NY unemployment website says 'not authorized to use system' when trying to certify - locked out?

I had the EXACT same issue last month! It's super frustrating. The system sometimes does this when they're doing maintenance or updates. Try again in a few hours - that worked for me. If it still doesn't work by tomorrow, you'll need to call them directly. But def don't create a new account, that'll just cause more problems.

This usually happens for one of three reasons: 1. The system is undergoing maintenance (typically happens Sunday nights into Monday mornings) 2. There's an issue with your account security (password attempts, etc.) 3. There's a flag on your account that requires you to speak with a representative First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then restart your browser completely. If that doesn't work, wait 2-3 hours and try again. If you still get the same message tomorrow, you'll need to call NYSDOL directly. Make sure you're using the correct website (labor.ny.gov) as there are some scam sites that look similar.

happened to me too!! its so annoying. the website is always broken. theyve been 'upgrading' the system for like 3 years and it still sucks lol

Did you try using a different browser? Sometimes the site doesn't work properly with Chrome but works fine with Firefox or Edge. Also, are you using a VPN? The system sometimes blocks access if you're using a VPN or if you're trying to access from outside NY state.

The NYSDOL system is SO broken! I swear they make it complicated ON PURPOSE to discourage people from claiming benefits. I got locked out for THREE WEEKS last year because of some 'system error' and almost got evicted while waiting for them to fix it. The whole thing is a JOKE.

After dealing with the same issue last month, I discovered that calling them directly is literally the only solution when this happens. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to get through on the phone. I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an NYSDOL agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent told me that the "not authorized" message usually means there's a security flag on your account or a claim issue that needs manual verification. Only a representative can reset it - no amount of waiting or refreshing will fix it.

Hey just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? Did the system start working again or did you have to call?

this is why i always take screenshots of EVERYTHING i do on the unemployment site. they mess up all the time and then its on you to prove what happened. glad u got it fixed!!

So glad you got it resolved! This is such a common issue and it's scary how a simple typo can lock you out completely. For anyone else dealing with this - I've found that keeping a document with all your exact info (SSN, address, etc.) that you can copy/paste helps avoid these kinds of mistakes. The NYSDOL system is super sensitive to any small errors. Thanks for updating us on what worked!

I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The "not authorized" error is so stressful, especially when you're counting on that payment. I'm really glad you got it sorted out with the Claimyr service - that's definitely going in my bookmarks for future reference. It's crazy how a simple typo can trigger such a major lockout, but at least now we know what to look out for. Your tip about keeping a document with all your info to copy/paste is brilliant - I'm setting that up right now. Thanks for following up to let everyone know what worked, that's super helpful for anyone else who runs into this issue!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Got the "not authorized" message when trying to certify yesterday and I've been stressed out of my mind. Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful - it's reassuring to know this is a common problem with actual solutions. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that Max recommended since I've been trying to call NYSDOL all morning with no luck. Oliver, thanks so much for following up with your resolution - knowing it was just a typo that caused the lockout makes me feel way less panicked about this. I'm going to be super careful when I re-enter my info once I get through to an agent. This community is amazing for helping each other navigate these frustrating system issues!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress, Oliver! The "not authorized" error is unfortunately pretty common with the NY unemployment system. I went through something similar a few months ago and it turned out to be a security flag on my account that required speaking with a representative to resolve. A few things that might help while you're waiting: 1. Double-check that you're using the official labor.ny.gov site (not a lookalike) 2. Try logging in from an incognito/private browser window 3. Make sure you haven't been locked out due to too many login attempts If none of that works, you'll likely need to call NYSDOL directly. I know the phone lines are terrible, but unfortunately that's usually the only way to get these account flags removed. When you do get through, they can typically resolve it in just a few minutes once they verify your identity. Don't create a new account - that will definitely make things worse. And try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know) - this is a system issue, not something you did wrong. Keep us posted on how it goes!

This thread is incredibly helpful! I've been using NY unemployment for about 6 months now and haven't run into this specific issue yet, but reading everyone's experiences is giving me great insights for if/when I do face problems. The fact that something as simple as a typo can trigger a security lockout is honestly terrifying - I'm definitely going to start keeping a document with all my exact info like Micah suggested to copy/paste from. The Claimyr service that Max mentioned sounds like a lifesaver too. I've heard horror stories about trying to get through to NYSDOL on the phone, so having an alternative that actually works is amazing. Oliver, I'm so glad you got everything resolved and were able to certify! Your follow-up really helps the rest of us understand what to expect if we face similar issues. This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these frustrating system problems.

I'm so relieved I found this thread! I've been dealing with the exact same "not authorized to use system" error since yesterday morning and was completely panicking. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - it's reassuring to know this is a common issue with real solutions, not just me doing something wrong. Oliver, thank you so much for following up with your resolution! Knowing that a simple typo caused your lockout actually makes me feel way better about my situation. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that Max recommended since I've spent hours on hold with NYSDOL today with no luck getting through. The advice about keeping a document with exact info to copy/paste is genius - I'm setting that up right now so I don't accidentally make the same mistake. This community is amazing for helping each other navigate these stressful system issues. I'll make sure to update everyone once I get this resolved!

This thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm actually going through the exact same issue right now - woke up this morning to the dreaded "not authorized to use system" message when trying to certify. I've been reading through everyone's experiences and it's honestly such a relief to know this is fixable and I'm not alone in dealing with this. Oliver, thanks so much for the detailed follow-up about your resolution - knowing it was just a typo that caused the whole lockout makes me feel way less anxious about my situation. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that Max mentioned since I've already spent 3 hours on hold with NYSDOL today with zero success getting through to anyone. The tip about keeping a document with all your exact info to copy/paste is brilliant - I'm setting that up right now so I can avoid making the same kind of mistake in the future. It's crazy how sensitive their system is to even the smallest errors! This community is amazing for helping each other navigate these stressful situations. I'll make sure to update everyone once I get this sorted out!

I just went through this same nightmare two weeks ago! The "not authorized" message is absolutely terrifying when you're counting on that payment. In my case, it turned out to be because I had accidentally entered my birth year as 1994 instead of 1993 when certifying - such a tiny mistake but it flagged my entire account for manual review. Like others mentioned, calling NYSDOL directly is really the only solution once you get that error. I ended up using the Claimyr service too after seeing it recommended in other threads, and it was honestly a lifesaver. Got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending all day on hold. The agent was able to verify my identity and remove the security flag immediately. One thing I learned: once you get locked out like this, the system won't let you back in no matter how long you wait - it requires manual intervention from their end. So don't waste time refreshing or trying different browsers. Get on the phone (or use Claimyr) as soon as possible. Definitely keep a document with all your exact info to copy/paste from now on. The NY system is incredibly sensitive to even the smallest typos or inconsistencies. Hope you get this resolved quickly!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm new to this community and thankfully haven't encountered this specific issue yet, but reading through everyone's experiences is giving me so much valuable information for if/when I do face system problems. It's honestly shocking how a simple typo can completely lock you out of the system - I never would have imagined something so small could cause such a major issue. The Claimyr service that Max mentioned sounds like an absolute lifesaver, especially after hearing multiple people confirm it actually works. I'm bookmarking that immediately since getting through to NYSDOL by phone seems nearly impossible based on everyone's experiences here. The tip about keeping a document with all your exact information to copy/paste is brilliant too - I'm setting that up right now to avoid any potential typos in the future. Oliver, thanks so much for following up with your resolution! It really helps to know these situations can be fixed quickly once you get the right help. This community is amazing for supporting each other through these stressful system issues. I hope anyone else dealing with this problem finds the solutions they need through the advice shared here.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now too! Got the "not authorized" message yesterday when trying to certify and I've been freaking out ever since. Reading through this entire thread has been such a relief - it's crazy how common this problem actually is but also reassuring to know there are real solutions. Oliver, thank you so much for the detailed follow-up about your resolution! Knowing it was just a simple SSN typo that caused the whole lockout makes me feel way less panicked about my situation. I've been trying to call NYSDOL all morning but can't get through at all - their phone system is absolutely broken. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that Max recommended since so many people here have had success with it. The fact that multiple people got connected to agents in 15-20 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day sounds too good to be true, but I'm desperate at this point! Also setting up that copy/paste document with all my exact info right now - such a smart tip from Micah. I had no idea the system was so sensitive to even tiny mistakes. This community is honestly a lifesaver for navigating these stressful situations. Will definitely update once I get this mess sorted out!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been dealing with unemployment benefits for about 4 months now and haven't run into this specific issue yet, but reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly educational. It's honestly terrifying how something as simple as a single digit typo can completely lock you out of the system - I never would have imagined the NY system was that sensitive to minor errors. The Claimyr service that Max mentioned sounds like an absolute game-changer, especially after seeing so many people confirm it actually works to get through to agents quickly. I'm definitely bookmarking that for future reference since the regular NYSDOL phone lines seem to be a complete nightmare based on everyone's experiences here. I'm also setting up that copy/paste document with all my exact information right away - such a brilliant tip from Micah to avoid these kinds of lockouts in the future. Oliver, thanks so much for following up with your detailed resolution! It really helps to see that these scary situations can be fixed relatively quickly once you get the right help. This community is amazing for supporting each other through these stressful system issues and sharing practical solutions that actually work.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm relatively new to dealing with NY unemployment and haven't faced this specific lockout issue yet, but reading through everyone's experiences has been so educational. It's honestly mind-blowing that something as small as a typo can trigger such a major system lockout - I never realized how sensitive their system was to even tiny errors. The Claimyr service that Max mentioned sounds like a real lifesaver based on all the positive feedback here. I'm definitely saving that information since the regular NYSDOL phone lines seem to be basically unusable from what everyone's describing. The tip about keeping a document with all your exact info to copy/paste is genius too - I'm setting that up today to avoid any potential mistakes. Oliver, thanks so much for following up with your resolution and explaining exactly what caused the issue! It really helps to know these scary situations can be fixed quickly once you reach the right person. This community is amazing for sharing practical solutions and supporting each other through these frustrating system problems. I hope anyone else dealing with this finds the help they need through the resources shared here!