NY unemployment identity verification without credit card - alternative phone number?

There isn't one specific number just for ID verification. You gotta call the main NY unemployment number (888-209-8124) but be ready to wait FOREVER. Took me 3 days of calling nonstop to finally get someone. Make sure u press the right options for ID verification issues when the automated system asks.

The main verification line is indeed 888-209-8124, but you need to navigate to the identity verification department. When you call, select option 2 for "existing claims" and then option 4 for "other claim questions" which should route you to someone who can handle identity verification. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM or between 4:00-5:30 PM when call volume tends to decrease. Alternatively, you can try their online chat feature through your NY.gov account to request a callback specifically for identity verification. This sometimes works better than calling repeatedly.

you dont need a credit card! I verified my identity using my driver's license and bank statement. Go back to the ID verification page and look for the option that says something like "alternative verification methods" - it should be in small print below the credit card section. If you cant find it let me know and I'll check what exactly it says when i log in.

Try the 'contact us' form on the NYSDOL website! That's what worked for me when I was stuck in identity verification hell. I explained that I had no credit card and they called me back within 3 days with a special link to verify my identity using just my ID and utility bills. Worth a shot while you're trying to get through on the phone!

I went through this EXACT same problem last month! I tried calling for weeks with no success. Finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person at unemployment in about 20 minutes. They connected me with an agent who sent me a special link to verify my identity without a credit card. Saved me weeks of frustration! If you want to see how it works check out their video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!!! They WANT you to give up on your benefits!!!! I had the SAME PROBLEM and when I finally got through after calling 47 TIMES the agent told me they can easily bypass the credit card requirement but they don't tell people that on the website!!!! Keep calling and DEMAND they use the manual verification process. Don't let them transfer you or say they'll call back because THEY WON'T!!!!!

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: The system isn't designed to make you give up on benefits. The credit card requirement is just for quick identity verification - it's not used for charges, just to match against your credit file. However, alternative methods absolutely exist for those without credit cards. The most reliable way to resolve this is to: 1. Call 888-209-8124 2. When connected, request to speak specifically with an identity verification specialist 3. Explain your situation about not having a credit card 4. They can send you a link to upload alternative documentation (state ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, utility bills, etc.) Keep notes of who you speak with and when. If you can't get through by phone after multiple attempts, the contact form suggestion is your best alternative.

btw u could also try asking a friend or family member to let u use their credit card just for the verification. it doesnt charge anything to the card its just to confirm ur identity. thats what my roommate did when he was in the same situation

After trying for days to reach someone, I finally got through yesterday around 3:30pm. The trick was hitting 2, then 4, then 3 when the automated system picked up. Got transferred to someone who handled identity verification specifically. The wait was still about 40 minutes but at least I got through! Hope this helps someone else too.

Just remembered something important - check if you have an ID.me account already. NY unemployment uses ID.me for verification and they have options for people without credit cards. Look for the ID.me option on the verification page or go directly to ID.me and create an account, then link it to your unemployment claim. That might bypass the credit card requirement entirely.

Any luck getting through? I'd been calling for weeks before I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com). Best $20 I ever spent considering I was about to lose out on thousands in benefits because I couldn't verify my identity. They got me through to an agent who helped me complete verification without a credit card in about 15 minutes.

If you've exhausted all the calling options without success, one other official channel is your state representative's office. Each district has staff specifically to help constituents with government services issues. Look up your NY State Assembly or Senate representative, call their local office, and explain your unemployment identity verification issue. They often have direct contacts at NYSDOL who can assist with these situations.