NY unemployment backdate request denied - appeal options?

Yes, you can definitely appeal this decision! I went through something similar last year. For the appeal, you'll need to provide concrete evidence of "good cause" for your late filing. This could include: - Documentation showing you were actively seeking employment during that period - Any medical records if health issues prevented you from filing - Evidence of misinformation if someone (like an employer) told you incorrect info about filing - Proof of any technical issues if you tried to file earlier but couldn't The appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. You can do this through your online account or by sending a written request to NYSDOL. Be very specific about why you didn't file earlier and provide as much supporting documentation as possible.

I had my backdate denied too back in 2024!!! The system is RIGGED against us regular people. They make everything confusing on purpose so they don't have to pay benefits we deserve. Good luck with the appeal but honestly they almost never approve those either.

I know this is frustrating, but don't give up! Your situation actually sounds like it might qualify for good cause. Not knowing you were eligible isn't usually enough on its own, but if you can show you were actively looking for work during that time, that helps your case a lot. One thing that worked for me: I got a statement from my previous employer confirming my layoff date and that they didn't inform me about unemployment benefits. Screenshots of job applications and interviews scheduled during that period also helped my case. Make sure to clearly explain that you were actively trying to solve your unemployment through job searching rather than benefits, which shows good faith effort on your part.

same thing happened to my cousin. he just kept calling until he got someone who would help. took like 3 days of calling tho.

After dealing with 3 denied backdate requests myself, I finally found a solution that worked. When you're constantly hitting the automated system and can't reach an actual claims specialist, it feels impossible. I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me skip the phone queue and got me connected to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of days of trying. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I actually spoke with a rep, I explained my situation clearly and had all my documentation ready (job applications, emails showing I was looking for work, etc). The rep guided me through exactly what I needed for my appeal and how to submit it properly. My backdate request was approved after that because I finally knew exactly what to submit and how to word it.

Wait I'm confused about something... when you say you applied in January but should have in November, was that because you didn't know you could apply or because the system wouldn't let you? Because I think those are different situations for backdate requests?

Important point on appeals: make sure you're very specific about requesting a hearing. When you submit your appeal, explicitly state "I am requesting a hearing regarding my backdate denial." This ensures you get an actual hearing where you can explain your case rather than just a document review. Also, don't just submit the same information as before. You need to provide NEW evidence or reasoning that wasn't included in your original request. The appeals examiner looks for additional information that might change the determination.

I just went through this whole process in January! The key to winning my appeal was submitting a detailed timeline of everything I did from my job loss date to when I actually applied. I included screenshots of job applications, email confirmations of interviews, and a personal statement explaining my misunderstanding of the process. I also found an old NYSDOL brochure that had confusing language about when to apply, which helped support my case that the instructions weren't clear. Check if you have any official communications that might have contributed to your misunderstanding.

One more tip: If your appeal is successful, they'll likely require you to certify for all those backdated weeks individually. Make sure you have accurate records of your work search activities for each of those weeks, as you'll need to report them. If you didn't keep detailed records of your job search for those weeks, start reconstructing them now - dig through email confirmations, application portals, interview emails, etc. Also, check if you had any income during that period that you would have had to report. Being prepared with all this information speeds up the process if your appeal is approved.

The whole thing is RIDICULOUS!! We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops to get benefits we paid into with our taxes!!! All this paperwork and waiting and appealing while bills are piling up. The system is designed to make us give up!!!

I want to thank everyone for the amazing advice. I've decided to do the following: 1. Create a detailed timeline of my job search from November to January 2. Gather all my job application confirmations and interview emails 3. Write a clear statement explaining why I misunderstood when to apply 4. Request a hearing specifically in my appeal 5. Try calling again tomorrow to speak with a representative 6. If I can't get through after a couple more tries, I'll check out that Claimyr service I'll update this thread once I have news about my appeal. Fingers crossed I can get those backdated benefits!