ID.me verification issues with NY unemployment - need urgent help
I've been trying to verify my identity through ID.me for my NY unemployment claim for the past 3 days and I'm completely stuck. Every time I upload my driver's license and take a selfie, it says 'verification unsuccessful' without explaining why. Then when I try the video chat option, I get stuck in this endless queue that times out after 2 hours! I've already missed one certification period and I'm afraid I'll lose benefits. Has anyone successfully gotten through ID.me recently? What am I doing wrong? Getting desperate here...
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Caleb Stone
make sure ur using chrome browser! ID.me is glitchy on safari & firefox. also the lighting matters for the selfie - try doing it near a window during daytime
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Jade Santiago
•Thanks for the browser tip. I was using Firefox! I'll switch to Chrome and try with better lighting. Do they tell you right away if it works?
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Daniel Price
ID.me verification issues are unfortunately common. Here's what has worked for many claimants: 1. Use Chrome or Edge browsers (updated to latest version) 2. Make sure your ID isn't expired and is clearly visible without glare 3. For the selfie, use neutral lighting (not too bright or dark) 4. If you have a middle name, enter it EXACTLY as it appears on your ID 5. Double-check your SSN - even one digit wrong will cause failure If you've tried 3 times and it still fails, you'll need to do the video verification. Wait times are currently 1-3 hours during business days.
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Jade Santiago
•I just checked my license and realized it expired last month! That might be the problem. Do I need to get a new one before I can verify, or will they accept expired IDs if it's recent?
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Daniel Price
•ID.me requires a non-expired government ID. You should get your license renewed first - NY DMV allows you to renew online and get a temporary digital license immediately. Once you have that, you can use it for verification. Don't wait too long though, as you only have limited time to complete identity verification before your claim is affected.
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Olivia Evans
I was stuck in the same situation last month! After 4 failed attempts with ID.me, I was ready to give up. Then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual unemployment agent who helped bypass the ID.me issue entirely. The agent manually verified my identity over the phone and released my payments. Saved me weeks of stress! Check out their demo video here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - they get you through to agents when it seems impossible.
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Sophia Bennett
•does this actually work?? ive been trying to talk to someone at unemployment for 2 weeks!!
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Aiden Chen
•I've heard about Claimyr before but haven't tried it. Sounds like a good option if the DMV renewal doesn't work quickly enough. Has anyone else here used this service?
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Zoey Bianchi
ID.me is THE WORST!!!! I spent 5 hours in their stupid video chat queue only to get disconnected when I finally reached someone!!!! Then another 3 hours the next day!!! NY unemployment system is BROKEN on purpose to deny people benefits!!!!
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Sophia Bennett
•same happened to me! waited 4 hrs then got disconnected. system is rigged fr
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Christopher Morgan
Regarding the expired license issue - NY unemployment does have a process for those with recently expired IDs during the verification process. You need to call the DOL directly and request an alternative verification method. When you reach an agent, specifically ask for a "manual identity verification override." They'll ask for your claim information and may require you to email copies of additional documents like a birth certificate or Social Security card. Because of the high call volume, though, reaching an agent is the challenging part. Either keep calling repeatedly (best early morning, right when they open) or use a service to help you get through.
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Jade Santiago
•Thank you for this detailed information! I'll definitely ask about the "manual identity verification override" when I get through to someone. Getting really nervous about missing more payments though.
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Caleb Stone
just fyi my cousin had same problem and she went to the actual unemployment office in person and they fixed it right there
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Daniel Price
•This is actually great advice. NY unemployment offices take walk-ins Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Bring multiple forms of ID (even expired), mail showing your address, and your claim information. In-person assistance often resolves identity verification issues more quickly than phone or online methods.
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Aiden Chen
When I had issues with ID.me last year, part of my problem was that the name on my unemployment claim had my middle initial but my driver's license has my full middle name. Make sure ALL your identification details match EXACTLY across all your documents and your claim. Even small discrepancies can cause the verification to fail. Btw I also had weird issues when using my phone - switching to my laptop camera worked better for the verification selfie. Something about the resolution maybe?
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Jade Santiago
•Good point about the name matching. I'll double-check how I entered it on my claim. And I've been using my phone for everything - I'll try my laptop instead. Thanks for the suggestions!
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Sophia Bennett
ok so update?? did u get it fixed? im havin the same problem rn
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Jade Santiago
•Quick update: I went to the DMV this morning and got my license renewed. They gave me a temporary paper license, but ID.me wouldn't accept it! So I used Claimyr and got through to an agent in about 35 minutes. The agent was able to do a manual verification over the phone, and they said my payments should resume with the next certification. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
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Morita Montoya
•@Jade Santiago glad you got it sorted! how much did claimyr cost? thinking about using them too since ive been stuck for weeks
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Nia Wilson
•@Jade Santiago That s'awesome news! I m'so glad you got it resolved. @Morita Montoya I m curious'about the cost too - been fighting with ID.me for over a week now and getting nowhere. At this point I d pay'to just talk to a real person who can help!
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Mei Chen
•@Jade Santiago So happy to hear you got it resolved! I m'dealing with the exact same ID.me nightmare right now - been stuck for 2 weeks and missed my last certification. How much does Claimyr charge? And did they guarantee you d'get through to someone or is it just a better chance? Really considering it at this point because the regular phone lines are impossible.
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NebulaNinja
•@Jade Santiago That s'such great news! I ve'been dealing with the same ID.me nightmare for almost 2 weeks now. Can you share how much Claimyr costs? I ve'been hesitant to try paid services but at this point I m'desperate - the regular phone lines are completely useless and I can t'afford to keep missing certifications. Did they guarantee you d'get through or just improve your chances?
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Alice Coleman
•@Jade Santiago That s'amazing you got it resolved! I m'in the exact same boat - been fighting with ID.me for over a week and getting nowhere. The video chat queue keeps timing out on me too. How much did Claimyr charge? I ve'been hesitant about paying for help but honestly at this point I m'willing to try anything. The stress of missing payments is killing me!
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Luca Ricci
•@Jade Santiago So glad you got through! I m'dealing with the same ID.me mess right now. For anyone else stuck - I just tried the in-person office visit that @Caleb Stone mentioned and it worked! Went to the Brooklyn office on Livingston Street, waited about an hour, but the rep was able to manually verify my identity and clear the ID.me block. They said it should be resolved within 2-3 business days. Worth trying if you have an office nearby!
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Isabella Costa
For anyone still struggling with ID.me - I went through this nightmare last month and here's what finally worked: First, make sure you're using a desktop/laptop with Chrome browser (mobile cameras often cause issues). Second, the lighting is CRUCIAL - I had to try like 6 different spots in my house before finding one with even, natural light. Third, clear your browser cache completely before starting. And most importantly - if your ID has any wear, scratches, or the photo is faded, it will likely fail. I had to get a replacement license even though mine wasn't technically expired because the photo was too worn. The whole process is frustrating but once you get the right setup it usually works on the first try.
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