Husband waiting 4 months for NY unemployment - need help getting through to someone

Four months is crazy long! But lawyers cost $$$... have you tried calling right when they open? That worked for me

I was in a similar situation last month - waiting almost 3 months with no movement on my claim. The system is completely overwhelmed right now because of the new verification process they implemented in 2025. What worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an agent. It's a service that basically calls for you and gets you in the queue so you don't have to keep redialing yourself. I was skeptical but it worked - got me through to someone in about 20 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. When I finally got through, my issue was resolved in one call - turns out there was a simple verification flag on my account but nobody was looking at it.

Before considering a lawyer, there are several steps you should take: 1. Document EVERYTHING - dates of calls, confirmation numbers of web messages, screenshots of claim status, etc. 2. Contact your state assembly person or senator's office. They have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues and can often get results when you can't. This is actually the most effective route for claims stuck in limbo. 3. File a formal complaint through the NYSDOL website specifically stating the excessive wait time and lack of communication. 4. Request a determination hearing - this is your right if it's been more than 30 days without a determination. As for why this is happening - there's currently a massive backlog due to their new identity verification system implementation. The department is overwhelmed, but that's not an excuse for a 4-month wait. State representatives can often cut through this backlog for their constituents.

I went through something very similar with my husband's claim back in February. It turned out there was an identity verification issue that was never communicated to us. Four months is definitely excessive - the standard processing time should be 2-3 weeks, with more complex cases taking up to 6 weeks. One thing I found helpful was to send a secure message through the portal specifically asking for a "claim status update and escalation due to excessive delay." Use those exact words. In our case, we finally got a response after using that specific phrasing. Also, check if there's any correspondence in the online account that might have been missed. Sometimes they send notices that require action but don't email you about them.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED TO MAKE PPL GIVE UP!!!! I waited 5 MONTHS and then suddenly they "found" my claim after I threatened legal action. They are DELIBERATELY slow-walking claims hoping people will just go away. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! That's what they want!!!! You need to be LOUD and PERSISTENT. Call your state representatives, file complaints with the labor department, contact the governor's office, post on social media and TAG THEM. Make noise until someone listens!!!

I've been working with unemployment claims for years (not for NYSDOL, but I help people navigate the system), and four months without any update is definitely unusual. A couple things that are specific to 2025 claims: 1. The new ID verification system implemented in January has caused massive backlogs for claims that have any discrepancies in personal information. Even minor things like a different address format can flag a claim. 2. If your husband worked for multiple employers in the base period, or if any employer contests the claim, it can significantly delay processing. 3. There's currently a specific glitch affecting claims filed in January 2025 where the system sometimes fails to notify claimants when additional documentation is needed. I'd recommend checking your husband's online account thoroughly for any "Action Required" items, even if they appear to be already completed. Sometimes the system shows incomplete items as complete on the dashboard but not in the actual claim file.

my cousin waitd 3 months and then got all the $ at once. sometimes they do that. he should keep filing every week even with no money coming. they might backpay all at once

To follow up on your question about where to look for hidden action items: Check the "Messages" section completely, including any folders or tabs within it. Also look in the "Determinations and Documents" section - sometimes required documentation requests are filed there rather than appearing as alerts. You should also check the "Claim Status" page and look for any status codes or messages that might indicate what's causing the delay. Common codes that indicate problems include: - VP: Verification Pending - EM: Employer Issue - ID: Identity Verification Required - AP: Additional Processing Needed If you see any of these codes, that gives you specific information to reference when contacting representatives or the department.

For requesting a determination hearing, you need to file what's called a "Request for Hearing" through your online account. Here's how: 1. Log in to your NY.gov account 2. Navigate to the Unemployment Insurance section 3. Select "Hearings and Appeals" from the menu 4. Choose "Request a Hearing" 5. When prompted for reason, select "Excessive Delay in Claim Determination" 6. In the comments section, note that it's been 4 months without determination You have the legal right to a determination within a reasonable time frame, and NYSDOL's own guidelines state that determinations should be issued within 21 days for standard claims. At four months, you're well beyond that timeframe. Glad to hear you'll be contacting your state representative as well. That's often the fastest route to resolution for claims that have fallen through the cracks.

My uncle went through somethin similar last year but with CT unemployment not NY. Took forever to get his money too. These state systems are all messed up everywhere I think. Hope your husband gets his $ soon!

Since you've discovered the ID verification code, here's what you need to do immediately: 1. Go to the "Document Upload" section of your account 2. Look for the option to submit identity verification documents 3. Upload clear images of TWO forms of ID (usually driver's license plus Social Security card or birth certificate) 4. After uploading, send a secure message referencing the uploaded documents and the ID code 5. In the subject line, use "URGENT: Identity Verification Documents Submitted - 4 Month Delay" The ID verification issues are very common in 2025 due to the new system. After uploading documents, it typically takes 7-14 days for review, but given how long you've already waited, I would follow up with your state representative immediately as well. They can often get these expedited.

Just checking back - any progress after uploading the identity documents? When I had an ID verification issue, it still took weeks of waiting after uploading before I finally used Claimyr to get through to someone who could manually review and approve the documents while I was on the phone. Something about seeing the docs but needing a manual override to clear the flag. Just wondering if you've had any movement yet?