NY unemployment benefits suddenly cut off after missing one phone call - can't reach anyone
I'm so frustrated right now! I've been receiving NY unemployment while working part-time and going back to school (all of which I've reported during my weekly certifications). During my last biweekly call with a DOL representative, we discussed my progress returning to school and my part-time work situation. Everything seemed fine! Then I missed ONE phone call from them last week, and suddenly my benefits are completely cut off! No explanation, no warning - just nothing in my account this week. On what grounds can they just stop my payments like this? I've been trying to call every day this week (probably 30+ times) and can't get through to a human being. The automated system is useless for this situation. Has anyone dealt with something similar? How did you get your benefits reinstated?
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LongPeri
This happens more often than you'd think! When you miss their call, the system automatically flags your claim as 'non-responsive' and can suspend benefits until you make contact again. You need to specifically request a 'benefits continuation review' when you do reach someone. Keep calling the main number early in the morning (right when they open at 8am) or try exactly at 12:30pm when the lunch shift changes.
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Freya Collins
•Thank you! I've been trying at random times throughout the day. I'll try right at 8am tomorrow. Do I specifically need to ask for a 'benefits continuation review'? I've never heard that term before.
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Oscar O'Neil
•I had the EXACT same thing happen!!! They cut me off for 3 weeks becuz I missed ONE STUPID CALL while I was in the bathroom!!! The system is totally rigged against us!!
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Sara Hellquiem
When i had this problem i spent 4 days trying to call and kept getting the busy signal. finally gave up and tried claimyr.com - it got me through to an actual person in 27 minutes! they have this system that calls for you and holds your place in line. it cost a little bit but was worth it after wasting so many hours trying to call myself. you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - the agent helped me get my benefits turned back on that same day once I explained the situation.
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Freya Collins
•I've never heard of this service before. Did they actually get you through to a real NYSDOL agent? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. I need my benefits to pay rent next week.
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Charlee Coleman
•i used this too, works great. better than wasting days trying to get through. the nysdol phone system is the worst
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Liv Park
hey I missed a call once and my benefits continued like normal. are you sure thats why they stopped? could be something else? maybe you accidentally reported something wrong on your last certification
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Freya Collins
•That's what's so frustrating! I don't know for sure why they stopped, but the timing with the missed call seems suspicious. I've quadruple checked all my certifications and I reported everything correctly. I really need to speak to someone to figure out what happened.
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Leeann Blackstein
The specific reason matters a lot here. When DOL cuts benefits, there should be a message in your online account messaging center explaining why. Have you checked there? If there's nothing, you might also receive a physical letter within 7-10 days. Missing a call alone usually won't trigger a full benefit suspension unless: 1. You were already on a conditional approval requiring regular check-ins 2. They left a message requesting specific information with a deadline 3. You're in the work search verification program and this was a mandatory verification call For fastest resolution, I recommend: - Check your online message center thoroughly - Look for any correspondence in the mail - When calling, use the prompt for "payment not received" rather than general questions - Have your work search records ready to discuss
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Freya Collins
•I've checked my message center constantly and there's nothing there! That's part of what's so confusing. I'm not on any special program that I know of, just regular UI while working part-time and going to school. The job specialist I was talking to during previous calls was helping me with my career transition plan. I'll definitely try the "payment not received" prompt tomorrow - haven't tried that one yet.
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Ryder Greene
•Just to expand on this excellent advice - missing a required DOL call can result in your benefits being placed on hold until contact is re-established. This is particularly common with work search verification calls. When you do reach someone, ensure you mention that you're actively working part-time AND attending school, as this combination sometimes triggers verification requirements that wouldn't apply to either situation alone. The DOL needs to verify your school schedule doesn't interfere with your availability for full-time work, which is still a requirement even when working part-time.
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Oscar O'Neil
the NYSDOL phone system is LITERALLY THE WORST THING EVER!!!!! ive been on unemployment 3 times in the past and its always been a nightmare. they never answer and when they do the person has no idea what theyre doing half the time. its like they WANT us to give up!!
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Charlee Coleman
•same experience here its so frustrating
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Freya Collins
•It definitely feels designed to make people give up! I'm worried about paying my bills if I can't get this resolved soon. I'm going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning.
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Sara Hellquiem
Just wanted to update that I called again this morning using that claimyr service and got through in about 35 minutes. The agent explained that when you're working part-time AND in school, you need to complete a special verification every quarter to confirm your school schedule doesn't affect work availability. Missing the call triggered an automatic hold. He restored my benefits immediately and said I should see payment in 2-3 business days. They also noted my account so I won't have the same problem again.
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Freya Collins
•Thank you so much for the update! I didn't realize there was a special verification for people in my situation. No one ever mentioned that to me during previous calls. I'm definitely going to try calling again tomorrow, and I might use that service you mentioned if I still can't get through. Just knowing what the actual problem is makes me feel a bit better.
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Leeann Blackstein
•This is correct information. The quarterly verification for part-time workers attending school is relatively new (implemented in late 2024). The verification ensures that your school schedule maintains your availability for full-time work, which is required even when working part-time and claiming partial benefits. Once verified, the hold is typically lifted within 24-48 hours, with payment following in 2-3 business days.
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Liv Park
my brother had something like this happen and he said its faster to go to the actual unemployment office in person if you can. might be worth a try if youre still having trouble getting through on the phone
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Freya Collins
•That's a good idea! I didn't even think about going in person. Do you know if I need an appointment or can I just show up? The nearest office is about an hour away from me, but I might do that if I can't resolve this by phone in the next couple days.
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Ryder Greene
•Most NY DOL Career Centers now require appointments for in-person assistance with unemployment claims. You can schedule through the NY.gov website under "Career Services." However, some locations do accept walk-ins during specific hours, typically early mornings. I recommend calling the specific center before making the trip to confirm their current walk-in policy.
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Freya Collins
UPDATE: I finally got through! Used the claimyr service after failing for 5 days trying to call normally. The agent explained exactly what happened - there's apparently a new quarterly verification requirement for people working part-time while going to school. The missed call was for this verification, and missing it triggered an automatic hold on my account. The agent removed the hold and processed my payment! Should receive it within 3 business days. They also added a note to my account about the situation so it shouldn't happen again. Thanks everyone for your advice - especially about the calling service and the specific verification program I didn't know about!
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LongPeri
•Great to hear! Yes, the quarterly verification program is relatively new. Make sure to answer any future calls from NYSDOL numbers, and if you miss one, try to call back the same day if possible. Glad you got it resolved!
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Charlee Coleman
•awesome! glad it worked out for you. the system is so confusing sometimes
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