Identity verification issues with NY unemployment - can't use birth certificate or SS card

For identity verification, they usually accept other docs too. Try using your driver's license + a utility bill or tax document with your name/address. That worked for me when my passport was expired. The payment history sometimes takes 3-4 business days to update after approval, so check again later this week.

YES they will accept a driver's license + bank statement!!! I had the EXACT SAME ISSUE in January!!! Make sure the bank statement is within last 90 days and shows your FULL name and current address. Upload them BOTH in the same submission. Don't do separate uploads or the system gets confused!!

my sister had this same problem last month. she ended up going to the local unemployment office with whatever ID she had (license + credit cards + health insurance card) and they helped her verify in person. took forever waiting but at least it got done. might be worth trying if u cant do it online.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm going to try uploading my license and a recent utility bill tonight. If that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to go to the office in person, but that's really tough with my work schedule. About the payment - it still shows nothing in payment history even though I got that approval message. Should I be worried?

Have you tried callign them?? I had a similar problem last week and tried for 3 days straght but couldnt get throuhg to anyone. Phones just disconnect after the automated menu every single time!!

After struggling for weeks with the same identity verification issue, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual NYSDOL agent. It's the only thing that worked after dozens of failed call attempts. The agent was able to process my ID verification over the phone once I explained my situation. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - their website is claimyr.com. Literally saved me weeks of stress.

Here's what you need to know about identity verification in 2025 for NY unemployment: 1. Preferred documents are state ID/driver's license + secondary document (W-2, utility bill, health insurance card) 2. If you don't have those, bring whatever government documents you do have to your nearest NYSDOL career center 3. You can request temporary identity verification while waiting for your birth certificate by explaining your hardship situation to an agent 4. The "approval" message you received likely means your claim was approved PENDING identity verification 5. No payments will process until verification is complete Don't upload the same documents multiple times as this can flag your account for review and cause further delays.

Just went through this process last month. One important tip: after uploading your documents, check your message inbox daily. They often send verification questions that require responses within 48 hours. If you miss these messages, your verification process starts over. Also, my approval message came 3 days before my payment history updated, so that gap is normal.

im in the same boat but worse cuz my wallets was stolen so i dont even have my license anymore!!!! been waiting 6 weeks now for benefits while they "verify" me. this system is a JOKE.

UPDATE: I managed to get through to someone on the phone today! Had to try Claimyr like someone suggested above, and it worked. The agent confirmed my license + health insurance card is enough for verification. She also explained that the system message about "all of the hundred" was actually referring to my weekly benefit amount being approved (it's $865). The payment is pending until identity verification completes, which should be in the next 3-5 business days. Such a relief to finally get answers!

That's awesome that you got through and got some clarity! For anyone else still struggling with this - I went through the same identity verification nightmare back in December. What finally worked for me was uploading my driver's license AND a recent bank statement (within 30 days) together in one submission. The key is making sure both documents show your full legal name exactly as it appears on your unemployment application. Also, scan or photo the documents in good lighting - blurry images get automatically rejected. The whole process took about 7 business days after I uploaded the right combo of documents. Hang in there everyone, it's frustrating but it does eventually work out!