NY unemployment falsely claims I refused a job after 11 weeks waiting + overpayment issue

This sounds like a system error or miscommunication. You need to respond to the letter ASAP explaining that you were never offered any job to refuse. Include the dates they're referencing and clearly state this is a mistake. Also take photos of the letter as evidence. Did you have any interviews recently or any contacts with potential employers that could have been misreported?

the exact same thing happened to my cousin last month!!! its prob some kinda glitch in their system. he had to appeal it and it took foreeeeverrr but he finally got it fixed. he said the key is to respond right away and mark ur envelope URGENT

You're dealing with two separate issues here: 1) The overpayment - which typically results in forfeited days where future benefits cover what you owe 2) The job refusal determination - this is a completely different issue and much more serious as it can disqualify you from benefits entirely You need to file a formal appeal against the job refusal determination within 30 days of the determination notice. In your appeal, clearly state that you were never offered employment and request all evidence they used to make this determination. Also, contact your state representative again since they helped with the first issue. This sounds like either a system error or potentially identity fraud where someone using your information declined a job.

NYSDOL does this ALL THE TIME!! They're basically trying to find any reason to deny benefits. I had something similar happen in January where they claimed I missed a mandatory work search appointment I was never notified about. Took me 6 WEEKS to get it resolved because you can NEVER get through to a real person on the phone. I spent HOURS daily trying to reach someone.

I was dealing with a similar issue last month (mine was about missing work search requirements I definitely completed). After days of failed attempts calling the regular unemployment number, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent was able to see the error in their system and fixed my issue on the spot. Saved me weeks of stress because the appeal process takes forever right now.

This happened to me in 2024. You need to respond to the letter AND file an appeal online. Do both! In your response explain: - You were never offered any job - You never refused work - You suspect this is a system error - You are willing to accept suitable employment Also very important: keep certifying every week while this is being resolved! If you stop certifying and later win your appeal, you won't get those missed weeks back.

i wouldnt worry too much tbh sometimes the system just glitches and sends out random letters. happened to my roomate twice. just call them and theyll fix it probably

Looking at all the responses here, I recommend a multi-pronged approach: 1. Immediately respond to the letter in writing, explaining the error 2. File a formal appeal through your online account 3. Try getting through to an agent (using the Claimyr service someone mentioned if needed) 4. Contact your state representative again since they helped with the overpayment issue 5. Continue certifying every week Do all these things concurrently, not one at a time. The system is overwhelmed right now, and you need to create multiple paths to resolution.

One additional piece of advice: document everything. Keep a journal with dates and times of all your attempts to resolve this. Take screenshots of your online account showing the forfeited days. Save copies of all correspondence. If you do manage to speak with an agent, get their ID number and write down what they tell you. This documentation will be essential if your case goes to a hearing.

Yes, I had to attend a telephone hearing last year. It was actually very straightforward - just me, the judge, and a DOL representative. The judge asked questions about my situation, I explained my side, and the DOL rep presented their evidence (which in your case would be whatever made them think you refused work). Since they likely have no actual evidence of a job refusal, you should win easily. Just remain calm, stick to the facts, and emphasize that you were never offered any job to refuse. The hearing lasted about 20 minutes and I received the decision by mail about 10 days later.

update us when u hear back!! i hope they fix it fast for u!