NYS Department of Labor how to change unemployment to direct deposit - keep getting payment delays
I've been getting my unemployment payments by debit card for the past 6 weeks but it's been a nightmare. The card gets declined randomly and I have to wait days for replacements when it breaks. I want to switch to direct deposit but can't figure out how to do it through my.ny.gov. Every time I try to update my payment method it just shows the same debit card option. Has anyone successfully changed from the debit card to direct deposit? What's the process?
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Carmen Reyes
You need to log into your my.ny.gov account and go to the Payment and Tax section. Look for 'Change Payment Method' - it should give you the option between direct deposit and debit card. You'll need your bank routing number and account number ready. The change usually takes 1-2 payment cycles to go into effect.
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StarSurfer
•I tried that but I only see the debit card option, no direct deposit choice. Is there something I'm missing?
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Andre Moreau
Make sure you're in the right section - it's under 'Unemployment Services' not the general payment settings. Also clear your browser cache first, the NYS Department of Labor site gets glitchy sometimes and doesn't show all options.
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Zoe Christodoulou
ugh the debit card is THE WORST. mine got skimmed twice and i was out money for weeks each time waiting for new cards. definitely switch to direct deposit if you can
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Jamal Thompson
I had the same issue and couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks. Eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent who walked me through the direct deposit setup. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent was able to see that my account had some kind of flag preventing the direct deposit option from showing up.
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StarSurfer
•Interesting, never heard of that service. Did they charge you for it?
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Jamal Thompson
•They do charge but it was worth it to actually talk to someone. The NYS Department of Labor phone lines are impossible otherwise.
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Mei Chen
Wait I thought you HAD to use the debit card? When did they start allowing direct deposit again? I've been dealing with this stupid card for months
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Carmen Reyes
Direct deposit has been available the whole time, but a lot of people get automatically enrolled in the debit card program and don't realize they can switch. Some accounts have restrictions though - if you have any overpayment issues or your claim is under review they might lock you into the debit card temporarily.
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CosmicCadet
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question! I had no idea I could switch and just set up direct deposit after reading this thread. should have done this months ago
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