NY unemployment approved 8 weeks ago but no KeyBank card received - frustrated and broke

Same thing happened to me. The NY unemployment system is a joke. I had to keep calling every single day for weeks. Finally got through using claimyr.com and they fixed it in 10 minutes. It was the best money i've spent all year - talking to a actual human got my benefits flowing within 48 hours. They connect you with a live agent without all the waiting. Check this video out: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You gotta physically go to a DOL office. The phone system is useless and keybank is even worse. I waited 11 weeks for my card before I went in person and they told me my address was entered wrong!!! Like one digit off in my apartment number and they never bothered to tell me. 🤦‍♂️

When they say it will take weeks, it really means months lol. I've been through this exact situation and all I can say is keep calling and emailing every day. Eventually they'll fix it, but not because the system works - just because you annoyed someone enough. Try contacting your local state rep too, that sometimes speeds things up.

Literally just saw a TikTok about this! Apparently tons of people are having issues with KeyBank cards not showing up. Something about a backlog in their system after they switched card providers. But the crazy thing is DOL considers it 'paid' the second they approve it, even if you have NO WAY to access the money! This system is so broken 😭

Here's what worked for me after 2+ months of no card and no money despite being approved: First, you need to reach an actual human being at NY unemployment. The regular phone system is basically useless since they're overwhelmed. I tried for weeks and never got through until I used claimyr.com - they stay on hold for you and call when there's a real agent (seriously saved my sanity). Once you get someone on the phone: 1. Ask them to verify your mailing address is correct in the system. Often the issue is a small error in how it's entered that nobody notices. 2. Request they put in a direct deposit option instead of waiting for the KeyBank card. This worked for me - got my money 3 days after setting up direct deposit. 3. If they say the card has been mailed, ask for the exact date and request they cancel that card and issue a new one. Often they've been "sent" but are sitting in some backlog. 4. Get a confirmation number or case number for your call. This is CRITICAL if you need to follow up. 5. If you're still not getting anywhere, contact your local state assembly person. Their offices have special contacts at unemployment and can often resolve issues quickly. The system is incredibly broken right now, but being persistent and documenting everything is the only way through. Hang in there - I know how stressful it is to be approved but unable to access your money.

Contact your state senator!!!! I was in the same situation - approved for benefits but no card for over 2 months. Called their office, had benefits direct deposited within a week. They have special contacts at DOL that regular people don't have access to.

I literally drove 2 hours to Albany to the main unemployment office cause I was so desperate after waiting 3 months for my card. turns out there was a fraud alert on my account that nobody bothered to tell me about. Check if that might be happening to you too.

This is EXACTLY what happened to me!!! I filed in June, got approved in July, and didnt get my card until OCTOBER. When I finally got through to someone, they said "oh we've been paying you since july" but I had no way to access it!! The system is completely broken. Keep calling them every day, eventually you'll get through.

KeyBank is THE WORST. When I finally got my card after 2 months, it had the wrong name on it!!! Then took another month to get a replacement. Switch to direct deposit asap if you can ever get someone on the phone.

not falling for another unemployment 'hack'... these never work. I've been trying to get my benefits for 4 months and nothing works. The whole system is designed to wear us down so we give up. 😡

Quick suggestion that worked for me - email them at the same time as calling. I sent an email with URGENT KEYBANK ISSUE in subject line every day for a week and eventually got a response. Sometimes the email team is less backed up.

Have you checked if your mail is being forwarded or stolen? My neighbor had this exact issue and it turned out someone was stealing mail from our building. Just a thought.

So I was about to throw my phone after 3 hours on hold when I found out about claimyr.com. It literally saved my sanity. They wait on hold and call you when there's an agent. Got my direct deposit set up instead of waiting for the card. This was after TWO MONTHS of trying to get through myself.

THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE NY SYSTEM!!! My caseworker told me they're having a backlog of over 50,000 KeyBank cards!!! They should just tell people this instead of making us wait and stress out for months. Request direct deposit if you can ever speak to someone.

Friendly reminder that its illegal for them to withhold your benefits once approved. Document EVERYTHING. Dates you called, who you spoke with, what they said. If you end up needing to file a complaint or get legal help, this documentation will be crucial.