NY unemployment application stuck since March - no updates and broke after using 401K

Have you tried calling them directly? I was stuck in a similar situation in January and finally got through after 2 weeks of calling. The backlog is crazy right now with all the seasonal worker claims. Make sure you're also checking your message inbox on the NY.gov account - sometimes they send requests for additional info there instead of mail/email.

OMG same boat!!! Applied in Feb, nothing till May. Turns out they had "identity verification issues" but NEVER TOLD ME. Check ur spam folder maybe?? Also did u do the ID.me verification thing? That was what held mine up. Good luck!!!!

Based on what you're describing, it sounds like your application might be caught in an adjudication hold. This happens when there's a discrepancy that needs human review. Here are the steps you should take immediately: 1. Document all your attempts to contact them 2. Contact your state representative again (not just councilman) with this documentation 3. Check if there were any eligibility issues with your claim - did you work out of state at all? Were there gaps in employment? 4. To answer your second question: Yes, if approved, you should receive all backdated benefits including the $435 supplemental payment for eligible weeks The system is severely backlogged since the early 2025 claim surge, but 3 months without any communication is excessive and suggests your claim needs escalation.

I had a 4 month pending claim!!! RIDICULOUS!!!! The system is BROKEN and they DON'T CARE about people suffering!!!! I finally got it resolved by getting through to a tier 2 specialist who found out my employer had contested my claim but nobody bothered to tell me!!!! You need to somehow get a human on the phone who can actually see what's happening with your specific claim.

After being in a similar situation for 7 weeks, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 45 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. Their system calls NYSDOL for you and holds your place in line, then calls you when they get an agent. Saved me from financial disaster honestly. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through, I found out they were waiting for verification from my last employer who never responded. The agent was able to override it and my funds were released within 3 days including all backdated payments.

mine took 11 weeks last year and then suddenly got approved with no explanation. just keep certifying weekly even though your not getting paid yet so when it does go through you'll get all the back weeks. good luck

wait did u actually talk 2 ur counsilman or just email their office? cuz the staff usually just sends generic emails back but if u actually talk to the elected person themselves they can sometimes make calls that get things moving!

One more critical piece of advice: Make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your weekly certifications. Sometimes when these long-delayed claims are finally processed, weeks can get missed if the certification records aren't clear. Regarding the 401k withdrawal - while that was likely necessary given your situation, it generally doesn't impact your unemployment eligibility (though it might be considered income for tax purposes depending on how it was withdrawn). For anyone following this thread with similar issues - the most common reasons for extreme delays without communication are: 1. Identity verification flags 2. Employer disputes 3. Prior overpayment issues 4. Multi-state wage investigation 5. System technical errors that require manual intervention Persistence is key here. Don't give up on getting through to someone who can help.

Did you try the online chat feature? Sometimes it's easier to get through there than by phone, though the wait times can still be 2+ hours. But at least you can do other things while waiting instead of being stuck on the phone.

UPDATE: I used that Claimyr service someone recommended here and FINALLY got through to an agent yesterday! Turns out there was an identity verification issue that somehow got stuck in their system. The agent was able to clear it on the spot. She said my claim should be processed within 3-5 business days and I'll receive ALL my back pay including the $435 supplements for each week! She also confirmed I've been doing the weekly certifications correctly, so once approved, I should get everything I'm owed dating back to March. Such a relief after months of silence and stress. Will update again when the money actually hits my account.

they should redo the whole system tbh. its so outdated. my friend in california said their system is way better and she got approved in like 10 days

FINAL UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know the money came through this morning! Full backdated amount including all the extra $435 payments. Literally went from $0 to over $9,000 in my account. After 3 months of stress and financial hardship, I can finally breathe again. For anyone else stuck in pending limbo: don't give up, keep certifying weekly, and definitely find a way to speak to a human agent who can see what's actually happening with your claim.