NY unemployment ID.me verification - do I really need to buy a security key?

You absolutely DO NOT need to buy a security key. I completed ID.me verification on my phone last week - no key required. Sounds like something might be wrong with your application or you're clicking on the wrong option somewhere. Make sure you're selecting the option for phone verification and not the security key option.

I was stuck in the same endless ID.me loop for WEEKS until I discovered this service called claimyr.com that got me connected to an actual human at unemployment. They held my place in line and then connected me with an agent who manually verified my identity. Best money I've spent in a long time - had my benefits flowing within days after being stuck for months! Check out their explainer video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I had the same issue. For me I had to try a different browser (Firefox worked) and make sure I had the latest version. ID.me is SO FRUSTRATING but there are workarounds for most issues. Hang in there!

This whole ID.me thing is a scam. They WANT it to be difficult so fewer people claim benefits. i spent 4 hrs on the verification and kept getting errers. eventually i just gave up and lost out on benefits i was owed.

Look for the "verify with your phone" option instead. You might need to scroll down to see it. They hide the easier options and push the security key thing first. Also make sure you're not using a VPN - that can trigger extra security requirements.

I work in IT and deal with these verification systems all the time. Here's what you need to know about ID.me and security keys: First, NO you don't need to buy a physical security key for basic unemployment verification. That's only required for certain high-security government positions or if you opt into their highest security tier. What's likely happening: 1. You probably have a browser extension or setting causing issues with their verification system 2. Try using Chrome in incognito mode with all extensions disabled 3. Make sure your phone number is properly verified in their system first 4. Use the mobile app option if possible - it's more reliable than the browser version 5. If all else fails, you CAN call NY unemployment directly (good luck) OR use a service like claimyr.com that will wait on hold and connect you to an agent The ID.me system is incredibly frustrating but it's designed to prevent fraud which has been rampant in the unemployment system. Hang in there, and don't waste money on a security key you don't need.

i had to buy one of those yubikeys for $45 cus nothing else worked for me. not saying u need to, but it finally got me through the stupid verification. after 3 months of waiting, i woulda paid anything to get my benefits tbh

CALL THEM!!!! Don't waste time with the online stuff if you're stuck. I know getting thru on the phone is impossible but my friend showed me this site claimyr.com that calls for you and gets you connected to an agent. Only way I finally fixed my ID.me mess.

The whole NY unemployment system is a joke. ID me, waiting weeks for payments, impossible phone lines. I'm so done with all of it 🤮

Try using the ID.me phone app instead of the website. The browser version has all kinds of weird bugs. I was able to complete everything through the app without any security key nonsense.

I know im a bit late to the party but id.me is such a nightmare. u dont need no key, but sometimes it gets stuck on a loop where it thinks u need one. try these steps: 1. logout completely 2. clear all cookies/cache 3. use a different device if possible 4. try the mobile app 5. contact id.me support directly (not unemployment) if none of that works then ya claimyr.com is worth it. they got me through to an agent who manually verified me and approved my benefits same day.

im pretty sure this is a bug in their system. happened to me too but disappeared after I called them directly. its almost impossible to get through though. took me 3 days of trying

Have you tried using the "Trusted Referees" option? It's buried in their help section but lets you do a video call with a person who can manually verify you without all the security key stuff. Worked for me when I was stuck in a similar situation.

Pro tip: ID.me works waaaaay better on mobile than desktop in my experience. Also try using cellular data instead of wifi, sometimes that helps bypass some of their weirder security checks.