NY unemployment recovery check not clearing - bank says possible fraud?

same thing happend to me but it cleared after 10 days. banks are being super paranoid these days

The NY unemployment recovery checks are legitimate but many banks are placing extended holds on them due to an increase in unemployment fraud in early 2025. Here's what you should know: 1. Recovery checks from NYSDOL typically have a 7-10 business day hold (not calendar days) 2. The bank is following Regulation CC which allows them to place holds on suspicious items 3. You should contact NYSDOL to verify the check is legitimate and ask for documentation 4. If you're in urgent need, explain your situation to the bank manager (not just a teller) and request a partial release of funds I've gone through this myself and eventually got the funds, but it took about 8 business days total.

I cashed mine no problem at those check cashing places!! They take like 3% but I got my money RIGHT AWAY instead of dealing with bank nonsense. Something to consider if ur desperate

My sister had the exact same issue back in February. The bank put a 10-day hold on her recovery check too. She finally gave up trying to call NYSDOL directly because she could never get through to an actual person. She used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got her connected to an unemployment agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to verify her check was legitimate and she took that information back to her bank. They released the funds 2 days later. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE It was worth it for her because she was also worried about making rent. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual human at NYSDOL to fix these things.

Having worked with unemployment issues extensively, I can clarify what's happening with your check. In January 2025, NYSDOL implemented new security features on their recovery checks following the fraud incidents in late 2024. These new security features sometimes trigger extended holds at certain banks. You have three options: 1. Wait for the standard hold period to expire (typically 7-10 business days) 2. Contact NYSDOL directly to request a verification letter for your bank 3. Ask your bank if they can contact NYSDOL's financial institution directly for verification The second option is usually fastest. When you speak with NYSDOL, request a "Check Verification Letter" specifically. Make sure to have your claim ID, the check number, and amount ready when you call. Also, if this is causing significant hardship, mention the word "hardship" specifically to your bank - this triggers certain regulatory protocols that may allow them to release a portion of the funds earlier.

my roommate had same issue last month and turned out the check WAS fraudulent!!! someone had filed for unemployment using his info. you better double check with nysdol that you were actually approved for that exact amount!!

mine got held too but for only 5 days. depends on your bank i think. chase seems to be the worst with these holds

UPDATE: For anyone finding this thread later, NYSDOL has officially addressed this issue on their website. Banks are placing holds on unemployment recovery checks due to the new security features implemented in January 2025. The official guidance from NYSDOL is: 1. Recovery checks are valid government checks and will clear 2. Standard hold periods range from 5-10 business days depending on your bank's policies 3. If you need immediate verification, contact NYSDOL directly and request a "Check Verification Letter" 4. If experiencing financial hardship due to the hold, you can request an expedited verification According to the latest update, NYSDOL is working with major banks to reduce these hold times in the coming months. If your check hasn't cleared after 10 business days, you should contact both your bank and NYSDOL immediately as this exceeds normal processing time.