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NY unemployment back pay delayed 3 months while new claim approved in a week - account fraud issues

I'm so frustrated with my NY unemployment situation right now. I just filed a new claim because my BYE (Benefit Year End) date was up, and it was approved within a WEEK. But I've been waiting almost 3 MONTHS for my back pay from the previous claim period! Every single time I call, they just say 'it's in review.' My account was clearly compromised by fraud at some point and I didn't have the right ID verification documents to claim those missing weeks. Now I'm stuck waiting while they take forever to resolve it. Can I somehow request for the back pay to be expedited? This is completely ridiculous - I'm owed thousands of dollars and they somehow managed to approve my new claim super fast but can't figure out my back pay situation? Has anyone else dealt with this nightmare? 🤦🏽‍♀️

You need to specifically request an 'expedited review' when you call. Don't just accept when they say it's 'in review' - that could literally mean it's sitting in a queue somewhere. Ask to speak with a supervisor and mention that the delay is causing significant financial hardship. They can flag your claim for priority processing. Also, document every call - date, time, and representative name. This creates a paper trail if you need to escalate further.

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Thank you! I didn't know I could ask for an expedited review. I'll definitely try that tomorrow. Do I need to provide any specific documentation about the financial hardship, or just explain my situation?

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Just explain your situation clearly. Be specific about bills you're struggling to pay or debts accumulating. If you can show the direct impact, they're more likely to prioritize your case. The key is being persistent but polite - remember the reps aren't personally responsible for the delay.

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Same exact thing happened to me except it took 4 months to get my backpay lol. System is broken beyond belief.

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4 months?! That's insane. Did you eventually get the full amount you were owed? I'm worried they'll try to deny some of my weeks.

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yeah got it all eventually but it came in 2 separate payments for some weird reason. no explanation just showed up in my account one day

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I had an almost identical situation last year - my backpay was delayed for months while my new claim was approved quickly. Here's what worked for me: I contacted my local state representative's office and explained my situation. They have dedicated staff who handle constituent services and can intervene with NYSDOL on your behalf. I sent them copies of all my documentation, proof of my identity verification attempts, and a timeline of my calls. Within 10 days of their intervention, my backpay was processed and deposited. It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes going outside the direct unemployment system gets faster results. Your state assembly member or senator's office can be surprisingly effective.

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That's brilliant! I never thought about contacting my state rep. I'm going to look up their office contact info right now. Did you email or call them?

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I called first and explained my situation, and they directed me to email specific documentation to a staff member who handles these issues. Be sure to include your claim ID, the dates of the missing back pay, and a chronological list of your attempts to resolve it with NYSDOL. The more organized your information, the more effectively they can help. They'll likely ask you to sign a privacy release form so they can discuss your case with NYSDOL officials.

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i waited SIX months for back pay in 2024!!! the fraud thing is happening to EVERYONE now, my cousin, my roommate, 3 ppl i work with all had their accounts marked for fraud investigation even tho they're real claims... its like they're using 'fraud review' as an excuse to hold onto money longer!!!!!

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While it may feel that way, what's actually happening is that NYSDOL implemented enhanced fraud detection systems in late 2024 after the major data breach that affected several state unemployment systems. This has unfortunately created a backlog of legitimate claims caught in the verification process. The department is legally required to verify identity before releasing payments when potential fraud indicators are flagged, but they are understaffed for the volume of cases. The system isn't deliberately withholding funds - it's a process issue.

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The reason your new claim was approved quickly while your back pay remains under review is because these are handled by different departments with different verification requirements. New claims go through the standard initial eligibility verification, while back pay issues (especially those involving potential fraud) are handled by the Special Investigations Unit, which has a much larger backlog. For your back pay issue, I recommend three specific steps: 1. Request a Monetary Determination reconsideration specifically for the back pay period 2. Submit a written statement through your online account documenting the timeline of events and verification attempts 3. Use the official Request for Reconsideration form (MR-45) that applies to delayed payments Also, make sure all your identity verification documents are uploaded to your online account - driver's license, social security card, and a recent utility bill showing your address.

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Thank you for explaining that! It makes more sense now why they're on completely different timelines. I'll look for that MR-45 form and submit it. Are there any specific keywords I should use in my written statement to make sure it gets proper attention?

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After spending 2 weeks trying to reach someone at NYSDOL about my backpay (kept getting disconnected or waiting 3+ hours), I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have this system that waits on hold for you then calls when an agent is available. The agent was actually super helpful and escalated my backpay issue - got it resolved within 10 days. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Their website is claimyr.com if you're interested. Saved me so much frustration!

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OMG thank you for sharing this! I've been trying to call for weeks and either get disconnected or have to hang up after being on hold forever because I have to go to work. I'm definitely checking this out. Did you have to provide the agent with any specific documentation when they finally connected you?

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Just had my claim ID, social security number, and dates of the missing payments ready. The key was that I got to an actual claims specialist who could see everything in my file and had authority to escalate it. Make sure you clearly explain the timeline and mention the identity verification issues right away. The agent told me they can add internal notes to speed up the review once you actually get through to someone.

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I'm going through almost the same thing right now too, but it's only been about 5 weeks since I've been waiting for my back pay. The frustrating part is that I can't even get clear information on what's happening with it. One rep tells me it's in queue for review, another says they need more documentation, and then another says everything looks fine and I just need to wait. I'm starting to wonder if they're just hoping I'll give up. The system is a complete mess.

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That's a common experience when dealing with NYSDOL unfortunately. The inconsistent information happens because different representatives have different levels of access and training. Try to get your case notes added to your file each time you call - specifically ask the representative to document your call and the information they provided. This creates a record you can reference in future calls. Also request to be transferred to a Tier 2 specialist if possible - they have more authority to investigate and resolve issues.

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One important thing to understand about back pay delays - especially when fraud has been suspected on your account - is that your case has likely been flagged for manual review, which takes longer. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. File a formal written appeal specifically addressing the back pay issue (not your new claim) 2. In your online account, upload additional identity verification documents if you have any that weren't previously submitted 3. Request a direct call back from a claims examiner (not just a regular customer service rep) The key difference between regular processing and back pay processing is that back pay for accounts with suspected fraud requires multiple levels of approval, including from a supervisor. By filing a formal appeal, you force your case into a queue that legally must be addressed within specific timeframes.

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This is really helpful, thank you. How do I specifically request a call back from a claims examiner rather than a regular customer service rep? Is there a specific form or process for that?

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When you call, immediately ask for your call to be escalated to a claims examiner or claims specialist. If they say they can't do that, ask to speak with a supervisor. Be polite but firm that you need to speak with someone who has the authority to review and make decisions on back pay for fraud-flagged accounts. You can also specify in your online message center communications that you're requesting contact from a claims examiner, not general support. Include your claim ID and the specific weeks of back pay in question in every communication.

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has anyone else noticed that they NEVER send you email updates about backpay reviews?? like they'll email about regular stuff but when it comes to actually giving you YOUR money suddenly they go silent

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YES!!!! i thought it was just me!! they email about literally everything else but when it comes to back pay its like they dont want to create a paper trail or something 🤔

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UPDATE: I just wanted to thank everyone for your advice! I tried calling using that Claimyr service that @profile6 mentioned, and I actually got through to a claims specialist in about 15 minutes! The agent confirmed my account was flagged for fraud review due to login attempts from multiple locations (which I never did - definitely someone trying to hack my account). She escalated my case and said I should see my back pay within 7-10 business days. She also noted that they needed an additional form of ID verification which I was able to provide while on the call. Fingers crossed this finally resolves it! Will update again when/if the money comes through.

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That's great news! Make sure to follow up if you don't see the payment within the timeframe they mentioned. Sometimes cases need a second push to get fully processed. Document the call details - the agent's name, ID number if provided, the call reference number, and exactly what they said would happen next. This makes follow-up much easier if needed.

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