NY unemployment keeps requesting ID verification - sent 3 times already but still getting emails
I'm getting so frustrated with NY unemployment system! I keep getting emails asking me to resend my ID picture for verification. I've already sent it THREE times in the last 2 weeks! Each time I upload it exactly like they ask, get a confirmation number, and then a few days later I get another email asking for the same thing. Is there a direct number I can call to speak with someone who can actually fix this? The regular unemployment line just puts me in an endless loop of automated messages. Has anyone else dealt with this ID verification nightmare? Any suggestions?
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StarStrider
This happened to me in January. The issue might be with the image quality or format. Make sure your ID photo is well-lit, all corners are visible, and you're saving it as a JPG or PNG under 5MB. Also check that the file name doesn't have any special characters. Sometimes their system rejects images for really specific technical reasons without explaining properly.
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Ethan Clark
•Thanks for the tips! My image is definitely clear and under 5MB, but I didn't think about the file name - I'll try renaming it without special characters and upload again. But I still wish I could actually talk to someone directly about this instead of just guessing what's wrong.
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Yuki Sato
omg the id verification is THE WORST! i had to send mine like 5 times!!!! and then they randomly accepted it?? no explanation or anything
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Ethan Clark
•5 times?! That's even worse than me. Did you ever figure out why they finally accepted it? Did you do anything differently on the last attempt?
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Yuki Sato
•honestly no clue lol. i think maybe someone finally looked at it? or maybe the system just randomly worked. the whole thing is broken if u ask me
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Carmen Ruiz
The ID verification system was updated in January 2025, and there have been several technical issues reported. Based on my experience working with similar cases, I suggest doing these three things: 1. Try using a different browser or device to upload the image 2. Call the dedicated ID verification hotline at 888-209-8124, then press 2, then 4 when prompted 3. Request a callback through your online account by going to "Document Center" then "Request Agent Review" The standard unemployment line won't be able to help with ID verification issues specifically. You need to speak with the identity verification team.
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Ethan Clark
•Thank you for those specific steps! I didn't know about the dedicated ID hotline options or the "Request Agent Review" option. I'll try all of these tomorrow morning. Really appreciate the detailed help!
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Andre Lefebvre
I've been dealing with this EXACT problem for almost a month!!! I've sent my license photo 4 times, my passport photo twice, and even a utility bill as requested. STILL getting emails asking for verification!!! I'm about to lose my mind and my benefits are on hold!!! What happens if they never accept it?? Will I lose all my benefits permanently??
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Carmen Ruiz
•Don't worry, you won't lose benefits permanently. Even if there are delays, once your identity is verified, you'll receive all back payments you're entitled to. The system is backlogged, but verification issues do get resolved eventually. Make sure to keep certifying weekly while you wait for this to be fixed.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
After trying for weeks to get this same ID issue fixed through the regular channels, I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual NYSDOL agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to see all my previously uploaded documents and marked my account as properly verified while I was on the phone. Such a relief after weeks of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Definitely worth it for the time and stress I saved.
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Jamal Anderson
•is this legit? sounds too good to be true considering how impossible it is to reach an actual person at unemployment
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Ethan Clark
•Thanks for sharing this. I've been trying the other suggestions but still no luck. I'm definitely going to look into this Claimyr service - at this point I'll try anything to get this ID issue resolved!
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Mei Wong
my cousins wifes friend had this happen too. turned out she was using her phone camera and the pics were too big or something. try taking the pic with a older camera maybe?
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Ethan Clark
•Interesting thought. I've been using my phone but I could try my laptop camera instead. Maybe it'll create a different file format that their system likes better.
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StarStrider
UPDATE: If you're still having this issue, NYSDOL just announced a fix for the ID verification system yesterday. Log into your account, go to "My Documents" and look for the new "Verification Status" tab. If it shows "Pending Review" then your documents have been received and you should stop uploading new ones. If it shows "Rejected" then click on the document name for specific reasons why it was rejected.
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Ethan Clark
•Thank you SO MUCH for this update! I just checked and mine says "Pending Review" - such a relief to know they have my documents. I wish they would have told us about this status page in their emails instead of just asking for the same documents over and over. Really appreciate you sharing this info!
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Andre Lefebvre
Has anyone actually gotten through to a human being at the ID verification number (888-209-8124)? I've called like 30 times over the past week and either get disconnected or stuck in the same loop of automated messages. I'm starting to think the verification team doesn't actually exist!!!
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•Try calling right when they open at 8:00am. That's the only time I've ever gotten through without using Claimyr. But even then I had to wait on hold for almost 2 hours.
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