How to backdate New York Unemployment claim to May? Still possible to collect?

Yes you can backdate! You'll need to call them though. They can backdate your claim to when you first became unemployed, but you'll need documentation to prove when you lost your job. save yourself the headache of trying to get through on the phone.

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! Used this service called claimyr.com that calls and waits on hold, then connects you when a real person picks up. Costs $20 but totally worth it instead of calling for weeks. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Be prepared to explain why you waited so long to file. They might give u a hard time about it but stick to your guns. Make sure u have proof of when u lost ur job (termination letter, emails, etc

Look, here's exactly what you need to do for backdating your claim: 1. First, use claimyr.com to get through to an agent (seriously, save yourself weeks of frustration) 2. Have your last day of work documented 3. Prepare a good reason for delayed filing 4. Get your past employer's info ready 5. They'll ask about your job search efforts since May 6. You'll need to file weekly certifications for all those back weeks I went through this whole process last month. The key is actually getting someone on the phone who can help. Don't waste time with the regular number - I spent 3 weeks trying before using Claimyr. Good luck!

lol good luck. system is completely broken rn. been trying to reach them for a month straight

make sure u document EVERYTHING. ny unemployment will try to find any reason to deny u. keep emails, texts, everything from ur employer

I just went through this exact same situation! You can definitely backdate to May but here's what I learned the hard way - don't just call the regular unemployment line. I wasted 3 weeks doing that. The trick is to call first thing Monday morning at exactly 8am or use one of those callback services people mentioned. When you do get through, be ready with your termination date, reason for delay (job searching is totally valid), and any documentation. They'll make you certify for all those back weeks which is tedious but worth it for the back pay. Also heads up - it might take 4-6 weeks to actually see the money once approved. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add that you should also be prepared to explain what you've been doing for work search since May. Even though you haven't filed yet, they'll likely ask about your job search efforts during those months. Keep records of applications, interviews, networking - anything that shows you were actively looking. Also, don't get discouraged if the first person you talk to says it's too late - sometimes you need to ask for a supervisor or call back and get someone else. The rules allow backdating in situations like yours, you just need to find someone who knows the system. Stay persistent!

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - lost my job back in June but kept thinking I'd find something quickly. Big mistake waiting this long! From what I've researched, you definitely can backdate but the process is brutal. The phone system is completely overwhelmed right now. I've been calling every single day for the past two weeks with no luck getting through. Might have to try that claimyr service everyone's mentioning because this is getting desperate. Also make sure you have a really solid explanation for the delay - they will definitely grill you on why you waited 8+ months to file. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Had to backdate my claim from April and it's definitely doable! Few things that really helped me: 1) Call right at 8am on weekdays - your best shot at getting through 2) Have a simple, honest explanation ready (looking for work is totally valid) 3) Gather ALL your employment docs before calling 4) Be patient with the back-certification process - you'll need to do it for every week since May. The whole thing took about 6 weeks from start to finish but I got all my back pay. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but people do get through eventually.

I'm in a similar situation right now - been unemployed since July and finally realizing I need to file for backdating. Reading through all these comments is both encouraging and terrifying! It sounds like the key is really just getting through to someone who knows what they're doing. I've been putting off calling because I know it's going to be a nightmare, but seeing that people are actually getting their back pay makes me feel like it's worth the effort. Does anyone know if there's a specific time of day that works better for getting through? I keep seeing people mention 8am but wondering if there are other good windows. Also super helpful to see the breakdown of what documentation to have ready - I've got most of it but need to dig up some old emails from my employer. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm dealing with almost the same exact situation - lost my job back in April and kept thinking I'd land something new quickly. Big mistake waiting this long! But reading all these responses gives me hope that backdating is actually possible. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips. The claimyr service sounds like it might be worth the $20 just to avoid weeks of calling hell. For anyone else in this boat - sounds like the key things are: 1) Have all your employment docs ready 2) Be honest about why you delayed (job searching is valid) 3) Use that callback service or try calling at 8am sharp 4) Be prepared for the back-certification process to take a while. Going to try the Monday 8am approach first and see if I can get through. Will update if I have any luck!

Been following this thread closely since I'm in basically the same situation - lost my job in June and kept putting off filing thinking I'd find something soon. All these success stories are really encouraging! From what I'm gathering, the main keys are: getting through to someone (either 8am sharp or using that claimyr service), having all your paperwork ready, and being honest about the delay. One thing I'm wondering though - has anyone had issues with getting denied for waiting too long? Like is there an actual time limit on how far back they'll go, or is it more just about having a good explanation? Planning to try calling Monday morning but want to make sure I'm not too late at this point. Thanks for all the detailed advice everyone!

I went through this exact situation last year - lost my job in March but didn't file until October because I was convinced I'd find something quickly. Big mistake waiting so long! But I was able to get my claim backdated successfully. Here's what worked for me: I used the claimyr service (yes it's legit and worth every penny), had all my termination paperwork ready, and was completely honest about delaying because I was actively job searching. They made me certify for each week going back to March which was tedious but I ended up getting about $4,000 in back pay. The whole process from getting through to receiving money took about 7 weeks. Don't give up - it's definitely possible even after waiting this long!