NY unemployment release form needed? Department asking for weird documentation

Yes, this is legit! It happens randomly when they do verification checks. The release form gives NYSDOL permission to contact your previous employers and verify your employment history/wages. Nothing to worry about - just standard procedure they do to make sure everything matches up. Sign it and upload it to your account ASAP though, they're serious about that 10-day deadline.

got same thing last month. dont worry bout it just bureaucracy BS makng us jump thru hoops. they always gotta check check check like we all tryin to scam them or sumthin

I had to submit this form in February. It's part of their quarterly review process where they randomly select claims to verify. The form specifically authorizes them to contact your former employers and financial institutions to confirm the information you provided in your initial claim. Make sure you fill it out completely - date, sign, and include your NY.gov ID number in the top right corner. If you don't have a printer, you can actually sign it electronically through their document upload system. The most important things are: 1. Submit within the 10-day window 2. Make sure your signature is clear 3. Include all pages (it should be 2 pages total) And yes, like others said, it's completely normal and doesn't mean you did anything wrong!

This happened to me too but I was too late submitting it and they stopped my payments for THREE WEEKS. Don't make my mistake!! I actually think they're doing more of these checks in 2025 than before because my sister was on unemployment last year and never got asked for this.

The NY unemployment system is IMPOSSIBLE to navigate!!! I got a similar form last month and tried calling to ask questions but couldn't get through to anyone. Spent 4 hours on hold over 2 days. Finally I gave up and just signed it anyway. My benefits continued so I guess it was fine, but it's ridiculous we can't talk to actual humans when we have questions!!!!

Be really careful here! Read the fine print on this form. If I remember correctly, this form gives them permission to do income verification with the IRS and also contact your bank. Make sure you reported all income correctly when you applied because they're probably checking for unreported income or checking your work history. I'd recommend making copies of everything before you send it in.

my cousin didnt send his form back cuz he thot it was a scam email. big mistake! took him like 6 weeks to get his benefits back on. dont mess around with this!!

One more thing to add - after you submit the form, take a screenshot of the confirmation page or save the confirmation number. Sometimes their system glitches and there's no record of your submission. Having proof you submitted it within the deadline has saved several people I know from benefit interruptions.