NY unemployment won't let me certify for this week - system error?
I've been claiming NY unemployment benefits for the past 6 weeks without any issues, but today when I tried to certify for this week, the system wouldn't let me! Just kept saying "unable to process your request at this time" after I entered my info. No explanation why I couldn't file. Is the website down? Did I hit some kind of limit? My benefit year shouldn't be ending yet. Anyone else having this problem or know what's going on??
21 comments
Join the conversation
Mila Walker
Could be a lot of reasons. Did u check if ur benefit year expired? Sometimes the system glitches on sundays when everyone's trying to certify at once. Try again later tonight or early tomorrow.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
•My benefit year started in January 2025 so I should still have months left. I'll try again tonight, but I'm worried about missing the certification window. Does anyone know if there's a phone number that actually works to talk to someone?
0 coins
Logan Scott
This happened to me last month. There are a few possible reasons: 1. System maintenance or high traffic volume (try early morning or late evening) 2. You may have exhausted your benefit entitlement 3. There could be an identity verification flag on your account 4. You might have answered a question that triggered a review Check your message inbox on the portal - sometimes they send notices explaining certification blocks. Also check your email associated with your account.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
•Thanks for the detailed response! I checked my inbox and email but there's nothing there explaining why. I'm pretty sure I still have benefits left. I'll try certifying at different times like you suggested.
0 coins
Chloe Green
THE EXACT SAME THING is happening to me right now!!! Been trying since 7am and keep getting errors. This system is GARBAGE. Every time I need my money the most, something goes wrong. I bet they're doing this on purpose to save money!!
0 coins
Lucas Adams
•I don't think they're doing it on purpose, but their system definitely crashes a lot on Sundays. I've had better luck calling rather than using the website when this happens. I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) last time I got locked out and couldn't certify - they got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE that shows how it works. The agent was able to process my certification over the phone.
0 coins
Chloe Green
•Never heard of that but I'll try ANYTHING at this point. Spent 3 hrs trying to get through today with no luck
0 coins
Harper Hill
There are specific certification windows for different last names/SSNs. Make sure you're trying to certify on your assigned day. Also, if you recently reported income or had a job interview, your account might be flagged for review. Double-check that you answered all certification questions correctly - saying yes to "did you refuse work" or "were you unavailable" by accident will block your certification.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
•I've been certifying on Sundays for weeks with no problems. I didn't report any income and definitely answered all the questions correctly. I'm really stressing about this since rent is due next week.
0 coins
Caden Nguyen
Hey have you fixed this yet? If the website isnt working try calling 1-888-581-5812. Thats the automated phone certification line. You can certify that way too if the website is down. Just have your SSN and PIN ready.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
•Thank you! I'll try the phone line right now and see if that works. Didn't even know there was an automated phone option.
0 coins
Avery Flores
i had smthn similar happen after i started a part time job. turns out i needed to fill out some extra form because i was now doing partial unemployment. check if maybe theres a form u need to submit?
0 coins
Ethan Clark
•I haven't started any new work, so I don't think that's it. Still totally unemployed unfortunately.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
UPDATE: I tried the automated phone line that someone suggested, but got the same error message! Then I tried the regular support line and after 45 minutes on hold, I finally got through. Turns out they flagged my account for "identity verification" for some reason. They're sending me a form that I need to complete and upload documents to prove my identity. The rep said it could take 2-3 weeks to process after I submit everything! I asked if I can still certify while this is happening and she said no - I'll have to backdate my certifications once my identity is verified. This is a nightmare!
0 coins
Logan Scott
•That's unfortunate but actually quite common. Make sure you upload high-quality copies of your documents - if they're blurry or incomplete, it will delay the process. While waiting, continue attempting to certify each week (even though it won't go through) so you have a record of trying. This will help when you request backdated payments. Document the dates/times you attempted to certify.
0 coins
Lucas Adams
•Ugh, identity verification is the worst. When I had to go through this, I couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. If you're having trouble reaching someone again about this, try Claimyr. Their service got me connected to an actual NYSDOL agent who could help escalate my ID verification. Saved me from waiting the full 3 weeks they initially quoted me.
0 coins
Chloe Green
This ID verification thing is happening to EVERYONE lately!!! My cousin just went through this last month! They're just trying to slow down payments!!! Make sure you call EVERY DAY until they fix it!!!
0 coins
Harper Hill
•While it is happening more frequently, calling every day won't necessarily speed up the process. The verification team is separate from the call center staff. The best approach is to submit clear, legible documents as quickly as possible and then follow up once per week for status updates. Document every call with date, time, and representative name.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
UPDATE 2: Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally got this resolved! I submitted my ID documents (driver's license, SS card, and birth certificate) through their portal. It actually only took 8 days for them to verify everything, which was faster than the 2-3 weeks they quoted me. Once verified, I was able to certify for all the weeks I missed. Money should be in my account in 3-5 business days. If anyone else runs into this problem, make sure your documents are clear and that all four corners are visible in the photos/scans!
0 coins
Logan Scott
•Great news! Thanks for updating us. This is helpful information for others who might encounter the same issue. The document quality tip is especially important - I've seen many cases where verification was delayed simply because the submitted documents were poor quality or partially cut off.
0 coins
Avery Flores
•thx for the update! glad it worked out faster than they said!
0 coins