Having a nightmare with ny unemployment ID verification - help!

I feel your pain. IDme is the WORST. I had to try like 8 different times before it finally worked. Make sure you're in super bright lighting (like painful to your eyes bright) and hold the camera completely still. For me, what finally worked was using my laptop instead of my phone camera.

After wasting days trying to get thru the IDme process, I found a service called claimyr.com that actually got me connected to a live NY unemployment agent who fixed my verification issues right away. It was worth every penny since talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. They just call for you and connect you when an agent picks up. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

IDme is just a trash system. NY unemployment office knows it sucks but they don't care. I had to do a video call verification with them after failing the automated stuff 5 times. You can request that option through their help center. Takes forever to get an appointment tho.

You actually CAN mail documents in! I had to do this after my phone broke mid-verification. You need to send: 1) Copy of your state ID/license (both sides) 2) Copy of your social security card 3) A utility bill with your name/address 4) A signed letter with your claim ID explaining that you couldn't complete online verification. Mail to: NYS Department of Labor PO Box 15130 Albany, NY 12212-5130 Mark the envelope "ATTENTION: IDENTITY VERIFICATION" It took about 3-4 weeks to process mine this way, so it's definitely not faster than online.

I work in IT and IDme is known to have compatability issues with certain browsers and devices. Try these troubleshooting steps: 1. Clear your browser cache completely 2. Try a different browser (Chrome tends to work best with IDme) 3. Disable any VPN or adblockers 4. Make sure your camera is clean (sounds obvious but makes a huge difference) 5. Take pics against a plain white wall 6. Make sure you're using the most updated version of whatever browser you choose If all that fails, you can request a video verification call through their support portal, but be prepared to wait 1-2 weeks for an appointment.

I legit gave up on IDme and went to my local NY unemployment office in person. Brought all my docs and they sorted it out same day. Not sure where you're located but if you're near an office, it's worth the trip to avoid all this online BS.

Look at all these comments talking about "solutions" when the real problem is how NY unemployment deliberately makes verification difficult to reduce their payouts. The whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up. 👀

Listen everybody saying IDme sucks is RIGHT, but there's a secret tip nobody's mentioning. When you get to the verification screen, click the small "need help" link at the bottom, then select "start a video call". You'll get connected to a REAL PERSON who can verify you right then and there. Only took me 40 minutes in the queue instead of endless failed attempts.

I couldn't figure out the IDme mess either and was about to lose my mind. After a week of getting nowhere, I used claimyr.com to connect with an actual NY unemployment rep. They fixed my identity verification issues over the phone in about 10 minutes once I finally got through. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent after days of trying to call myself. Here's what the agent told me: - Sometimes accounts get flagged for manual verification regardless of what you upload - They can override the IDme requirement in certain cases - Some documents are better than others (passport works better than driver's license) - If your account is flagged for possible fraud, only a human agent can clear it Seriously, save yourself the headache and just get to a real person who can help. Once I had an agent on the phone, the problem was fixed almost immediately.

IDme is such garbage 🤮 I ended up having to use my sisters phone, my laptop, AND have her take the pictures for me before it would accept anything. NY unemployment needs to find a better system!

ProTip: after you upload ur ID, DONT move to the selfie part right away. close the window and come back in like an hour. gives their system time to process the ID first. worked for me after like 20 failed attempts doing it all at once.

Mailing in docs is possible but SLOW. Took them 5 weeks to process mine and I still had to call multiple times to check status. If you absolutely can't get IDme to work, then sure, mail stuff in, but it should be your last resort. If your rent is due next week, mailing won't solve your immediate problem.

Sorry you're going through this. The NY unemployment system is completely broken. After my identity was stolen last year, I've had to jump through endless hoops proving I am who I say I am. For IDme specifically, here's what fixed it for me: Take pictures in natural daylight (not lamp light), use the desktop site (not mobile), and have your other documents ready (birth certificate, social, passport if you have it).

Another vote for claimyr.com here 🙋‍♀️ After struggling with the NY unemployment phone system for literally weeks, I used them and got connected to an agent in about 45 minutes. The agent was able to push my IDme verification through manually. Best decision I made throughout this whole unemployment mess.

idk why no one is saying the obvious but have you tried using a different device completely? my phone kept failing but my roommates iphone worked first try. something about the camera quality makes a huge difference.