Got paper check instead of direct deposit for NY unemployment with confusing payment history from 2020-2021 showing random transactions - anyone else's payment method switched?

Same exact thing happened to me! I specifically chose direct deposit and triple checked my bank info. My payment was released on 7/28 but after nothing showed up in my account for 3 weeks I was getting desperate. Then randomly got a paper check yesterday. Glad to have the money but seriously wtf is wrong with their system?

After 6 weeks of getting NOTHING from ny unemployment I finally broke down and used claimyr.com to get through to a real person. Best decision ever - got a callback with an actual agent within 2 hours who fixed everything on my account. My direct deposit actually worked and money was in my account next day. Sharing a video that helped me understand how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Are we in 1995?? Why are they sending paper checks when direct deposit exists??? My check came 10 DAYS after the release date even though I set up direct deposit from day 1. The system is completely broken.

Hate to be that person but check your payment method again. Sometimes after certifying for multiple weeks the system randomly switches back to paper check. Happened to me twice and I had to go back in and re-select direct deposit. The UI system runs on computers from the stone age I swear.

Looking at those payment history transactions - the negative amounts are when they take money back that they shouldn't have paid you. The positives are payments to you. The $0 ones are usually just system balancing entries. It's confusing as heck but that's how their ancient system works.

The EXACT same thing happened to my husband! He set up direct deposit but got a paper check last week. Called the automated system and it said his payment method was paper check even though online it still showed direct deposit. The systems don't talk to each other or something 🤬

Someone told me they automatically switch to paper checks if there's any kind of issue with verification. Like if they can't 100% verify your identity or bank account, they default to paper check even if you selected direct deposit. Not sure if it's true but might explain it?

I work with NY unemployment claims (not for DOL) and can tell you this is a known issue in their system. When they have a backlog of payments, sometimes they mass-process them and override payment preferences. They'd rather get money out via check than have more delays with direct deposit verification. Those transaction records look normal - the negative amounts are system adjustments, not money being taken away from you. The dates often don't match actual processing dates. If you need to reach someone directly about payment issues, your best bet is to use claimyr.com - it's the most reliable way to get through to an actual agent who can explain what happened with your specific claim. Just be prepared with your case details when they connect you. And yes, the system is ridiculously outdated. They've been "upgrading" it for years but progress is glacial.

yep welcome to ny unemployment where nothing makes sense and the rules are made up 🤡 got a paper check 3 weeks after my release date even tho i set up direct deposit. system is a joke.

The same happened to me! Put my direct deposit info in THREE TIMES and still got a paper check! Called and the rep said something about "payment routing issues" and that some batches of payments were automatically switched to paper checks due to "system maintenance" 🙄

Tip: If you get a paper check but want direct deposit for future payments, log in and RE-ENTER your direct deposit info even if it shows it's already there. Sometimes the system needs a "refresh" to actually use the info that's already in there. It's stupid but it works.

I went thru this last month. Turns out when they do a retroactive payment or backpay, they often default to paper check for "security reasons" even if you have direct deposit set up. Regular weekly payments should still go to your bank account.

wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just the usual BS that never works? so tired of false promises with getting through to unemployment...

Check the check carefully - my friend got a paper check instead of direct deposit and it turned out to be for a different amount than what showed online. The system had recalculated his benefit but the website wasn't updated yet.

anyone else notice how the payment history makes ZERO sense? My account shows random negative amounts too. One agent told me it's just how their accounting system works - the negatives aren't actually taking money from you, it's just their weird way of tracking adjustments.

So I was about to throw my phone after 4 hours on hold with ny unemployment when my buddy told me about claimyr.com. Complete game changer - got a call back with an actual agent on the line within the hour. Explained my direct deposit issue and they fixed it right there. My next payment went straight to my bank account like it was supposed to.