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Key Bank unemployment debit card stopped working after moving - need urgent help with NY unemployment funds

I'm in a really tough spot right now. My NY unemployment Key Bank debit card suddenly stopped working yesterday and I just moved to a new apartment last week. There's about $780 in unemployment benefits on that card that I desperately need for rent! I can't figure out if the card is blocked because of my address change or something else. Has anyone dealt with this before? What number should I call? The automated system keeps disconnecting me! UPDATE: Ok so I just got through to someone after like 50 attempts. Apparently I need to re-register the card because of my address change. Going to transfer the funds to my regular bank account as soon as I can. This system is so frustrating!

Amara Chukwu

Moving without updating your address with Key Bank is a common issue. When your address doesn't match their records, the security system flags your card. For future reference, here's what you need to do whenever you move while receiving NY unemployment benefits: 1. Update your address with NYSDOL through your online account 2. Update your address with Key Bank directly (separate process) 3. Wait 24-48 hours for the systems to sync Glad you got it sorted out! Definitely transfer to your personal bank account - it's much more reliable and gives you better access to your funds.

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Liam O'Sullivan

Thanks! I didn't realize these were two separate systems. I updated my address with unemployment but completely forgot about Key Bank. Lesson learned!

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Giovanni Conti

same thing happend to me last month!! such a headache. the whole key bank card system is TRASH. took me 3 days to get my money

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Fatima Al-Hashimi

Did you have to physically go to a branch? I moved from Manhattan to Albany and I'm wondering if I need to find a local branch or if I can handle everything over the phone.

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Giovanni Conti

nope did it all on phone but had to call like 20 times to get thru lol

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NeonNova

The Key Bank cards are notorious for these issues. I always recommend people set up direct deposit to their personal bank account from the beginning. Here's what you should do next time: 1. Log into your NY.gov ID account 2. Select "Unemployment Services" 3. Click on "Update Your Personal Information" 4. Choose "Update Direct Deposit Information" 5. Enter your bank account and routing number It takes about 3 business days for the direct deposit to activate. Once it's set up, your payments will go straight to your bank, bypassing the Key Bank card completely.

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Dylan Campbell

is this still the method? i heard they changed something in the system for 2025. my cousin had to call to setup direct deposit last month

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NeonNova

You're right - they did update the system in February 2025. Now you need to verify your identity through ID.me before you can change direct deposit details online. Some people still need to call if the online verification doesn't work, but the steps I listed should work for most people after completing ID verification.

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Sofia Hernandez

When I had this problem calling the regular unemployment number was useless. I spent HOURS trying to get through. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual human at NYSDOL in like 15 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Saved me so much frustration. The agent I spoke with was able to help me get my card unblocked and explained exactly what I needed to do with my address change. Way better than trying to figure it out from the automated system.

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Liam O'Sullivan

OMG wish I'd known about this yesterday! I literally spent 3 hours hitting redial. Will definitely use this if I have any more issues. Thanks for sharing!

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Dylan Campbell

does this actually work? seems sketchy

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Sofia Hernandez

It's legit - they basically navigate the phone tree for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me like 2 days of frustration. Not sketchy at all, just a time-saver.

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Dmitry Kuznetsov

For anyone dealing with Key Bank debit card issues related to NY unemployment benefits, here's what you need to know: 1. Key Bank Customer Service: 1-866-295-2955 - Available 24/7 for card issues, balance inquiries, and address updates 2. If your card is inactive due to an address change: - Verify your identity (last 4 of SSN, DOB, etc.) - Provide your new address (must match what's on file with NYSDOL) - Request card reactivation 3. For direct deposit setup or changes: - Use your NY.gov ID to log in to your unemployment account - Navigate to payment preferences - Complete ID.me verification if prompted (new requirement as of 2025) - Enter your banking information Remember that address changes must be made separately with both NYSDOL and Key Bank - they don't automatically share this information. Direct deposit is always the most reliable option for receiving your benefits.

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Fatima Al-Hashimi

Thanks for this detailed breakdown! Do you know if there's a waiting period after updating your address before you can use the card again? I'm planning to move next month and want to avoid any gaps in access to my benefits.

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Dmitry Kuznetsov

Good question! There's typically a 24-48 hour processing period after updating your address with Key Bank before your card becomes fully functional again. I recommend updating your address with both NYSDOL and Key Bank at least 3-5 days before you'll need to access funds. If you're moving next month, update your information as soon as you have your new address to avoid any disruption.

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Giovanni Conti

did u know you can check ur balance online? keybank.com/nyuibenefit just need to signup. way easier than calling

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Fatima Al-Hashimi

I had a similar issue last year when I moved from Buffalo to Syracuse. The Key Bank card stopped working completely, but it wasn't just because of the address change. Turns out my identity verification had expired on the NYSDOL system, which triggered a security hold on my account. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try these steps: 1. Log into your NY.gov account first and check for any messages or alerts 2. Look for any "Action Required" notices about identity verification 3. Complete any pending verification steps before trying to resolve the card issue Sometimes the card problem is just a symptom of a bigger account issue that needs to be fixed first. Glad you got it resolved though! I ended up switching to direct deposit after my experience and haven't had any problems since.

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Liam O'Sullivan

That's interesting - I didn't see any alerts on my account, but maybe I should look more carefully. I'm definitely setting up direct deposit now to avoid this headache in the future. The Key Bank card seems so outdated compared to just getting deposits straight to my bank!

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Dylan Campbell

anyone know if the money expires if u dont use it? i still have some on my card from like 6 months ago

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NeonNova

The funds on your Key Bank card don't expire, but the card itself does expire after 3 years (check the expiration date printed on your card). If your card expires, Key Bank will automatically send a replacement card about 2-3 weeks before the expiration date, and your remaining balance will transfer to the new card. However, there is an inactivity fee of $1.50 per month that starts after 12 months of no transactions. To avoid this fee, either use the card at least once a year or transfer all the money to your personal bank account.

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Amara Chukwu

Since you've resolved your immediate issue, here's some advice for the future. Many people don't realize that NY unemployment has specific requirements for address changes that affect both your claim eligibility and your benefit access: 1. You must update your address with NYSDOL within 10 days of moving 2. If you move out of state, it can affect your claim eligibility (though temporary moves may be allowed) 3. Address changes must be verified through ID.me as of 2025 4. Key Bank requires separate notification for card services The system is designed this way to prevent fraud, but it creates these frustrating situations for legitimate claimants. Setting up direct deposit is definitely the way to go if you can - it eliminates most of these card-related problems.

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