NY unemployment direct deposit routing number error - same bank account not working
I'm trying to set up direct deposit for my NY unemployment benefits but the system keeps telling me my routing number is incorrect. This is frustrating because it's literally the same bank account I used for my unemployment benefits last year! Has anyone else run into this problem recently? Did NYSDOL change something in their system for 2025? I've triple-checked the numbers and even called my bank to confirm the routing number is correct. Not sure what else to try at this point.
19 comments
Carmen Ruiz
yeah same thing happened to me last month. turns out there was a glitch in the system. i had to wait 24 hrs and try again and it worked. sometimes their website just acts weird.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Thanks, I'll try waiting and trying again tomorrow. Did you change anything else when you tried again or just entered the same info?
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Andre Lefebvre
The NYSDOL updated their direct deposit verification system in January 2025. Some routing numbers that worked previously might be flagged if they don't match the new verification database. Make sure you're entering the routing number from the bottom of your checks (the first 9-digit number), not from your bank's website or app, as sometimes those are internal routing numbers. Also, some smaller banks and credit unions might have different routing numbers for ACH transfers versus paper checks.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•I don't have paper checks, just the routing number from my online banking. Is there a way to verify which routing number NYSDOL will accept? My bank only gave me one number when I called.
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Zoe Dimitriou
I had this EXACT problem!!! The system kept rejecting my routing number even though it was 100% correct. So frustrating!!!
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QuantumQuest
•How did you end up solving it? I'm dealing with something similar right now.
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Jamal Anderson
try using the debit card option instead of direct deposit. thats what i did. less hassle.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•I really prefer direct deposit though. Having to wait for a card and then transfer the money is an extra step I'd rather avoid if possible.
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Mei Zhang
I ran into this issue a few weeks ago. After trying everything and getting nowhere with the online system, I finally managed to reach a live agent by using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me through to NYSDOL in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. The agent told me there was a known issue with certain banks where the system wasn't recognizing valid routing numbers. They had to manually verify and enter my banking info on their end. You can see how the service works in this video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - it saved me so much frustration!
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Yuki Yamamoto
•I've been trying to call for two days with no luck. I'll check out that service - at this point I just need to talk to someone who can help fix this.
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Liam McGuire
This is actually a common issue with the updated system. There are a few specific things to check: 1. Make sure you're not including any spaces or dashes when entering the routing number 2. Some banks have multiple routing numbers (one for paper checks, one for electronic transfers) - confirm with your bank which is the correct ACH routing number 3. If you're using a prepaid account or certain online-only banks, they may not be compatible with the new system 4. Double-check that you're not accidentally entering your account number in the routing field If you've verified all these and still have issues, you'll need to speak with an agent directly. The online system has limitations when it comes to troubleshooting banking verification issues.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Thanks for the detailed response. I've checked all those things, and I'm using a major bank (Chase) so it should definitely be compatible. I guess I'll have to find a way to speak with someone directly.
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Zoe Dimitriou
THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!! I tried for TWO WEEKS to get my direct deposit to work before finally giving up and taking the stupid debit card option. What a waste of time!!!
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Carmen Ruiz
•thats why i always choose the debit card from the start lol. less headaches. the system has always been broken
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QuantumQuest
Have you tried logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and trying again in a different browser? Sometimes the website gets stuck with old input data or gets confused with autofill. I had problems with Firefox but it worked when I tried in Chrome.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•I haven't tried a different browser - that's actually a good idea. I'll give that a shot before calling. Thanks!
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Andre Lefebvre
After helping several people with this issue, I've found that the most reliable fix is having an agent manually verify your banking details. The online system has limited ability to troubleshoot verification failures. When you speak with an agent, make sure to mention that you've already verified the routing number with your bank and that it's the same account you've successfully used before. This helps them understand it's likely a system verification issue rather than incorrect information.
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Mei Zhang
•That's exactly what happened in my case. The agent I spoke with said their system was having issues with certain routing numbers even though they were correct. They had to override something on their end.
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Yuki Yamamoto
UPDATE: I tried using Chrome instead of Safari and clearing my cache like someone suggested, but still got the same error. I ended up using the Claimyr service that was mentioned and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent confirmed there's a known issue with the direct deposit verification system affecting some banks. They took my information and set up the direct deposit manually on their end. Problem solved! Thanks everyone for your help!
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