Got rejected for ny unemployment over wage requirements - trying to backdate my claim now

Ugh, ik exactly what your going through. Same thing happened to me back in February. I had to backdate my claim to November 2022 cause I didn't have enough wages in the base period. Took about 3 weeks to get approved and another week to actually start getting payments. Make sure you keep certifying every week even while waiting for the backdating decision!

After spending days trying to reach someone at ny unemployment with no luck, I tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got me connected to a rep in about 30 mins. Talking to the agent directly got my backdating issue resolved so much faster - definitely worth it since I was able to get my payments unlocked quickly instead of waiting for email responses. Check out this video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

YES I went thru this exact nightmare last year!! The trick is to call them after you submit the backdate request. Don't just wait for them to process it or it'll take FOREVER. Call every day if you have to. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these people. Also make sure you have documentation of when you originally tried to apply - that helped my case.

Make sure you're very clear about WHY you need the backdating. They're super picky right now and rejecting a lot of requests. When I did my backdating request, I had to provide proof that I attempted to file earlier (screenshots of errors, emails, etc). If you don't have documentation they might deny it.

So here's the deal with backdating and wage requirements in NY unemployment - it's all about the "base period" vs "alternate base period". The quarter you apply in matters A LOT. The standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you applied. But if you don't qualify under that, they should automatically check the alternate base period (the last 4 completed quarters). Sounds like they didn't do this for you automatically which is a common mistake. By backdating to April, you're essentially changing which quarters count for your wage calculation. The current backlog for processing backdating requests is about 4-6 weeks. While you wait: 1. Keep certifying every single week 2. Try reaching a rep directly to expedite (use claimyr.com if you're tired of waiting on hold for hours) 3. Write down exactly which quarters you worked and how much you earned to have ready 4. Check your online account daily for updates The good news is that if approved, you'll get a lump sum payment for all those weeks. The bad news is the waiting is brutal. Hang in there!

i had to backdate almost 5 months and it took FOREVER. the system is so broken rn. keep calling and askin for updates, dont just wait around

They told me the same thing back in September but then denied my backdate request!! Be prepared to appeal if they deny yours. The whole system is designed to make you give up.

Calling is useless, emailing is useless..I was stuck in backdate hell for 2 months. Finally broke down and used claimyr.com to get a callback. The agent fixed everything in ONE CALL. Not even kidding. Sometimes you just need to talk to the right person.

THIS IS WHY YOU APPLY THE MINUTE YOU BECOME UNEMPLOYED!!!! The quarter system screws so many people who wait to apply!!!!

Have you tried contacting your state senator's office? I was stuck in backdating limbo for weeks until I reached out to my state rep. Their office has direct contacts at DOL and got my issue fixed in 3 days.

Backdating is a nightmare rn because of all the fraud cases they're dealing with. They're scrutinizing every request super carefully. Make sure your work history is crystal clear when you talk to them, and be ready to explain exactly why you need the backdating.

FYI - if your backdate request is approved, you'll need to retroactively certify for all those past weeks. They'll give you a limited window to do this (usually 1-2 weeks). DON'T MISS THAT WINDOW or you'll have to start the whole process over again!! Ask me how I know... 😭

Been there done that got the t-shirt. I spent 7 MONTHS fighting with ny unemployment over a similar issue. Got told different things by different reps every time I called. Finally just filed a new claim altogether when a new quarter started. The whole system is a joke.

Try reaching out on Twitter too. Sounds weird but I @ mentioned NYSDOL in a tweet about my backdating issue and someone from their social media team actually helped escalate my case. Worth a shot if everything else fails.