NY unemployment benefits suddenly forfeited without notice - what went wrong?

same thing happnd to me back in january... turns out they thought i didnt look for work enough but never told me. you prob need to call them but good luck gettin thru lol

This could be several things, but most likely either: 1. They flagged an issue with your work search activities 2. You may have answered a certification question incorrectly 3. There might be an employer protest/dispute about your claim 4. The system detected a potential identity verification issue You absolutely need to speak with a representative to resolve this. The term 'forfeited' specifically indicates a compliance issue rather than a technical glitch. Check your message inbox in your online account - sometimes they send notices there that don't come through email.

I went through something similar in February. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through on the phone before I found out about Claimyr. It's a service that basically calls NYSDOL for you and connects you when they get an agent. Saved me days of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE I was initially skeptical, but my benefits had been forfeit for a similar reason (they claimed I didn't report some freelance work correctly, which wasn't true). The agent was able to fix it on the spot once I finally got through.

THIS IS WHY I HATE NYSDOL!!! They NEVER explain ANYTHING and then expect us to just figure it out! I had the EXACT same issue last month and it took me 3 weeks to get anyone on the phone to fix it. By that time I was behind on bills and almost got evicted. The system is DESIGNED to make people give up!!!!

When you certify weekly, are you making sure to list at least 3 job contacts per week? With the Work Search Record requirements in 2025, they've gotten much stricter about this. Also, did you receive any letters in the mail? Sometimes the online system updates before mail notifications arrive. I'd recommend: 1. Keep calling the main unemployment number 2. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM 3. Contact your state representative's office - they often have special channels 4. Prepare all your work search documentation in advance 5. Be ready to file a formal appeal if needed - you have 30 days from the determination The term "forfeiture" typically means they believe there was a rules violation, not just a random system issue.

I had a similar issue last year, but mine was called "suspended" not "forfeited" so might be different. But in my case they randomly selected me for an interview to verify my work search records. They never sent me any notification about the interview (they claimed they did), so when I missed it, they suspended my benefits. Could be something similar?

my buddy had his benefits cut off once cuz his old employer said he quit instead of being laid off. took him forever to fix it. maybe check with ur last job?

Let me tell you my whole experience in case it helps... I got my benefits cut off in January after 12 weeks. No warning either! I panicked because I have 2 kids to feed. Turns out I had made a tiny mistake on my certification - I reported that I was "not available to work" on a day when I had a doctor's appointment. I thought I was being honest but apparently you're supposed to say you're available unless you're completely unable to work all day. Anyway, I had to upload a statement explaining this was a misunderstanding. Took about 10 days to get everything sorted and my benefits restored. They even paid the missed weeks retroactively. So don't lose hope!

Update on my situation: I finally got through using Claimyr this morning. Turns out they flagged my account because I had started a part-time job but hadn't reported the exact hours correctly (I reported the income but messed up the dates). The agent was actually helpful and unfroze my account within minutes once I explained. My payment should arrive by Friday. Such a relief!

Any update on your situation? Were you able to reach someone and get an explanation? For others reading this thread in the future, it's worth noting that NYSDOL now has specific requirements about reporting even the smallest amount of work or income during claim weeks. Missing even a few hours of part-time work can trigger an automatic forfeiture. The rules changed in late 2024 and they're being enforced more strictly in 2025.