Has anyone done the mandatory ny unemployment virtual review appointment?

I had one of these back in January. It's not as scary as it sounds. Basically they go through your work search efforts, make sure you're applying to enough jobs each week, and they might give you some career advice. Mine only lasted about 45 minutes, not the full 90. Just make sure you have your work search records updated before the call. They didn't grill me too hard, just asked what types of jobs I've been applying for and if I've had any interviews.

After 2 months of trying to reach someone at ny unemployment, I tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me a callback from an actual agent within an hour! Talking to a real person finally resolved my issues and I got my payments released. Best decision I made during this whole unemployment nightmare. They have a video showing how it works too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Had mine last week. Honestly it was a waste of time - they just went through a script asking about my job search and giving generic advice. But you DEFINITELY need to do it or they'll cut off your benefits. Find someplace with good reception for the call if your service is spotty.

Make sure you have your work search records UP TO DATE! I had my appointment back in December and they literally went through every week asking what specific jobs I applied to, what websites I used, if I had any interviews, etc. Have all that info ready or you might have problems. I know someone who got their benefits paused because they couldn't provide enough details about their work search efforts.

Look I've been through the NY unemployment system multiple times over the years. These appointments are just their way of checking that you're not sitting on your ass collecting free money. Make sure you can prove you're looking for work (minimum 3 job applications per week), be polite, and you'll be fine. They're not trying to trick you or cut you off - they just need to tick their boxes.

If youre worried about your cell service, try going to your local library for the call. Most have free wifi and you could use a wifi calling app. Thats what I did for my ID.me verification when my home internet went out the day of my appointment 🤦‍♀️

I literally had this exact call yesterday. It's mostly about makng sure your still eligable and checking in on your job search. The lady I talked to was actually really nice and helpful. She even gave me some job leads for my field! Don't stress about it too much it's pretty routine.

Pro tip: Download the JobZone app and update all your info BEFORE the call. They'll ask you about it and it looks good if youve already been using it. Also, they didn't call me until almost 2 hours after my scheduled time, so don't panic if they're late.

If you're having connection issues, here's what I recommend for your virtual appointment with unemployment: 1. Find a location with reliable service (library, coffee shop, friend's house with wifi) 2. Have a backup phone ready if possible (borrow one if needed) 3. Make sure your JobZone profile is 100% complete with an updated resume 4. Keep detailed notes of every job you've applied to (company name, position, date, how you applied) 5. Be ready to explain any gaps in your work search (like if you were sick for a week) 6. If you do lose connection, immediately email the contact they provided to explain I work in HR and deal with the unemployment system regularly. These appointments are standard procedure and if you're genuinely looking for work, you have nothing to worry about. If you need more reliable calling options, check out claimyr.com - they can help ensure you maintain connection with NYSDOL agents. Remember: this is just a checkbox exercise for them, but they do have the power to pause benefits if you seem uncooperative.

Whatever u do DONT MISS THIS APPOINTMENT!! My roommate missed hers and they cut off her benefits for THREE WEEKS until she could get rescheduled. The system is brutal rn.

honestly these appointments are just compliance theater. the ny unemployment system is so overwhelmed they're just going thru the motions. as long as u have some jobs u applied for to talk about you'll be fine

Quick tip since you mentioned connection issues: if the call drops, IMMEDIATELY call back the number they called from and explain what happened. I had my call drop mid-appointment and freaked out, but I called right back and got reconnected with the same person. They're understanding about technical difficulties as long as you make an effort to fix it.

I think these appointments are just their way of making sure people are actually looking for work and not just collecting free $$$. Like others have said, just make sure your job search records are up to date and be honest. Don't make up fake job applications - they sometimes actually verify!

Don't overthink it. I had my call in February. The person was friendly and it only took 40 minutes. Make sure your JobZone account is updated, have applied to at least 3 jobs every week (more is better), and you'll be fine. They might even help you find some job opportunities.

Wait did they specifically say it was going to be a phone call? My letter said virtual and I assumed it was going to be on Zoom or something. Now I'm confused about my upcoming appointment!

They're doing these calls to clean up the unemployment rolls. NY is trying to get their numbers down because the system is still dealing with aftermath of the pandemic overflow. Stupid bureaucracy but what else is new 🙄

After my appointment the agent told me they're required to schedule these for everyone on UI for more than 4 weeks. It's a federal requirement, not just a NY thing. They have quotas to meet for how many people they 'help' with job searches.

NY unemployment system has been a nightmare since forever. I couldn't even get anyone on the phone for weeks until I found claimyr.com which got me through to an agent right away. For your appointment, just be straight with them about your job search and you'll be fine.

FYI these appointments are partly to verify you're not committing fraud. They may ask verification questions about your previous employment and why you left. Be truthful. A friend of mine got caught in a lie during one of these and it caused major problems with her claim.