NY unemployment card still inactive 3 weeks after ID.me verification - need to call?

Unfortunately waiting 3 weeks after ID.me verification isn't that unusual right now. The system is backlogged with the new verification requirements they added this year. However, at this point, you should definitely call them. Your claim might be stuck in the system or flagged for something. When I had a similar issue in January, calling was the only thing that fixed it - turned out there was a discrepancy between my ID.me info and what was in their system that needed manual review.

same here! my card was inactive for almost a month after id.me!! so frustrating!! finally got it fixed tho

This is a common issue with the new verification process. I work with unemployed clients and here's what's happening: After ID.me verification, your information gets sent to NYSDOL, but it doesn't automatically activate your card. Their system requires manual verification after ID.me, which is causing the backlog. I recommend calling as soon as possible - specifically ask for a "manual verification review" when you get an agent on the phone. They need to check if your verification data transferred correctly from ID.me to their system. The longer you wait, the more backed up your payments will become. While the system should eventually catch up, many people are waiting 4-6 weeks without intervention.

I verified through ID.me back in December and my card activated within 5 days. Maybe it depends on your specific situation? Did you have any issues during the verification process?

CALL THEM!!! The system is BROKEN! I waited 5 weeks thinking it would fix itself and lost out on over $2000 in benefits that took MONTHS to get backpaid. Don't make my mistake. They won't fix it unless you call and specifically request them to check the ID.me verification status manually. The online system is completely useless for this particular issue!

I was stuck in the same situation last month. Kept trying to call but couldn't get through to an actual person after hours on hold. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep within 20 minutes. They have this service where they navigate the phone system for you and call you back when they've got an agent on the line. Saved me so much frustration. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent I spoke with confirmed there was a flag on my account after ID.me that needed manual review. She fixed it on the spot and my card was activated within 48 hours.

There's actually a specific protocol for ID.me verification issues that many people don't know about. After the verification is submitted, the data transfer between ID.me and NYSDOL systems occurs in batches. Sometimes records get stuck in what's called "verification limbo" - especially if there are minor discrepancies in your information. What you need to do: 1. Call the unemployment office specifically between 8:00-8:30am (when they first open, shortest hold times) 2. Request a "verification status update" (this is different from a regular status check) 3. Ask them to check for any "data transfer flags" in your file 4. If they say everything looks fine, request they manually push your verification through The standard processing time should be 5-7 business days currently. Anything beyond that indicates a system issue. Also, make sure you've completed all weekly certifications during this waiting period - many people don't realize you still need to certify even while your card is inactive.

has anyone noticed the system is ALWAYS broken?? like every year they "upgrade" something and it gets worse?? 🙄

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone on the phone this morning! For anyone with the same problem - I called right at 8:00am and the wait was only about 20 minutes. The rep confirmed there was an issue with my ID.me verification not transferring correctly to their system. She manually approved it and said my card should be active within 2-3 business days, and I'll receive all my backpay for the weeks I've been certifying. Such a relief! Definitely call if you're having this problem - it won't resolve itself.