How to claim backdated NY unemployment benefits after initial denial?

I found a way to solve claiming backdated unemployment benefits, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF7EPadR4F0

Ugh, the ny unemployment system is such a mess. I had a similar issue last year. You'll need to call them and explain the situation. Be prepared to wait on hold for hours tho 🙄

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Listen up, cause I've been down this road before. Here's what you need to do to get those backdated benefits: • First, don't panic. NY unemployment can backdate claims, but you gotta be persistent. • Try calling the ny unemployment office at 1-888-209-8124. Be prepared for a loooong wait. • If you can't get through (and let's be real, you probably won't), use their online message system. Go to your account and send a detailed message about your situation. • Keep certifying for the current weeks while you wait for a response. • If all else fails, consider using a service like claimyr.com. It costs a bit, but it can get you through to an agent faster. • Once you talk to someone, explain your situation clearly. Have all your dates and info ready. • They might ask you to fill out some additional forms for the backdated weeks. • Be patient. This process can take time, but don't give up! Remember, you're entitled to those benefits. Don't let the system wear you down. Good luck!

have u tried faxing them? I know it sounds crazy but I got a response within a week when I faxed my issue lol

Bruh, ny unemployment is like trying to escape a maze blindfolded. I feel for ya. Took me 2 months to sort out a similar issue. Hang in there! 💪

Contact your local state representative. They can sometimes expedite these kinda issues with ny unemployment. Worked for me!

Am I the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we gotta jump thru all these hoops just to get what were owed? The whole system needs an overhaul smh

Hey OP, whatever u do, DONT STOP CERTIFYING even if ur not getting paid. It'll make backdating easier once they fix ur claim.

I had luck reaching someone by calling exactly at 7:59am and repeatedly hitting the option to speak to a rep. Took a few tries but I got through eventually!

Have you tried the ny unemployment Twitter account? Sometimes they respond faster there. Worth a shot!

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Here's what worked for me: First, gather ALL your documentation - the initial denial letter, your new approval, and any correspondence. Then call the backdating line specifically (it's different from the main number) at 518-457-9000. I called at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday and got through after about 45 minutes. When you speak to them, emphasize that you were doing weekly certifications the whole time even though your claim was denied - that shows good faith. They had me fill out a form to request backdating for each week I was owed. Took about 3 weeks to process but I got every penny I was owed. Don't give up - you're entitled to those benefits! The key is being persistent and having all your paperwork ready when you finally get someone on the phone.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this nightmare last year. The backdating process is frustrating but totally doable! A few things that helped me: 1) Keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - save screenshots of your weekly certifications, print out denial letters, etc. 2) When you do get through to someone, ask for a supervisor if the first person says they can't help. Sometimes the regular reps don't know all the backdating procedures. 3) If you have any documentation showing you were actively job searching during those denied weeks, bring that up - it strengthens your case. 4) Don't let them tell you there's a time limit - NY allows backdating in cases like yours where there was an initial processing error. Stay strong and keep pushing! The system is broken but your benefits are there waiting for you.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been super helpful! One thing I learned from my case worker is that you can also submit a written request through the online portal under "Messages" if you can't get through by phone. Make sure to include your SSN, claim number, and the specific weeks you're requesting backdating for. I submitted mine 2 weeks ago and just got a response saying they're reviewing it. It's slower than calling but at least you have a paper trail. Also, keep doing your weekly certifications even if you're not getting paid - they told me this is crucial for the backdating process to work smoothly. Hope this helps and good luck to everyone dealing with this mess! 🤞

I went through something very similar earlier this year and it was such a headache! What worked for me was a combination of persistence and documentation. I kept detailed records of every weekly certification I did during the denial period, took screenshots of everything, and saved all correspondence. When I finally got through to someone (took about 6 attempts calling right at 8 AM), they were able to process my backdated claim pretty quickly because I had all the proof ready. The whole process took about 4-5 weeks from when I first contacted them to receiving the backdated payments. Don't lose hope - the system is frustrating but you ARE entitled to those benefits if you were certifying during that time. One tip: when you do get someone on the phone, ask them to put notes in your file about the conversation so if you need to call back, the next person will see what was already discussed. Good luck! 🍀

I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now! Been certifying for weeks while my claim was in limbo, just got approved, and now I'm trying to figure out how to get those backdated payments. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about that separate backdating line at 518-457-9000 that @StarSailor mentioned. I had no idea that existed! I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy and also submit a request through the online portal like @Natalie Chen suggested. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get what we're owed, but at least it sounds like it's definitely possible if you're persistent enough. One question for anyone who's been through this - did you get any kind of confirmation or case number when you submitted your backdating request? Just want to make sure I have something to reference if I need to follow up. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, this thread is a goldmine of info! 🙌

I actually just went through this exact same process last month and finally got my backdated benefits! Here's what I learned that might help: The key is being super organized before you even try to contact them. I created a folder with screenshots of every weekly certification I did during the denial period, saved all my email confirmations, and wrote down the exact dates and amounts I was claiming. When I finally got through (used that 518-457-9000 number someone mentioned - absolute game changer!), the rep was able to process everything in one call because I had all my info ready. She actually told me that most people call without proper documentation and it just creates more delays. One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you have direct deposit set up, make sure your bank info is still current in the system. Mine had changed and it caused a 2-week delay in getting the backdated payments even after approval. Also, don't worry about them questioning why you kept certifying during the denial - the rep told me that actually HELPS your case because it shows you were actively looking for work and following proper procedures. Total timeline from my first call to getting paid was about 3 weeks. Hang in there - it's definitely doable if you stay organized and persistent! 💪

Wow, this thread is exactly what I needed to see! I'm in a similar situation - been certifying for weeks while my claim was stuck in review, finally got approved last week, and now I'm trying to figure out how to get those backdated payments. Reading through everyone's experiences has been so helpful. That 518-457-9000 backdating line that @StarSailor shared is gold - I had no idea there was a separate number for this! And @Dmitry Volkov, your point about having all documentation organized before calling is spot on. I've been taking random screenshots but definitely need to get everything in one place. One thing I'm curious about - for those who successfully got their backdated benefits, did you have to provide any specific reason for why your initial claim was denied? Mine was denied due to some employment verification issue that took forever to resolve, and I'm wondering if that affects the backdating process at all. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! This community has been more helpful than any official NY unemployment resource I've found online 🙏

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying about that 518-457-9000 backdating line - it's a total game changer! I was stuck in the same situation about 6 months ago and spent weeks trying to get through the main number with zero luck. Found out about the dedicated backdating line through a forum like this and got connected to someone within an hour of calling. One thing I'll add that I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you do get through, ask the rep to email you a summary of what was discussed and what steps they're taking. I did this and it saved me so much headache when I had to call back for a status update. Having that email trail made the second call super smooth since they could see exactly what the previous rep had already set up for me. Also, if you're still doing gig work or any part-time stuff while waiting for this to get sorted, make sure you report that income properly on your backdated certifications. They'll ask about it and being upfront about everything just makes the process faster. The whole system is definitely broken, but don't give up! You're owed those benefits and with persistence (and the right phone number!) you'll get them. Took about 4 weeks total for me from first call to money in my account. Hang in there! 💪

Reading through this thread as someone who just got approved after 4 months of denial hell, and I'm so grateful for all the detailed advice here! That 518-457-9000 backdating line is definitely the move - wish I'd known about it sooner instead of wasting weeks trying the main number. Quick question for those who've been through this - when you called the backdating line, did they ask you to provide specific dollar amounts for each week you're claiming? I have all my screenshots saved but trying to figure out if I need to calculate the exact weekly benefit amounts beforehand or if they handle that calculation on their end. Want to be as prepared as possible when I call tomorrow morning! Also huge thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this thread has given me more useful info in 10 minutes than months of trying to navigate the official NY DOL website. Finally feeling hopeful that I can get this sorted out! 🙏