Mother's maiden name verification issue with NY unemployment - now I'm locked out!

Ugh the same EXACT thing happened to me back in october! The system is such garbage. I swear they make these verification questions just to trip people up and deny benefits. I answered my mother's maiden name correctly and it still locked me out. had to call like 40+ times before i got through.

After trying the regular phone line for days and getting nowhere, I finally tried this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual person at unemployment! They stayed on hold so I didn't have to, then connected me when an agent picked up. Talking to a real person got my account unlocked within 24 hours - best money I've spent to get my benefits flowing again. Check them out at claimyr.com or their explanation video here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I had this EXACT same problem. The system is broken AF. What worked for me was going into an actual unemployment office in person with my ID and birth certificate. Waited 2 hours but at least got it fixed that day.

Holy crap the identity verification is a nightmare rn. I got locked out because i couldnt remember which previous address they wanted (I've moved 3 times in 2 years). When you finally get thru to someone ask them to notate your account for an IDme specialist to contact you - thats what finally worked for me.

If you've been locked out because of identity verification issues, here's what you need to do: First, don't panic. This happens to a LOT of people. The system is extremely sensitive and sometimes rejects correct information. Try these steps: 1) Call the main unemployment number as early as possible (7:30am is best) - but expect long waits 2) While waiting, prepare all your documents: ID, SSN card, birth certificate, any correspondence with your claim number 3) When you reach someone, specifically request an "identity verification specialist" - regular agents often can't help with this 4) If you can't get through on the phone (very common), use Claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and connect you when an agent is available. Many people in this sub have reported success with this method. 5) As a last resort, visit a physical DOL office with all your documents Remember to stay calm when speaking with agents - they're overwhelmed but they can reset the verification so you can try again. I went through this exact nightmare in June and got it resolved. Hang in there!

Look I hate to say it but sometimes they do this on purpose. They make the verification system super difficult so people give up. Saves the state money. My friend who works in state gov (not unemployment) told me this is actually by design for some of these systems.

i got locked out 4 times trying to verify my identity!! this ny unemployment system is literally from 1995 i swear. i ended up having to do a video call with a rep where i showed my ID, social security card, and had to answer questions. took forever to set up but finally got it worked out.

Check your credit report! Sometimes the security questions pull from old addresses or variations of your mom's name that might be listed incorrectly on your credit file. My mom remarried when I was young so I was using her current last name but the system wanted her ACTUAL maiden name from before she was ever married.

the funny thing is the MORE they try to prevent fraud the MORE regular people get screwed while actual scammers have all the workarounds already figured out 🤦‍♂️

anyone else notice how they make everything 10x harder since covid? like they're trying to make up for all the fraud from 2020 by punishing everyone now

tip: when you get locked out IMMEDIATELY request a callback through the online form. dont wait. they take forever to process these but at least youll be in the queue. go to Contact Us > Identity Verification Issues > Request Callback

I was sooooo frustated dealing with the same problem a few months back. Eventually had to get my state senator's office involved. They have direct contacts at unemployment and fixed it in 2 days after I spent WEEKS trying on my own. Find your rep's office and call them!

They asked me my mothers maiden name too, but turns out they we're looking for her legal name (first middle last) and not just her last name like every other security question in existence 🤬 stupidest system ever

i reached someone using claimyr.com last month when I had a similar issue. Got through to an actual human at NY unemployment in like 30 min instead of calling for days. worth every penny considering i was able to get my back benefits released!

In 2023 and we're still dealing with these ancient verification systems smdh. last year i got locked out cuz i couldn't remember which previous employer they wanted me to verify (i had 3 jobs in 2022). took 4 calls to fix.