NY unemployment direct deposit missing for 3 weeks - still says 'pending payment'

I had something similar happen back in December. My payments were pending for almost 4 weeks. Turns out there was a random identity verification flag on my account that nobody told me about. The only way I solved it was getting through to an actual agent. Have you checked your message inbox on the portal? Sometimes they send notices there instead of emailing you.

omg same thing happening to me right now!!!! 2 weeks no money its ridiculous

This is actually a common issue in the first quarter of 2025. The NYSDOL implemented a new payment verification system in January that's causing these delays. When payments get flagged for additional verification, they show as 'pending' but you won't necessarily get any notification. You need to speak with a Tier 2 payment specialist to clear the flag - regular agents can't help. To get through: 1. Call exactly at 8:00am when they open 2. If the automated system asks why you're calling, say "payment issue" not "claim problem" 3. When you get an agent, specifically ask for a "Tier 2 payment specialist" 4. Have your NY.gov ID, the last 4 of your SSN, and your direct deposit information ready The verification is triggered by either: - A change in your certification answers - Multiple logins from different IP addresses - A quarterly eligibility review (happens to everyone) Unfortunately, calling is your only option - this can't be fixed through the online system.

After trying for WEEKS to get through to unemployment, I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. It cost money but was totally worth it since I was missing over $1400 in payments! The agent fixed my pending payments while I was on the phone and I got my money two days later. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE if you want to see how it works. Their website is claimyr.com

My pending payments suddenly went through yesterday after being stuck for almost 3 weeks! I didn't even talk to anyone, they just randomly fixed themselves. Maybe check your account again?

The exact same thing happened to me in February!!!! I had to send in my birth certificate and driver's license AGAIN even though I'd already done all the ID verification when I first applied. The worst part is they never even told me there was a problem! I just kept calling and finally got someone who said my account was "under review" whatever that means. Try uploading your ID documents through the portal even if they haven't asked for them. Sometimes that triggers them to look at your account faster.

Just wanted to add one more thing - if your landlord is threatening eviction due to late rent, make sure to get documentation from NYSDOL about your pending payments. New York has temporary protection if you can prove you're waiting on unemployment funds. Ask the agent for a "Notice of Pending Unemployment Benefits" when you speak with them. You can present this to your landlord to potentially get more time.

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! Called right at 8:00am like suggested and asked for a Tier 2 payment specialist. Had to wait about 25 minutes, but finally spoke to someone helpful. Turns out my account was flagged for "quarterly review" which they're doing to random accounts. The agent cleared the hold while I was on the phone and said I should see all three payments in my account within 2-3 business days. She also sent me the benefits notice documentation to show my landlord. Thanks everyone for your help!