NY unemployment says my ID.me credentials are invalid - how do I talk to a human?

The phone system is absolute garbage. I had the exact same problem with my ID.me last month. Keep calling the main number but hit 0 repeatedly as soon as the menu starts. Sometimes this bumps you to a real person queue. It took me like 9 tries but eventually worked.

After 2 weeks of trying to get through on the phone and failing, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got me connected to a live agent within an hour. Talking to the agent got my ID.me issue fixed and my $ unlocked so fast. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent after trying for weeks on my own. Check out their demo here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Ok so here's what actually worked for me with the ID.me invalid credentials issue: call at EXACTLY 8:02am on a Tuesday or Thursday. For some reason those days/times have shorter queues. Also make sure you have your case number, SSN, and the email address you used to create your original ID.me account ready to go. Good luck!

The entire NY unemployment system is DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate. They don't want to pay out benefits so they make it as difficult as possible to get help. I spent THREE MONTHS trying to get my identity verified last year. It's criminal how they treat people.

Have you tried reaching out through Twitter? I know it sounds weird but I DMed @NYSLabor with my issue (didn't include any personal info in the DM) and they actually responded and had someone call me within 48 hours. Worth a shot!

Listen up everyone dealing with NY unemployment issues - especially ID.me problems. After years of dealing with this system and helping dozens of people through the process, here's what actually works: First, understand that the default phone system is intentionally unhelpful. You need to either: 1) Call the dedicated Technical Support line at 855-829-3676 (but expect 2-3 hour wait times) 2) Use the callback service at claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and connect you when a human answers (this is what finally worked for me after two weeks of trying) 3) Contact your state representative's office - they have special liaisons with unemployment For ID.me specifically, you might have been flagged for identity verification. This happens randomly and it's frustrating. When you do reach someone, ask them specifically to check if there's an "identity verification hold" on your account. Don't waste time with the general email - it goes to a black hole. Phone or political pressure are your only real options. And document EVERYTHING - dates, times, who you spoke with. You might need it later. Good luck!

Anyone try reaching out to ID.me directly instead of unemployment? Their customer service might be able to tell you why your credentials are showing as invalid.

Check if your local unemployment office is taking in-person appointments yet. Some offices started allowing walk-ins again. It's worth checking because face-to-face is 1000% more effective than calling.

sounds like ur account might be flagged for fraud. this happened to me and it took forever to fix. if u can reach someone make sure to ask specifically about fraud holds not just ID.me issues

Honestly thought I was the only one with ID.me problems. Been dealing with this garbage since October. Solidarity friend. The system is broken af.

my sister works for the state (not unemployment but another agency) and she said they've been having major issues with the ID.me system integration for months. It's a known problem but they haven't fixed it. Try calling right at 8:00am when they open or use claimyr.com like others suggested - that's what worked for my cousin.

Have you tried calling your state assembly person? This is literally what they're there for. I was getting nowhere with unemployment for 6 weeks, called my assemblyman's office, and they had it resolved in 3 days.

not to freak you out but invalid ID.me credentials sometimes means someone else tried to access your account. When I had this problem last year it turned out someone was trying to steal my benefits. Make sure you mention possible fraud when you finally reach someone!

if ur really desperate (which sounds like u are) and have a few hours to spare, try this trick: call the spanish language line and then ask to be transferred to english services. the wait times are usually waaaaay shorter 👀

I'm dealing with something similar right now - my ID.me worked fine for months then suddenly started showing as invalid last week. After reading through all these suggestions, I think I'm going to try the assembly representative route first since that seems to have worked for multiple people here. The automated calling services like Claimyr also sound promising if the political route doesn't pan out. It's honestly insane that we have to jump through all these hoops just to access benefits we're entitled to. Hope you get it sorted out soon - the stress of not knowing when your next payment is coming is brutal.