol.

Here's the comprehensive breakdown of what's happening based on my experience working with numerous unemployment cases: The initial denial letter is likely for a specific issue or timeframe, not your entire claim. The follow-up materials with payment information indicate that your overall claim has been at least partially approved. The appointment you received is standard procedure for approved claims - they call it a "mandatory career services appointment" and it serves several purposes: - Verifying your identity and claim details in person - Ensuring you understand the work search requirements (minimum of 3 activities per week) - Setting you up with JobZone resources - Addressing any specific issues with your claim You need to attend this appointment or your benefits could be suspended. Bring: - Photo ID - Social security card if you have it - Documentation of your work search activities - Copies of all correspondence you've received As for reaching someone before your appointment, standard phone methods are nearly impossible right now. I highly recommend trying claimyr.com - it's a service that automates the calling and holds for you, then connects you when a real person answers. Many of my clients have had success with it after weeks of failed attempts. Alternatively, contact your state assembly person or senator's office. They have dedicated staff who can escalate unemployment issues through special channels. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but navigable with the right approach!

sounds like you're in the same exact boat i was in last month! the denial letter was for the waiting week (first week of unemployment) which everyone gets denied for, but the rest of your claim is probably approved. stop stressing and just make sure you go to that appointment or they'll cut you off!

I swear the NY unemployment office intentionally sends confusing mixed messages just to mess with people. It's like their way of filtering out who's desperate enough to jump through all their ridiculous hoops. Been through this 3 times in my career and it never gets easier.

Make sure you're checking your email spam folder too! NY unemployment sent crucial info to my spam folder THREE TIMES and then penalized me for not responding. Their emails come from weird addresses that often get filtered.

omg i literally went thru this EXACT situation back in february!!! the letters are confusing AF but here's wat happened: the denial was for something specific (in my case it was cuz i had gotten severance) but the overall claim was approved. the appointment is standard - just a boring meeting where they make sure u know how to use the website and search for jobs. ur good fam, just keep certifying every week!

I gave up on calling after 2 weeks of trying and used claimyr.com instead. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. They basically keep calling the unemployment line for you and then connect you when they get through to a human. Total lifesaver when you're dealing with confusing letters like this!