NY unemployment debit card never arrived - who to contact when phone lines are jammed?
It's been 3 weeks since I was approved for NY unemployment benefits and my debit card still hasn't shown up in the mail. I selected the debit card option instead of direct deposit (big mistake I guess). I've called the unemployment number at least 20 times but it's ALWAYS busy or I get disconnected after waiting forever. Is there a specific department or different number I should be calling about missing debit cards? Has anyone else had this problem recently? Starting to get desperate as rent is coming up!!
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StellarSurfer
Had the same issue back in January. You need to contact KeyBank directly at 1-866-295-2955 since they handle the NY unemployment debit cards. Don't bother with the regular unemployment line for card issues. When you call KeyBank, have your claim ID ready and tell them it's been 3+ weeks. They can tell you if the card was even mailed out and expedite a replacement if needed.
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Anastasia Romanov
•Thank you so much!! I had no idea I needed to call KeyBank directly. Will try this number right now.
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Sean Kelly
u might wanna switch to direct deposit anyway, the cards always have issues and fees. just sayin
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Anastasia Romanov
•Yeah I definitely regret not setting up direct deposit from the start. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.
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Zara Malik
The same thing happened to me a few months ago! The KeyBank number helped but was still hard to get through. I finally used Claimyr.com to reach an actual NYSDOL agent who could see exactly what happened with my card (turns out they had my old address). The video at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE shows how it works. Worth it to get this resolved quickly because KeyBank sometimes gives you the runaround when it's actually an NYSDOL issue.
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Luca Greco
•Is that service legit? seems kinda sketchy to pay just to talk to unemployment ppl
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Zara Malik
•Yeah it's 100% legit. They don't handle your claim or anything - they just connect you to a real NYSDOL agent so you don't have to spend days redialing. I was desperate after waiting almost a month for benefits.
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Nia Thompson
Here's what you need to know about NY unemployment debit cards in 2025: 1. First, verify your mailing address is correct in your NY.gov account. Many missing cards are due to incorrect addresses. 2. KeyBank issues the cards and handles replacements. Their direct number is 1-866-295-2955. 3. Standard delivery is 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed (not after approval). 4. If it's been more than 15 business days since your first payment was issued, request a replacement card from KeyBank. 5. While waiting, you can switch to direct deposit for future payments through your NY.gov account under "Payment Method." Keep in mind that changing to direct deposit won't affect payments already sent to the debit card option, but will apply to all future payments.
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Anastasia Romanov
•Thank you for the detailed info! I just checked and my address is correct in the system. I'll definitely be switching to direct deposit for future payments while I sort this out.
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Mateo Rodriguez
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I spent 2 MONTHS trying to get my card last year and no one would help. Called unemployment at least 50 times and either got hung up on or they told me to call KeyBank. Then KeyBank said it was NYSDOL's problem!!! Round and round in circles while I couldn't pay my bills!!! The whole thing is designed to make people give up on getting their OWN MONEY!!!
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Aisha Hussain
•I feel your pain! Went through similar nonsense when I moved apartments. The bureaucracy is unbelievable. Did you ever get your money in the end?
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Mateo Rodriguez
•Yeah but only after I got my state rep involved!! Had to email their office and fill out a form. Suddenly my card arrived 3 days later. FUNNY HOW THAT WORKS when they know someone important is watching!!!
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Luca Greco
my roommate just got his card last week it took like 4 weeks to come not 3... maybe just wait a little longer?
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Anastasia Romanov
UPDATE: Called KeyBank and they said my card was mailed out 18 days ago! They're sending a replacement that should arrive in 7-10 business days. Also switched to direct deposit for future payments. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Nia Thompson
•Great to hear you've got it sorted out! The replacement should come faster than the original since it's expedited. Make sure to activate it immediately when it arrives, and set up your PIN right away.
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Sean Kelly
•nice! direct deposit is def the way to go
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Aisha Hussain
I'm having the EXACT same problem but it's been over a month now! Did anyone try contacting the local unemployment office instead of calling? I'm wondering if I should just go in person tomorrow because I'm getting desperate too. I've got two kids to feed and rent is already late...
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StellarSurfer
•The local offices don't handle card issues directly, they'll just tell you to call the same numbers. Your best bet is either KeyBank directly or using one of the methods mentioned above to reach NYSDOL by phone. In your situation, I'd definitely recommend switching to direct deposit immediately for future payments while you sort out the card issue.
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