NY unemployment direct deposit setup glitched out - payment method never added

Yes, you can still add your payment information! Go to your NY.gov account, log in, and select 'Unemployment Services.' Then click on 'Update Your Personal Information' and you'll see an option for 'Update Payment Method.' You can enter your bank details there anytime. Just make sure you have your routing and account numbers ready.

same thing happened to me when I filed in January! the website is so glitchy its ridiculous

To answer your question about delays - if you update your payment method before your first payment processes (usually 2-3 business days after certification), it should use the new method. If you miss that window, your first payment might come as a debit card by default, and future payments will use your direct deposit. One important thing to note: double-check your bank information carefully! If you enter incorrect banking details, it can cause a 2-week investigation period where all payments are held until it's resolved.

WHY does NY make everything SO COMPLICATED?? I've been dealing with them since 2025 started and it's been nothing but problems. The website crashes, the phone lines are always busy, and half the time the agents don't even know their own rules!!! I had the EXACT same issue with payment setup and ended up waiting 5 WEEKS for my first check because the system didn't process my banking info correctly. CALL THEM immediately!!!

My cousin had this happen and they just automatically sent him a debit card after about 10 days. But that was back in February so maybe they changed how it works now.

I was in the same situation back in March and got super frustrated trying to reach someone at NYSDOL. The phone lines were constantly busy and I couldn't get through for days. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through to a rep, they were able to update my payment method on the spot and confirmed that my payments would be processed correctly. Saved me so much stress!

i think if u dont pick a payment method they automatically send u a debit card. at least thats what happened to my roommate last month. she never set up direct deposit and got the card in the mail like 2 weeks after filing

Just to clarify some of the information in this thread: 1. If you don't select a payment method, NY unemployment defaults to sending you a KeyBank debit card 2. You can add or change your payment method at any time through your online account 3. For payments already in process, the change won't take effect until the next payment cycle 4. Direct deposit typically processes 1-2 business days faster than debit card payments 5. For anyone having trouble reaching a representative by phone, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM or just before closing at 5:00 PM - those times usually have shorter wait times Hope this helps!

My sister works for NYSDOL and she says they're still dealing with website problems from that big upgrade they did in January. Lots of people having the same issue.

Update: I finally got through to someone on the phone this morning. They confirmed my direct deposit info was successfully added and should apply to my first payment! For anyone else with this issue - keep trying the website first, but if that doesn't work, definitely call them to confirm your payment details are correct.