How to reset mother's maiden name for NYS Department of Labor unemployment account login

You'll need to use the account recovery option on the my.ny.gov login page. There should be a link that says 'Forgot your security answers' or something similar. You'll have to verify your identity using other information like your SSN and employment history.

same thing happened to me!! i put my mom's current last name instead of her maiden name and got locked out for weeks. had to go through the whole identity verification process

If the online recovery isn't working, you might need to call the NYS Department of Labor identity verification line. I know the regular unemployment line is swamped, but there's usually a separate number for account access issues. Check the my.ny.gov help section for the specific number.

Why do they make these security questions so confusing?? Half the time people don't even know if they should use maiden name or married name. The whole system is a mess.

Pro tip for anyone setting up new accounts - write down EXACTLY what you enter for security questions and keep it somewhere safe. I learned this the hard way after getting locked out of multiple government accounts over the years.

I had the exact same issue! What worked for me was going to a local Department of Labor office in person with my ID and Social Security card. They were able to reset my security questions on the spot. I know it's a pain to take time off work, but it was faster than waiting weeks for phone support. Check the DOL website for office locations and hours - some have walk-in hours for account issues.

Another option that worked for me was using the NY.gov mobile app instead of the website. Sometimes the app has slightly different recovery options or the process works better on mobile. I was able to reset my security question through the app when the desktop site wasn't working. Worth downloading if you haven't tried it yet - it's called "NY.gov Services" in the app store.

I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! What finally worked for me was creating a completely new my.ny.gov account with a different email address, then linking it to my existing unemployment claim through the DOL website. You'll need your original claim confirmation number and SSN to link the accounts. It's a bit of a workaround but it saved me from weeks of waiting for account recovery. Just make sure to write down your security answers this time - I now keep mine in a password manager so I never forget again!

I had this exact problem last year! What ended up working for me was contacting my local state assembly member's office. I know it sounds weird, but they have staff who specifically help constituents with government agency issues. I called my assemblyperson's office, explained I was locked out of my unemployment account and couldn't get through to DOL, and within 2 days someone from their office had contacted DOL on my behalf and got my security questions reset. You can find your assembly member on the NY State Assembly website by entering your zip code. Way faster than trying to get through the phone lines yourself!