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Manny Lark

NY unemployment refund only half the amount promised - anyone else?

So frustrated right now. I just received my NY unemployment tax refund from 2024 and it's literally HALF of what the letter said I was supposed to get. The notice I got in March said I would be receiving $1,870 but the deposit that just hit my account is only $935! Has this happened to anyone else? I'm wondering if this is some kind of mistake or if they're sending it in two separate payments? I tried calling but of course can't get through to a real person. The automated system just tells me my claim status which doesn't help at all.

Rita Jacobs

same thing happened to me!! got $642 instead of $1284... thought i was crazy

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Manny Lark

Wow, that's exactly half too! Did you try calling them about it? I'm wondering if we should just wait a few days to see if the other half comes separately.

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Khalid Howes

This is actually a known issue with the 2025 tax refund processing. NYSDOL is splitting some refunds into two payments due to a system limitation with their new payment processor. The second half should arrive within 5-7 business days after the first payment. If you don't receive it by then, you'll need to contact them through your online account or by phone.

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Manny Lark

Thank you! That makes me feel so much better. I'll wait a week before panicking then.

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Rita Jacobs

r u sure about this? i got my first payment 2 weeks ago and nothing since

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Ben Cooper

I just went through this EXACT same thing last month!!! I was supposed to get $2,315 but only got $1,157. I tried calling for THREE DAYS and couldn't get through to anyone. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in 25 minutes. They explained they're sending refunds in two payments but the second one was delayed for some accounts because of a system issue. The agent put a note on my account and I got the second half 4 days later. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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Manny Lark

I've never heard of Claimyr before. Did you have to pay for it? I'm getting desperate since I really need that money.

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Ben Cooper

Yes, there's a fee but it was worth it to me after wasting so many hours trying to call myself. The agent was able to see exactly what was happening with my refund and fixed it right away. Much better than waiting and wondering!

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Naila Gordon

ppl saying its split payments but my coworker got her full amount in one payment so idk whats going on

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Cynthia Love

There's actually a pattern to who gets split payments vs. full payments. If your refund amount exceeds $1,500 OR if you had multiple claims during the tax year, you'll typically receive split payments. This is related to the NYS Department of Tax and Finance's new verification protocols implemented in January 2025. Another thing to check: look at the deposit description in your bank account. If it says "NYSDOL UNEMP REF PT1" then you're definitely getting a two-part payment. If it just says "NYSDOL UNEMP REFUND" with no PT1, then you might have a problem and should contact them.

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Manny Lark

Just checked and mine does say PT1! Thank you so much for that detail - that's really helpful.

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Khalid Howes

That's correct. I should have mentioned the deposit description. Good catch!

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Darren Brooks

EVERYONE NEEDS TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TAX FORMS!!! The DOL is deliberately underpaying people and hoping we don't notice!!!! I filed a complaint with the state AG office because they did the EXACT same thing to me but the second payment NEVER CAME. When I finally got through they claimed I wasn't eligible for the full amount despite what the letter said. THIS IS ILLEGAL!!!! They can't promise one amount and pay another!!!!

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Cynthia Love

While there have been processing errors, there's no evidence of deliberate underpayment. What likely happened in your case is that the initial calculation letter didn't account for tax withholding or an overpayment offset. Did you check for either of those possibilities? The determination letter and the actual payment can differ for legitimate reasons.

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Rosie Harper

i think everyone's overthinking this. NY is just broke lol. they'll pay eventually but state budgets are a mess right now... my brother works for the state (not DOL) and says payment delays are happening in every department this year

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Manny Lark

UPDATE: The second half of my refund just hit my account this morning! Exactly 6 business days after the first payment. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance. For anyone dealing with this same issue, just be patient and keep an eye on your account.

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Rita Jacobs

lucky!! still waiting on mine 😭

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Khalid Howes

Great news! The system is working as expected in your case. For others still waiting beyond the 7-day window, I'd recommend contacting NYSDOL directly as there might be an additional verification needed for your specific case.

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Elliott luviBorBatman

This reminds me of when they messed up my entire claim last year. Said I was getting $482/week but only paid $241 for like 6 weeks. Turned out they had me classified wrong in the system. Called like 50 times before getting someone who fixed it AND got me backpay. Government efficiency at its finest lol

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