NY unemployment stuck after IDME verification - no benefits for 3 weeks
I'm really frustrated right now. I completed the IDME verification thing for NY unemployment about 7 business days ago and gave consent to share with DOL, but I haven't received any benefits in 3 weeks! Every time I try to claim weekly benefits, the system won't let me get past entering my social security number and keeps saying I need to do IDME verification - but I've already done it! Is there any phone number where I can actually talk to a real human being about this? The automated system is completely useless and I'm getting desperate since bills are piling up.
20 comments
Elijah Knight
Unfortunately this is pretty common with the ID.me verification process. The NYSDOL system sometimes takes 7-10 business days to recognize that you've completed verification, even after you've granted consent. Have you tried logging into your NY.gov account through a different browser? Sometimes there's a caching issue that prevents the system from updating your status.
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Sophia Carson
Thanks for responding! I haven't tried a different browser yet. I'll give that a shot right now.
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Brooklyn Foley
same thing happened 2 me last month!!! took like 2 whole weeks after idme b4 system let me claim again. keep trying everyday tho
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Sophia Carson
That's so frustrating! Did you get backpay for the weeks you missed while waiting?
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Brooklyn Foley
yea got all the weeks eventually. they came all at once
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Jay Lincoln
The ID.me verification system is AWFUL and BROKEN! I had to do this in January and it took 15 days before their system recognized I'd done everything correctly!!! The worst part is you can NEVER reach anyone to fix it. I spent THREE DAYS trying to call them with no luck. The system is DESIGNED to frustrate people so they give up on claiming what they're entitled to!!
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Jessica Suarez
Ugh, I know. I think the whole unemployment system is designed to be as difficult as possible. My cousin had the same problem last year and almost got evicted while waiting.
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Marcus Williams
I work as an employment counselor and see this issue frequently. Here's what you should do: 1. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then log in again 2. Make sure you're using the correct NY.gov ID that's linked to your unemployment claim 3. Double-check your ID.me dashboard to confirm consent is showing as granted to NYSDOL 4. Try logging in during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening) If none of that works, you'll need to speak with a claims specialist directly. The general number (888-209-8124) usually has very long wait times and often disconnects callers.
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Sophia Carson
Thank you for these steps! I've tried #1 and #2 already. My ID.me dashboard does show consent granted to NYSDOL. I'll try logging in early tomorrow morning. But I'm still worried about getting through to someone if that doesn't work.
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Lily Young
After dealing with this exact situation last month, I finally got through to a live agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this callback service that somehow gets you through the phone queue without waiting for hours. I was skeptical but desperate, and an agent called me back in about 25 minutes. They fixed the ID.me verification issue on their end and released my payments. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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Sophia Carson
I've never heard of this before. Is it legitimate? Did they actually fix your issue?
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Lily Young
Yes, it's legitimate. The service just helps you get through to an actual DOL agent. The DOL agent was the one who fixed my issue - they have access to override the system when it gets stuck like this. I was able to claim my benefits the next day and got the backpay for missed weeks about 3 days later.
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Kennedy Morrison
Is anyone else worried about identity theft with this id.me thing? I did the verification and my account is working fine but i'm nervous about giving them my drivers license and doing that facial recognition part......
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Marcus Williams
While ID.me collects personal information, they're an authorized identity verification partner for many government agencies. Their security standards have to meet federal requirements. That said, it's always good to be cautious with your information online.
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Sophia Carson
UPDATE: I tried logging in early this morning using a different browser like some of you suggested, but still got the same error message. I decided to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned, and surprisingly, I did get a callback from a DOL agent within about 30 minutes. The agent confirmed there was a flag on my account that didn't clear properly after the ID.me verification. She removed it manually and said I should be able to certify for all my missed weeks tomorrow morning. Will update if it works!
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Brooklyn Foley
awesome! let us know if u get paid
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Elijah Knight
That's great you were able to speak with someone! Just to let you know, when you certify for those missed weeks, make sure you answer "Yes" when it asks if you were ready, willing and able to work during those weeks. Some people mistakenly say "No" because they're thinking about their current situation rather than the week in question.
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Sophia Carson
Thanks for the tip! I definitely would have been confused by that question.
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Sophia Carson
FINAL UPDATE: It worked! I was able to certify for all my missed weeks this morning, and the system is now showing those payments as "pending" with a release date of next Tuesday. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
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Jessica Suarez
Congrats! Always nice to hear when someone actually gets their problem solved with the unemployment system!
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