< Back to New York Unemployment

Need help getting through to NY unemployment - what docs needed for recertification?

I've been trying to get through to someone at NY unemployment for DAYS about my recertification. My benefits stopped 2 weeks ago and I got a letter saying I need to recertify, but it doesn't say what documents I need to send in. I've called at least 20 times and keep getting the 'high call volume' message. Has anyone successfully gotten through recently? And does anyone know exactly what documents I need to mail in for the 2025 recertification process? My letter just says 'submit appropriate documentation' which isn't helpful at all. Getting desperate as rent is due next week.

Nia Jackson

•

good luck lol... been trying 4 days to get thru. i think they make it impossible on purpose.

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

Ughhh that's what I was afraid of. Did you get the same vague letter about 'appropriate documentation'?

0 coins

NebulaNova

•

For the 2025 recertification, you need to submit: 1) Form UI-RQ25 (Recertification Questionnaire), 2) Last 3 paystubs if you worked at all since your initial claim, 3) ID verification (driver's license or state ID), and 4) Any W-2s or 1099s from 2024. Send these to the claims processing center listed on your notice. Make sure to include your claimant ID number on everything you send.

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

THANK YOU! This is exactly what I needed. The notice they sent me just had the claim center address but didn't list any of this. Do you know if I need to include the original letter they sent me?

0 coins

NebulaNova

•

Yes, include a copy of the letter they sent you (keep the original for your records). Also make sure to write your claimant ID number on the top right corner of every document you send. And I recommend sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

0 coins

Im in the same boat!!! Called like 50 times yesterday and couldnt get a human. My recert letter came last week and I need to get this handled ASAP. Does anyone know what happens if I send in the wrong documents? Will they tell me or just deny everything??? So stressed about this.

0 coins

Aisha Khan

•

they will deny you and send a letter weeks later. happened to my brother last month. total nightmare.

0 coins

Ethan Taylor

•

I finally got through to NY unemployment yesterday after struggling for a week. I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent confirmed what @helpful_person said about the documents, but also told me if you had any changes in your address or banking info, you need to include Form UI-CV25 (Change Verification form). They're apparently being super strict about the recertifications this year because of all the fraud they had.

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

That's so helpful! I'm going to try this Claimyr service right now. Did they explain why the letters they're sending out are so vague about what documents to send in?

0 coins

Ethan Taylor

•

The agent I spoke with said they've been overwhelmed with the new verification requirements and the letters went out before they finalized the documentation list. Typical government efficiency! Definitely check out that service though - saved me from banging my head against the wall all week.

0 coins

Yuki Ito

•

So I sent in my recertification docs three weeks ago and still nothing has been processed. Is anyone else experiencing super long delays? I included everything that was required and even sent it certified mail with tracking. The tracking shows it was delivered but my online account still says "pending recertification" and my benefits are still on hold.

0 coins

Carmen Lopez

•

Processing delays are common with NYSDOL recertifications right now. Their current backlog is approximately 3-4 weeks according to their latest update. If it's been more than 25 days since delivery, you should call the processing center directly. The main recertification processing number is different from the general unemployment line - try 888-XXX-XXXX and use option 3, then 2, then 4 when prompted.

0 coins

NebulaNova

•

One more important thing: if you worked at all during your benefit year, even just part-time or temporarily, you MUST include Form UI-WH25 (Work History Update) along with paystubs. Missing this form is the #1 reason recertifications get delayed or denied. The form wasn't always required in previous years, which is why many people forget to include it now.

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

I did some gig work for about 2 months. Where do I get this form? Is it on the NY unemployment website or do they mail it to you?

0 coins

NebulaNova

•

You can download it from your online account. Log in to your NY.gov ID, go to My Online Forms, then select UI-WH25 from the dropdown. If you can't access it online, you can request it by calling the forms department at 888-XXX-XXXX, but expect long wait times there too.

0 coins

Nia Jackson

•

anybody else think its crazy they make this so complicated?? why don't they just tell us exactly what to send in the first place?? its like they WANT us to mess up so they don't have to pay

0 coins

I KNOW RIGHT? It feels like they're trying to trip us up on purpose! My friend in NJ says their unemployment system is way more straightforward. They get clear instructions and can upload everything online instead of mailing it in like its 1995.

0 coins

Aisha Khan

•

100% they do this on purpose. less people who complete the process = less money they pay out. my cousin works for the state (not unemployment) and says its common knowledge

0 coins

Carmen Lopez

•

Here's a comprehensive checklist for NY unemployment recertification in 2025: 1. Form UI-RQ25 (Recertification Questionnaire) 2. Form UI-WH25 (if you worked during your benefit year) 3. Copy of the recertification notice (keep your original) 4. Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) 5. Last 3 paystubs (if applicable) 6. W-2s or 1099s from 2024 7. Form UI-CV25 (if you had address or banking changes) 8. Proof of job search activities (at least 3 per week) Make sure to write your claimant ID on every page, send via certified mail, and keep copies of everything. Processing is currently taking 3-4 weeks minimum.

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

This is GOLD. Thank you so much for the detailed checklist. Quick question - for the job search activities, do I need to use their specific form or can I just write them out on paper with dates and contact info?

0 coins

Carmen Lopez

•

You should use Form UI-JS25 (Job Search Record) which you can download from your online account. If you can't access that, a detailed list on paper is acceptable as long as it includes: date of contact, company name, position applied for, method of contact (email, phone, in person), contact person's name and info, and result of the contact. But the official form is always preferred.

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

Just wanted to update everyone - I used the Claimyr service that someone recommended above and actually got through to an agent! Took about 45 minutes instead of days of redialing. The agent confirmed everything about the documents needed and even sent me an email with links to download all the forms. Also, they said I could bring everything to the local office in person instead of mailing it if I'm worried about delays. Thanks everyone for your help!

0 coins

That's awesome! Did they say if bringing it in person speeds up the processing time??

0 coins

Luca Romano

•

They said it can be 1-2 weeks faster because they scan it right away instead of waiting for the mail sorting. But you need an appointment for in-person submission - can't just walk in.

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
6,563 users helped today