NY unemployment sent me $872 instead of $620 - will they make me repay this?

Don't spend it! They 100% will figure it out sooner or later and demand repayment. NY DOL systems are updating all the time and sometimes these random payment errors happen. I had something similar in Feb where they paid me $540 instead of my usual $480. About 3 weeks later I got a notice saying I had an overpayment that needed to be repaid immediately. They even deducted it from my next payment without warning.

this happened 2 my cousin last month. they sent him a letter like 2 weeks after saying it was cuz of some adjustment to the benefit rate. check ur messages in ur online account, might explain it there

There are a few possible explanations for this: 1. They may have processed a retroactive adjustment to your benefit rate based on additional wage information 2. There could be a backpay amount included for a previous week 3. Sometimes when there's a federal or state supplement added, it can appear as a lump sum I strongly recommend calling NYSDOL to get clarification before spending the money. If it was truly an error, they will eventually discover it and create an overpayment on your account. This can lead to reduced future benefits until the overpayment is recovered. Documentation is key here - note the date you received the unusual amount, check for any corresponding messages in your account, and make notes about any call you make to inquire about it.

I've been trying to call them for THREE DAYS about something similar!!! Their phone system is a JOKE. I get transferred around and then disconnected EVERY TIME. So frustrating!!! How is anyone supposed to get answers when you can't even talk to a real person?!?!

I finally got through to a NY unemployment agent about my claim issue using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It saved me days of frustration. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available - it actually works! Here's their video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Definitely worth it for something like this where you need a clear answer about the money. In your situation, I wouldn't spend that extra money until you talk to someone who can verify whether it's a mistake or legitimate.

To answer your earlier question - no, they didn't charge me penalties for the overpayment. They just deducted the exact amount from my next payment. But that's because I hadn't spent it and reported it right away. Not sure what happens if you spend it and can't repay immediately. Their rules say they can charge interest and penalties on overpayments if they determine there was misrepresentation.

Wait is this the difference between before and after taxes? Sometimes they show you the before-tax amount but deposit the after-tax amount. Then sometimes the system glitches and shows both ways. Might explain the difference if the numbers are about 20% apart??

I had something kinda like this happen back in January. My payment jumped up by around $200. Turned out they had recalculated my base period wages and I qualified for more than they initially thought. I got a letter about it a week later. Maybe check your mail?

Just to follow up - were you able to get an answer about this? If it was indeed a recalculation of your benefit amount, you should have received a Monetary Determination Notice (T402) showing the updated calculation. This would explain the increase and confirm whether it's permanent going forward.