NY unemployment approved but no KeyBank card to access funds - what should I do?

Same thing happened to me back in February. You need to call KeyBank directly at 866-295-2955 to check on the status of your card. Mine got lost in the mail and they had to send a replacement. Took about 7-10 days to arrive after I called. Super frustrating when the money is there but you cant access it!

I was in the exact same situation last month - approved but no card. Spent DAYS trying to reach someone at ny unemployment with no luck. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real agent without the wait. Best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits sorted out. The agent I talked to was able to expedite my KeyBank card and check on all my back payments. Sharing the video that showed me how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Go into your online account and switch to direct deposit RIGHT NOW! It won't help with the money that's already been sent to the KeyBank card, but at least future payments will go straight to your bank. I made this mistake last year and regretted it.

KeyBank cards usually arrive 7-10 business days after approval. If you need the money urgently, call KeyBank and pay the $15 fee for expedited shipping to get it in 2-3 days. That's what I had to do.

U can also go to any KeyBank branch with your ID and they can give u a temporary card or let u withdraw some of ur funds. Thats what i did when my card was lost. Just bring 2 forms of ID to be safe.

This is a major problem with NY unemployment that nobody talks about! They approve you then make it impossible to actually get your money. I was in your situation in April and ended up having to wait almost 3 weeks for my card. The system is designed to be frustrating.

I FINALLY GOT THROUGH TO A HUMAN YESTERDAY!! After trying for weeks to reach ny unemployment about this exact issue (approved but no card), I discovered that calling exactly at 7:55am right before they open at 8am puts you at the front of the queue. Got through after only 5 minutes on hold. They told me KeyBank sends cards automatically but they often get lost. Agent helped me verify my address and request a replacement. Hope this helps someone!

Look, I hate to be that person, but if you need immediate help, the most reliable way to reach someone at ny unemployment is claimyr.com - it's the only thing that worked after weeks of failed attempts. Their system kept me on hold for hours then connected me with an agent who fixed my KeyBank card situation in minutes. Without it I'd still be waiting for someone to pick up.

Something nobody mentioned yet - once u get ur KeyBank card, immediately transfer ALL the money to your personal bank account. Don't leave it on the KeyBank card. Those accounts have crazy fees and terrible customer service. I learned this the hard way.

If KeyBank doesnt have ur correct address, u wont get the card. Make sure ur address is updated both with unemployment AND with KeyBank directly. Theyre separate systems and dont automatically sync.

Here's a COMPLETE GUIDE to solving this problem (I went through it in March): 1. First, verify in your NY unemployment account that your address is correct - go to "Update Personal Information" and check it carefully. 2. Call KeyBank at 866-295-2955 (best times to call are early morning or late afternoon). Verify if a card was sent and to what address. 3. If a card was sent more than 10 business days ago, request a replacement. If address was wrong, update it and request a new card. 4. If you can't reach KeyBank, use claimyr.com to get through to an unemployment representative who can check the status in their system and issue an expedited card if needed. 5. Once you get your card, IMMEDIATELY set up direct deposit for future payments. 6. If you need emergency access to funds while waiting, contact your local Department of Social Services about emergency assistance programs. Hope this helps someone! The NY unemployment system is incredibly frustrating but persistence pays off.

anyone know if i can have them reissue the payments as direct deposit instead of waiting for this stupid card? my landlord is about to evict me and i cant wait another 2 weeks

i cant believe in 2023 we're still dealing with this prehistoric system. every other state has moved to direct deposit as default but NY is still sending plastic cards through the mail like its 2005 😂

Check if your mail is being forwarded or held. I had this exact problem because I had recently moved and my mail forwarding request with USPS expired right when my card was supposed to arrive. Had to call KeyBank to request a new card to my current address.

Question - after you got approved did you get an email about setting up payment preferences? I got that email and was able to choose direct deposit before any payments went out. Maybe check your spam folder?