NY unemployment payment suddenly dropped by $120 and says 'offset' instead of direct deposit - what's going on?

This happened to me last summer. The 'offset' means they're taking money out to pay a debt you owe. In my case, they started taking $137 out each week because of an overpayment from 2019 I didnt even know about! You need to call them asap to find out what debt they think you have. Could be old taxes, child support, or another government debt.

After 3 months of getting nowhere with NY unemployment, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to a real person! They called repeatedly for me and when an agent finally picked up, they connected the call to my phone. Talking to the agent got my payments fixed that same day. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent after weeks of failed attempts. Here's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Check your email and physical mail ASAP! When they start an offset they're supposed to send you a notice explaining why. If you're in the online system, also check your message inbox there. They might have sent something you missed.

100% this is an offset for some kind of debt collection. I'm dealing with the SAME EXACT THING right now! In my case, its child support from another state. They take 25% of my benefits which is probably close to what they're taking from yours. The fact it literally says "offset" confirms it. You NEED to talk to someone at NY unemployment to find out exactly what its for.

This right here is why the NY unemployment system is completely BROKEN. They just take money without proper notification and expect us to figure it out. Meanwhile we can't reach a human to save our lives. 🤬 The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

Hey, Unemployment Section Chief here. When you see an "offset" notation on your payment history, it means funds are being withheld due to a debt collection process. Common reasons include: • Tax debts (federal or state) • Child support obligations • Previous benefit overpayments • Defaulted student loans (in some cases) • Court-ordered restitution By law, they can withhold up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount. What you're describing ($120 reduction from $504) is almost exactly 24% which aligns with standard offset percentages. You have two options: 1. Call NY Unemployment directly at 888-209-8124 (good luck getting through) 2. Use a service like claimyr.com that will wait on hold for you and connect you when a representative is available Once you reach someone, ask specifically: - What type of offset is being applied - Which agency is collecting the debt - How to contest it if you believe it's in error - How long the offset will continue They are required by law to provide this information. If the debt isn't yours or you believe it's in error, you have rights to dispute it, but you must act quickly.

try claimyr.com to reach someone. Only way I got through after 2 weeks of calling. Not cheap but beats the alternative of never getting answers.

Okay so I literally just fixed this EXACT problem yesterday. It was a nightmare but here's what happened: turns out I had an overpayment from 2 years ago that I never knew about (they claimed I reported my income wrong on ONE certification). Called for 3 days straight, finally got through and found out what it was. Had to file an appeal because I never received any notice. They're still taking the money while my appeal is pending tho. 😤

Ok I worked at the NY DOL call center during covid. An offset usually means there's a legal garnishment happening. Double check that you didn't accidentally certify that you were working or had other income - that trips a lot of people up. If you made a mistake on a weekly cert, call and explain the mistake. If it's a garnishment for a debt, you'll need to address it with whatever agency is collecting (usually by calling UI first to find out who that is). The phone lines are horrendous - I suggest using claimyr.com to get through since they'll wait on hold for you and call when an agent is available.

Does your payment history show only the reduced amount, or does it show the full amount and then a separate line for the offset? That might give you a clue about what's happening.

Call your bank first to check that they didnt put a garnishment on your account. Sometimes banks will implement garnishments without telling you and it has nothing to do with unemployment.

Had this happen to my wife. The DOL was taking $ out of her unemployment because she supposedly had an overpayment from like 7 years ago during a previous claim. We had to file an appeal and fought it for months. Turns out they were wrong and had to repay everything they took! Make sure you appeal!!!! The system is designed to hope you don't fight back.

This happened to me. I used claimyr.com to finally get ahold of them after days of trying. Found out it was for an old school loan I defaulted on years ago that I completely forgot about. At least knowing was better than wondering wtf was happening to my money.

i swear ny unemployment exists just to torture us 🤡 they pull this kinda crap all the time. take ur money first, explain never

Sounds like you're dealing with the Treasury Offset Program. They can take up to 25% of your benefits to pay federal debts. The most common reasons are tax debts, defaulted student loans, or child support. Call the Treasury Offset Program directly at 1-800-304-3107 to find out what debt they're collecting. It's usually faster than trying to reach unemployment.