NY unemployment keeps asking for 'personal identification' during phone calls - what exactly do they need?

When they ask for 'personal identification' they usually mean they need to verify your identity beyond just your SSN. Typically they want a combination of: your claim ID number, the last 4 digits of your SSN, your date of birth, full name as it appears in the system, and sometimes your mailing address. They started requiring more verification points in 2025 after that big data breach. Also make sure the phone number you're calling from matches what's in your account - that can sometimes trigger additional verification requirements.

they asked me this to. its super anoying. i think they want ur drivers license number or state id number. thats what i gave them and it worked

It's definitely confusing! When they say "personal identification" they're using their internal terminology. What they're asking for is TWO forms of ID verification. They need: 1. Your SSN (which you already provided) AND 2. ONE of the following: driver's license/state ID number, your PIN that you created when you first filed, OR your NYSDOL KeyBank debit card number (if you chose that payment method) If you don't have any of those secondary forms, they can sometimes verify with your exact claim filing date and the exact amounts of your last 3 payments (if you've received any yet). I work as a benefits counselor, and this trips up almost everyone!

I WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING LAST MONTH!!! It's so frustrating because they don't tell you what they need until you've been on hold for like an hour!!! What worked for me was giving them: - Full name EXACTLY as on my application - Last 4 of SSN - Date of birth - My PIN number - My mailing address And STILL they kept asking me security questions like what bank I used for direct deposit and the exact date I filed my last claim. It's ridiculous how much verification they need now!!

I had this exact same problem and wasted hours trying to get through to them. After trying to call for 3 days straight and getting nowhere, I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent told me that "personal identification" is their code for identity verification protocol. They need to verify at least 3 different pieces of information that match your profile. For me it was my NY.gov ID, the last 4 of my SSN, and my driver's license number. Once I had all three ready, the call went super smoothly. Worth checking out if you keep getting stuck in the phone queue.

This happens because there's been so much fraud with unemployment claims. My neighbor works for NYSDOL and they told me they're required to get multiple verification points before discussing ANY account details now. It has something to do with the new identity protection regulations that went into effect in January. Just be patient with the agents - they're just following the rules they have to follow.

UPDATE: I called again this morning with all my info ready (SSN, PIN, claim ID, driver's license, address) and got through much more easily! The agent even apologized and said they should be more specific about what they mean by "personal identification" because lots of people get confused. My issue is now resolved and my payment should be processed within 3 business days. Thanks everyone for your help!