NY unemployment claim denied for insufficient wages - need advice on backdating
Just got some frustrating news after calling NY unemployment for MONTHS (literally since January 2025). Finally got through yesterday only to be told I didn't meet the wage requirements for the quarter I applied in. No one mentioned this during my previous calls! The DOL rep suggested I request to backdate my claim to a quarter where I had sufficient wages, which I just did through the unemployment website. Has anyone else dealt with this wage requirement issue? Did backdating actually work? Any other steps I should take? I'm stressed about how long this might drag out since I've already waited months with no income.
17 comments
Andre Moreau
This happened to me too! I applied in March and apparently didn't have enough wages in my base period. The rep told me to backdate to December and I did, but that was 3 weeks ago and I haven't heard ANYTHING back. I don't know if they're even processing my request. Have you gotten any confirmation email or anything?
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QuantumQuester
•No confirmation at all! That's what worries me. There's no way to know if they're actually processing it or if my request just disappeared into the void. How are we supposed to follow up on this???
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Zoe Stavros
The backdating request should work if you actually had sufficient wages in the earlier quarter. Here's what you need to know about base periods: 1. Your standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed 2. If you don't qualify under that, they check the alternate base period (last 4 completed quarters) When you submitted the backdating request, did you specify which quarter you wanted to use? That's important. Also, you should follow up with a phone call in about 5-7 business days if you don't see any updates online.
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QuantumQuester
•Thanks for explaining the base periods. I did specify the quarter (Oct-Dec 2024) since that's when I had the most stable employment. I'll definitely call to follow up next week if I don't see any changes. Feels like I'm just going in circles with this system!
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Jamal Harris
I went through this EXACT same thing in February! It took weeks of trying to reach someone at NYSDOL. After trying for literally 6 days straight and never getting through, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an unemployment agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent was able to process my backdating request while I was on the phone. Saved me weeks of waiting and uncertainty. Especially with a wage issue, you really need to talk to someone who can look at your specific case.
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QuantumQuester
•I've never heard of this service before, but at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. Did they explain the whole process while you were on the call? I just want to make sure everything gets fixed correctly this time.
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Jamal Harris
•Yes, the agent went through everything step by step. They could see all my wage info and confirmed which quarters qualified. They processed the backdating right then and told me exactly when to expect updates in my account. Way better than submitting online and hoping for the best.
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Mei Chen
backdating usually works but sometimes takes forever. i had to wait like 5 weeks last year when i did it. make sure u call and check on it or theyll probably forget about u lol
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Liam Sullivan
•This is why the NY unemployment system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!! They make us jump through hoops, wait for months, and then tell us we did something wrong that they should have caught immediately! Then we have to start the whole process over again while bills pile up. It's CRIMINAL how they treat people who just need help!
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Amara Okafor
When you request backdating, you need to provide a valid reason why you didn't apply earlier. Did you include a reason with your request? Common acceptable reasons include: - You were told you were ineligible (but were actually eligible) - You had technical difficulties with the website - You were ill or had a family emergency - You were misinformed by an employer about eligibility If you didn't include a clear reason, your backdating request might be denied regardless of your wages in that quarter.
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QuantumQuester
•Oh no, I didn't know this! The DOL person just told me to request backdating but didn't mention I needed a specific reason. I think I just wrote that I was told I didn't meet wage requirements in my current quarter. Do you think I should submit another request with a better explanation?
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Amara Okafor
•You don't need to submit another request, but I would definitely call them to make sure your current request has a valid reason attached. Being told to backdate by a DOL representative is actually a valid reason itself. Make sure you note the date you were told this and, if possible, the name of the representative who advised you to backdate.
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CosmicCommander
I had something kinda similar happen last year where I applied right after switching jobs and didn't have enough quarters. My request to backdate was approved but then I ran into another problem where they wanted additional documentation about why I hadn't applied during the earlier period. Took forever to resolve. Make sure you have documentation of everything - dates you worked, paystubs, anything that proves your wages during the quarter you're trying to use.
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Zoe Stavros
Just a follow-up on this thread - for those dealing with backdating requests, here's what to expect in the process: 1. After submitting the backdating request, you'll likely need to wait 2-3 weeks for initial processing 2. If approved, you'll receive a notice to complete backdated certifications for all weeks you're claiming 3. After completing backdated certifications, payment typically takes another 1-2 weeks 4. If there are any issues with your backdated certifications, you may need to speak with a claims examiner The total process typically takes 3-5 weeks if everything goes smoothly. Document everything and be prepared to follow up regularly.
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QuantumQuester
•Thank you so much for this timeline! At least now I know what to expect. I'm going to get all my documentation together and then follow up with a call next week. This has been incredibly helpful.
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Andre Moreau
Has anyone had their backdating request denied? I'm worried they're going to reject mine and then I'll be completely out of options. My savings are almost gone and I don't know what I'll do if this doesn't work out. The anxiety is killing me!!!
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Jamal Harris
•Mine was initially "stuck in processing" for weeks until I was able to speak with someone directly. The online system doesn't handle these special cases well. That's why I mentioned the Claimyr service earlier - sometimes you need to actually talk to a human to get these complex issues resolved.
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