NY unemployment Tourism Recovery Bonus check - having issues cashing it

I received mine last week and cashed it without any problems at KeyBank. Make sure you're not trying to mobile deposit it - these need to be deposited in person with ID. Also double check that you signed the back exactly as your name appears on the front. Some banks are being extra cautious with these state checks because of all the fraud that happened back in 2023.

These Tourism Recovery Bonus checks are different from regular unemployment payments and are processed through a different state department, which is why the routing numbers look different. Some bank branches aren't familiar with them yet. Here's what you need to do: 1. Bring the letter that came with the check 2. Ask to speak with a manager if the teller is hesitant 3. The check should have a verification phone number printed somewhere on it - point this out to the bank 4. If all else fails, try a check cashing place - they may charge a fee but they're usually more familiar with various government checks These are legitimate state funds, but banks are being extra cautious with anything unemployment-related after the fraud issues from previous years.

Took me THREE tries at different banks to cash mine!! So frustrating. Chase wouldnt take it, neither would my credit union, finally got lucky at Citi. Its ridiculous how they make something thats supposed to help us into another headache!!!!

my cousin got one of these and said the same thing happened... try going to the actual bank that its drawn on, should be printed somewhere on the check

I had the exact same problem last week. After trying two banks with no luck, I called NYSDOL but couldn't get through to anyone. I finally found a trick that worked - use Claimyr.com to get connected to an agent right away. It actually worked and they put me through to someone who explained that the banks need to call a specific verification number to confirm these checks. Once I had that info, I went back to my bank and they were able to process it. Check out their demo video if you're curious how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Saved me from having to stand in line at a check cashing place and paying their crazy fees!

anyone know how long these tourism bonus checks are being sent out? my neighbor got one but i havent received anything yet. i was on unemployment for 3 months last year

UPDATE: I finally got my check cashed! Had to go to Bank of America (where the check is drawn from) and bring all the paperwork plus two forms of ID. The manager had to call some special verification number but it worked! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. For anyone else having this problem - definitely bring all documentation that came with the check and be prepared to wait while they verify it.

My check had the wrong address on it (I moved last year) and now they're saying I need to wait for them to reissue it which could take 4-6 weeks??? Has anyone dealt with this particular issue? The whole tourism bonus thing seemed straightforward until it wasn't.