NY unemployment using wrong base period - how to fix?

I was in your situation last year. What I ended up doing was using this service claimyr.com that got me through to an actual human at NY unemployment. I was so tired of trying to call them myself and wasting hours on hold. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast! They had to manually update my base period. Check out how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You need to specifically ask for a 'recalculation using alternative base period' when you finally get thru to them. Make sure you have all your wage info ready when you call. Keep trying early morning (7:30am) or late afternoon (4:30pm). Those times worked best for me.

The exact same thing happened to my brother!! He was on the standard base period but should have been on alternative. He had to call literally 50+ times before getting through. Once he talked to someone tho they fixed it pretty quick. This system is such bullsh*t

I'm going through this exact issue right now. I discovered that you can also submit a Request for Reconsideration form - it's on the ny.gov website somewhere. I submitted mine 3 weeks ago but still no response. Probably faster to call if you can get through.

Wow I honestly had no idea there was such a thing as an alternative base period! I'm gonna check if they did this to me too. Thanks for posting this!

Look I'm gonna be blunt - you HAVE to get someone on the phone to fix this. I spent 6 weeks trying to fix my base period issue through their messaging system and got nowhere. I finally used claimyr.com and got through to an agent who fixed it in one call. It was the best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits paid correctly. My weekly amount went from $320 to $504 after they fixed the base period.

For anyone dealing with NY unemployment base period issues, here's what you need to know (I used to work for a legal aid nonprofit that helped people with this): There are TWO types of base periods in New York: Standard (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters) and Alternative (the last 4 completed calendar quarters). NYSDOL automatically calculates your benefit using whichever gives you the higher weekly benefit amount, BUT sometimes their system makes mistakes, especially with recently reported wages. If you think they used the wrong period, you need to: 1. Gather all your wage documentation (paystubs, W2s, etc) for both potential base periods 2. Calculate your potential weekly benefit under both scenarios (roughly 1/26 of your highest quarter earnings, capped at the max benefit) 3. Contact them specifically requesting an "Alternative Base Period review" Unfortunately, the only reliable way to get this fixed is talking to a human. I recommend using claimyr.com to get through to an agent quickly. It was the only way many of our clients could actually reach someone. Good luck!

bro the ny unemployment system is completely broken. ive had similar issues and the only advice i have is to keep calling and be prepared to wait on hold for 2+ hours when you finally get through. its a complete joke 🤮

I'm having the EXACT same issue!!! They used my 2022 wages instead of my 2023 wages, and now my weekly benefit is like $200 less than it should be. So frustrating!

So I actually used to work as a claims examiner (not in NY tho). In most states, the alternative base period is only supposed to be used if you don't qualify using the standard base period. If you qualify under the standard period, even if the alternative would give you more money, they don't have to use it. But NY might be different, and it's always worth asking.

i swear they do this shit on purpose to save money. they know most people wont know about the alternative base period or will give up trying to get it fixed. stay persistent!!

another day, another person screwed by the unemployment system lol. welcome to the club! 🍹

I had the same issue and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. I ended up contacting my state assembly person's office, and they helped expedite things. Try that route if you're still stuck!

FYI for everyone - ny unemployment DOES have to use the base period that gives you the highest benefit. It's in the law. Don't let them tell you otherwise. Make sure you speak to a tier 2 agent who can actually make changes to your claim.

So I was about to throw my phone after 3 hours on hold when I tried claimyr.com and actually got through to someone. The agent I talked to said this happens all the time and was able to switch me to the alternative base period. My weekly benefit went up by $123! Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck.