Need help fixing my sister's NY unemployment application after making mistakes - she has MS and can't do it herself

I went throught the exact same thing with my dad who has parkinsons! Suuuuper frustrating. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real agent on the phone. Literally saved me from pulling all my hair out. The agent was able to reset everthing and guide me through fixing the application errors. Best money I've ever spent to finnaly get his benefits paid out. They have a helpful video about how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

This system is so impossibly broken, I swear they make it hard on purpose. My advice is to 1) keep calling every single day as early as possible, 2) try reaching out to your state representative's office - sometimes they can intervene, and 3) document EVERYTHING. Every call, every error message, take screenshots. Hang in there, it's awful to deal with this system when someone is sick.

OMG I made a similar mistake with my own application. I entered the wrong end date for my last job and couldn't fix it. After 3 weeks of constant calling I finally got through to someone and they were able to reset the system so I could correct the information. The problem is you HAVE to speak to a human. The website is useless for fixing mistakes.

I had to fix my daughters application because she entered incorrect dates for her previous employment. It was a HUGE hassle, but I managed to get it fixed by: - Continually calling the NY unemployment office (took about 40 attempts over 2 weeks) - When I finally got through, I explained that there were legitimate errors on the application - The agent was able to make notes in the system and send it for review - We had to submit additional documentation to prove the correct employment dates - It took about 3 weeks after speaking with an agent, but they finally corrected everything and her payments started coming in, including back pay Unfortunately, there's no way to fix serious application errors online - you MUST speak to a representative. I eventually found success using claimyr.com which connected me with an agent after trying on my own for weeks. The time and stress it saved was absolutely worth it. Your sister's situation sounds particularly urgent with her medical condition, so I'd recommend taking this route to get it resolved quickly.

calling them is literally impossible. ive tried for monthssss. the whole system is a joke.

Contact your state assemblyperson or state senator! Their office can sometimes escalate issues with unemployment. It worked for me when I had a similar problem after my mom's stroke and I was trying to help her file.

The NY unemployment system is trash for people with disabilities. When I was helping my husband apply (he has severe arthritis), we had similar problems. You absolutely need to talk to a real person. Keep trying different times of day to call - I found that calling around 2pm on Wednesdays seemed to have slightly shorter wait times for some reason.

I feel your pain... my brother has cancer and I messed up his application too. After struggling for weeks, I finally got through by calling EXACTLY at 7:59am (right before they officially open). Sometimes the queue starts accepting calls a minute early. Also, if you can't get through, try the fraud department number and then ask to be transferred - sometimes that works as a backdoor.

Have your sister write and sign a letter authorizing you to handle her unemployment claim. Scan it and have it ready to email if requested. I had to do this when helping my mom with her claim. Some agents will ask for this documentation to protect against fraud.

why is the ny unemployment system so freaking IMPOSSIBLE to navigate?? its like they WANT people to fail and give up. i spent 5 months trying to fix one wrong date on my claim. FIVE MONTHS!!! 🤬🤬🤬

After dealing with the NY unemployment system for my elderly father, I've become an expert in this nightmare. Here's what you need to do: 1) First, document everything about the errors you made. Write down exactly what information was incorrect and what it should be. 2) You MUST speak with a claims specialist. Regular call center agents often can't help with complex issues. Mention specifically you need a claims specialist when you call. 3) Call patterns matter. Monday mornings are absolute hell. Try Tuesday-Thursday afternoons between 2-4pm. 4) Have ALL documentation ready: your sister's ID, last paystub, W-2, exact dates of employment, employer contact info, and medical documentation showing she can't work. 5) If you still can't get through after a week of trying, use claimyr.com - they'll keep calling and get you connected to an agent. When your sister has no income and medical bills, it's worth it to get this resolved quickly. 6) Prepare for the agent to possibly need to speak with your sister directly to verify identity, even briefly. 7) Follow up everything with written communication through the portal messaging system. Hang in there. The system is infuriating, but with persistence you can get it fixed. Your sister is lucky to have you fighting for her.

hey so ive worked for the unemployment office before (not in ny but similar system). heres the thing - errors CAN be fixed but only by specific people with higher access levels. the website wont let you fix certain things because of fraud prevention. you absolutely need to talk to a tier 2 agent minimum.

The worst part of the ny unemployment system is they PUNISH you for trying to be honest and fix mistakes! I tried to correct my income amount that I accidentally mistyped and they froze my whole claim for 2 months calling it "suspicious activity" 😡

Quick tip that helped me: if you're calling on behalf of someone else, have them with you when you call. When you finally get through, they'll need to briefly speak to verify identity and give permission for you to handle the call. Makes things go much smoother.

So I had almost this exact problem when helping my uncle. After trying everything, I ended up emailing the commissioner's office directly with a clear subject line about disability and application errors. I got a call back within 48 hours from someone who could actually help. Worth a shot when you're desperate.

I just went thru this nightmare. I found their Twitter/X account and DM'd them my issue. Got a response within a day and they escalated my case. Try every channel possible - phone, email, social media, state rep, everything.