NY unemployment ID.me verification page not working - alternative contact methods?
I've been trying to verify my identity through ID.me for my NY unemployment claim for the past 3 days, but the verification page keeps freezing or timing out. I've tried different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, even Edge) and different devices but nothing works. Just stuck in an endless loading screen or get an error message. This is so frustrating because I can't proceed with my claim! Does anyone know a direct number I can call to speak with someone about this specific issue? Or maybe a workaround? My benefits are on hold until this gets resolved and rent is due next week.
27 comments


Anna Kerber
try clearing ur cookies and cache, worked 4 me
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Roger Romero
•Thanks, I tried that already but it didn't help. Still getting the same loading issue.
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Niko Ramsey
I had the same problem last month. The ID.me technical issues are unfortunately common with NY unemployment. Here's what worked for me: 1. Try using the ID.me mobile app instead of the browser version 2. If that doesn't work, you need to call the NY unemployment technical support line at 855-763-1150 (option 1, then option 4 for identity verification issues) 3. Be prepared for a LONG wait time - I was on hold for 3+ hours Also, document each attempt you make (screenshots of errors) as they might need this to verify you've been making good faith efforts to complete the verification.
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Roger Romero
•Thank you so much! I didn't know there was an ID.me app - will try that right away. And thanks for the specific number with the menu options. I'll start taking screenshots too.
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Seraphina Delan
•I tried that number last week and couldn't get through AT ALL!!! Just kept getting disconnected after the automated message. This system is COMPLETELY BROKEN! I've been waiting on my benefits for over a month because of this stupid ID.me issue. It's a JOKE!!
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Jabari-Jo
The ID.me verification systems have been experiencing significant technical difficulties due to high volume since the NY DOL security update in February 2025. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps: - Try using incognito/private browsing mode - Disable any ad blockers or VPNs during the verification process - Try very early morning (5-6am) when server load is lightest - If available, use a completely different internet connection Also, if you've been attempting verification for 3+ days, you should request a manual verification review. Call the main unemployment line at 888-209-8124, then when prompted say "speak to an agent" or press the appropriate option for identity verification issues.
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Roger Romero
•I didn't even think about ad blockers! I do have one running. Will try disabling it along with your other suggestions. The early morning tip makes a lot of sense too.
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Kristin Frank
Has anyone tried using Claimyr to get through to someone? I was having the EXACT same ID.me problem last week and couldn't get through the phone lines for days. Found this service called Claimyr.com that got me past the phone queues and connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent I spoke with was able to override the ID.me requirement temporarily while I kept trying to complete it. Saved me from missing my rent payment!
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Micah Trail
•is this legit? sounds kinda sketchy to me...
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Roger Romero
•Thank you!! I'm checking this out right now. Willing to try anything at this point. Did they actually help resolve your ID.me issue or just got you past the hold?
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Nia Watson
I couldn't get ID.me to work for two weeks straight! So frustrating. I finally went to my local NY DOL career center in person and they helped me bypass it. You have to bring your ID documents with you (license, SS card, birth certificate, etc). Takes longer but at least it worked!
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Roger Romero
•I didn't know going to a career center was an option! There's one about 30 minutes from me. I might do this if the phone options don't work out. Thanks for letting me know!
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Micah Trail
my sister works for unemployment & says they know about the id.me problems. she said try doing it between 11pm-2am when the system isnt busy. worked for me!
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Anna Kerber
•this 100% works, did mine at 1am and went right through
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Roger Romero
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me in case someone else has this problem. I tried the Claimyr service that was suggested and got through to an agent in about 30 minutes (after trying for days on my own). The agent put a 10-day hold on the ID.me requirement so my benefits wouldn't be interrupted. Then I tried the ID.me verification again at 1:30am as suggested here and it went through without any problems! Thanks everyone for your help - would have been totally lost without these suggestions.
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Niko Ramsey
•Glad it worked out for you! The late-night trick seems to be the most consistent solution for the ID.me issues. Hopefully the DOL fixes these problems soon - so many people are dealing with this.
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Seraphina Delan
•Good for you but I'm STILL dealing with this nightmare! Been trying for 3 weeks now and nobody will help me!!
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Jabari-Jo
For anyone else facing this issue: the NY DOL just announced they're implementing a fix for the ID.me verification system by April 15, 2025. In the meantime, they've published an official workaround document here: https://dol.ny.gov/identity-verification-assistance The document includes specific troubleshooting steps and alternative verification methods. Always check the official NY DOL website for the most up-to-date information.
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Roger Romero
•Thank you for sharing this resource! This will help a lot of people.
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StarSailor
Just wanted to share another potential solution that worked for my neighbor - if you have access to a public library or community center with computers, try using their internet connection and computers. Sometimes the issue is related to your home network or device-specific settings. The librarians at our local branch said they've helped several people complete their ID.me verification this way. Worth a shot if you're still having trouble!
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TommyKapitz
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions everyone! I've been lurking here for a while but finally decided to create an account because I'm dealing with the exact same ID.me nightmare. I've been stuck for almost 2 weeks now and my certification is due tomorrow. Going to try the late night approach (11pm-2am) that several people mentioned, and if that doesn't work I'll look into the Claimyr service and maybe visit the career center. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this - the system really needs to be fixed! Will update if I find anything else that works.
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Sofia Torres
•Welcome to the community! Sorry you're dealing with this too - it's been such a widespread problem. Definitely try the late night approach first since that seems to work for most people. If you do end up trying Claimyr, just be aware there might be a small fee but it could be worth it if your certification is due tomorrow. Also, don't forget to document your attempts with screenshots in case you need to show you've been trying in good faith. Good luck and please let us know what ends up working for you!
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Gabriel Freeman
I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more tip that helped me get through the ID.me verification last month. If you're still having issues after trying the late-night approach, check if your browser has any privacy extensions or settings that might be blocking scripts. I had to temporarily disable my privacy badger extension and allow third-party cookies specifically for ID.me. Also, make sure you're using the most recent version of your browser - I found that outdated versions sometimes had compatibility issues with the verification system. The combination of updating my browser, disabling privacy extensions, and trying during off-peak hours (around midnight) finally got me through after weeks of frustration.
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Natasha Volkova
•This is really helpful! I hadn't thought about privacy extensions potentially interfering with the verification process. I have a few privacy-focused extensions running that might be causing issues. Going to try disabling them along with the late-night approach tonight. It's amazing how many different technical factors can mess with this system - no wonder so many people are having problems. Thanks for sharing what worked for you!
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Emma Johnson
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying for 4 days straight and getting nowhere. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful - I had no idea about the late night trick or that there was an ID.me mobile app. I'm definitely going to try the 11pm-2am window tonight, and I'll also disable my ad blocker and privacy extensions like others suggested. It's frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops just to verify our identity, but at least there seem to be some workarounds. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - gives me hope that I'll eventually get through this!
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Mia Rodriguez
•Hey Emma! I just went through this exact same nightmare a few weeks ago. The late night approach really does work - I finally got through at around 1:15am after failing for over a week during normal hours. Also, definitely try the mobile app if the browser version keeps failing. One thing I'd add is to make sure you have good lighting and a clean background when doing the ID verification photos - sometimes the system is picky about that too. Don't give up, you'll get through it! The combination of late night timing + disabling extensions + mobile app seems to be the winning formula for most people.
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Zoe Papadakis
I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to this ID.me nightmare! I've been stuck for 6 days now and my patience is completely shot. Reading through everyone's suggestions here has been a lifesaver though - I had no idea there were so many potential workarounds. I'm going to try the late night approach tonight (seems like 1-2am is the sweet spot based on what everyone's saying), and I'll also download the ID.me mobile app and disable my browser extensions. If that doesn't work, I might look into the Claimyr service or visit my local career center. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's comforting to know this isn't just me being incompetent with technology! Will definitely update once I (hopefully) get through this mess.
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