NY Unemployment just told me a new monetary determination letter is on its way - but zero info about payment date

Yep, classic NY unemployment runaround. They always tell you to wait for a letter that takes forever to arrive, and when it does it usually just says to wait some more 🙄 I waited almost 2 months for benefits last year.

After struggling to get through to ny unemployment for weeks, I tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked! They called for me and when an agent answered, they connected me right away. Talking to a real human got my issue fixed in one call and my payment released within days. Best decision I made after weeks of frustration. Check out this video if you're interested: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

If you call EXACTLY at 7:59am (right before they open) and keep redialing, you might get through. That's how I finally got someone to explain my monetary determination letter. Just set an alarm and be ready to hit redial for about 20 minutes.

Had the exact same thing happen two weeks ago. When the letter finally came, there was still no specific payment date. Had to call AGAIN and wait another hour to find out. The system is completely broken and designed to frustrate people into giving up.

Anyone ever notice how they never want to transfer you to a supervisor or someone who can actually help? It's like their job is just to tell you to wait for more mail. I've been in the unemployment system since February and still having issues with my claim.

Pro tip: Call your state representative's office! I was stuck in limbo for weeks and when I called my assemblyman's office, they have a dedicated person who deals with unemployment issues. Got my claim fixed in 3 days after they intervened.

Here's what's actually happening - they have a HUGE backlog of claims that need manual review. When they tell you a letter is coming, it means your claim has finally been assigned to someone. The letters are usually generated 24-48 hrs before they release payment. So that's actually good news!

The whole unemployment system in NY is a complete disaster. I'm still dealing with identity verification issues from when someone tried to file a fraudulent claim in my name last year. Every time I call I get different information.

I've been dealing with NY unemployment for years (seasonal worker) and I've learned a few tricks: 1. If possible, try the online message center instead of calling. Sometimes they respond faster there. 2. When calling, don't waste time with the first level reps. Immediately ask to speak with a claims specialist about your monetary determination. 3. Document EVERYTHING. Write down who you talked to, date, time, and what they said. When you call back, mention the previous conversations. 4. If you're truly desperate, try claimyr.com - it's a service that waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is ready. Saved me HOURS of frustration and my claim got resolved. 5. If your claim is particularly complex or has been delayed more than 4 weeks, contact your state representative's office. They have liaisons who can escalate your case. The system is broken but there are ways to navigate it. Don't give up!

Am I the only one who thinks its crazy we're all struggling to pay bills while we wait weeks/months for benefits we're legally entitled to? The system is literally designed to make it as difficult as possible to get what's owed to us.

Check your online account regularly too! Sometimes the payment will hit your account before any letter arrives. The website updates faster than their mail system.

have u tried the unemployment office in person? i know its a hassle but sometimes its the only way to get real answers

The WORST part about all this is they penalize YOU if you make a tiny mistake, but they can take months to fix THEIR errors and there's no penalty or interest they have to pay. Make it make sense! 🤬

I was in your exact situation last month. When the letter finally came, I still had to call back to ask about payment date. Try calling at 8:01am sharp - that's when I got through with only a 20 min wait instead of hours.

try messaging them on twitter @NYSLabor sometimes they respond faster there than on phone. worth a shot.