Help fixing NY unemployment application mistakes for my sick brother with cancer

I'm sorry about your brother's situation. To fix application mistakes, you'll need to contact NYSDOL directly. With incorrect information already submitted, online corrections aren't usually possible. Your best options are: 1. Call the NYSDOL at 888-209-8124 (though wait times can be very long) 2. Use their secure message system through your brother's account 3. Visit a local NY Career Center in person with your brother and his ID When you speak with them, explain that you were helping your brother due to his medical condition and made an error. They may need a signed authorization from him to speak with you about his claim.

Oh no! What kind of information did you enter wrong? Was it his SSN or identity stuff? Because those are way harder to fix than just getting an address or phone number wrong. The DOL is SUPER strict about identify verification in 2025 because of all the fraud. They might even make him come in person if it's related to his identity!!! I'm so worried for you guys!!

I had a similar situation helping my mom last month. After days of trying to reach someone on the regular unemployment line, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes! It was seriously a lifesaver. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent was able to clear up all the mistakes I made on my mom's application. They'll need your brother on the phone to give permission for them to speak with you, so make sure he's available when you call.

same thing happen to me. system is broken af. i waited 5 weeks after messing up my application before i could get someone on the phone. ended up having to start all over. total bs when peole need the $. hope your bro gets better.

For employer information errors, you'll need to speak with a claims specialist. Here's what to do: 1. Have your brother sign Form OTH-15 "Permission to Release Information to a Third Party" so you can legally help him 2. Gather documentation showing his correct employment history (last paystubs, W-2s, etc) 3. When you reach an agent, ask specifically for a "claim information correction" 4. Request a "backdated effective date" to ensure he doesn't lose any weeks of benefits due to the application error Incorrect employer information is actually fairly common and can usually be resolved in one call if you have the right documentation ready. Make sure your brother is with you for identity verification when you call.

Yes, you can download Form OTH-15 from the NYSDOL website under "Forms and Publications." Have it completed and signed before calling - they may ask you to upload it during the call or submit it via secure message. The form is valid for six months, so your brother won't need to complete a new one for each interaction.

To answer your question about my mom's situation - yes, they fixed everything in one call, but it took about 45 minutes. The agent needed to verify all her information and make the corrections while we were on the phone. Make sure you have ALL his documents ready: ID, Social Security card, work history with dates and employer addresses, and any medical documentation that shows why he can't work. The more prepared you are, the faster they can help!

One thing no one mentioned - if your brother has cancer and can't work, has he considered applying for disability instead of unemployment? Unemployment requires you to be able and available to work, which might be an issue with cancer treatment. NY disability might be more appropriate for his situation. Just a thought.

Yes, NY offers temporary disability benefits through NYS Disability Insurance for short-term conditions. If his doctor expects he'll return to work in a few months, this might be a better fit. The benefit amount is different from unemployment though - 50% of his average weekly wage up to a maximum of $1,147 per week in 2025. His doctor would need to complete part of the application. He can potentially transition to unemployment later when he's able to work but hasn't found a job yet.

Important update for you: If your brother's cancer qualifies as a serious medical condition under NY law, he might also be eligible for NY Paid Family & Medical Leave, which typically provides higher benefits than basic disability. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,482 in 2025. His doctor would need to certify his condition, but it's worth exploring both options to see which provides better benefits in his situation.