Need help with ID verification for NY unemployment without a credit card

Same thing happened to me last August. You need to call 888-209-8124. That's the main ny unemployment number that handles ID verification. But here's the trick - DON'T call during peak hours (9-11am or 1-3pm). Call at 8:01am right when they open or after 4pm. I finally got through after trying for days. The agent had me email my ID docs and social security card to a special address and it got resolved in about 10 days.

After spending literally WEEKS trying to get through to someone about my identity verification, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that saved me so much time. They basically keep calling for you and then connect you with an agent when they get through. It was the best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits paid quickly. Check out this video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

If you dont have a credit card, you can also verify with a drivers license + social security card. You'll need to upload scanned copies to their secure message portal. Log into your account, go to Messages, and create a new message with subject line "IDENTITY VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS" and attach your docs. Thats how I did it in February when I had the same problem.

The system is such a joke. They want us to verify our identity but then make it impossible to actually do it 🤡 I went through the same thing and ended up having to borrow my mom's credit card just to get verified. It's ridiculous that they don't have better options for people without credit cards.

Try calling 1-855-528-5618. Thats the dedicated ID verification number for NY unemployment. You might still wait a while but at least youll get to the right department. I had to call 6 times before I got through but once I did they helped me verify without a credit card.

Let me help you navigate this because I literally just went through it. Here's what you need to do: First, stop calling the main number - it's a waste of time for ID verification. The direct ID verification number is 1-855-528-5618, but it's nearly impossible to get through during regular hours. Your best options are: 1) Use the secure message center in your NY unemployment account. Upload clear photos of your state ID/license AND Social Security card. Title the message "IDENTITY VERIFICATION REQUEST - NO CREDIT CARD". Be specific that you don't have a credit card for online verification. 2) If you need to speak to someone urgently, I highly recommend using claimyr.com - they'll keep dialing for you and connect you when they reach a representative. It's what finally worked for me after trying for 3 weeks on my own. Talking to an agent got my funds released within days. 3) You can also try visiting a NYS Career Center in person - bring all your ID documents and they can sometimes help process verification. Don't give up! The system is frustrating by design, but there are ways through it.

i don't have a credit card either and had to do id verification back in march. what worked for me was going to the DOL office in person with my documents. waited like 2 hrs but got it resolved same day. if ur in NYC try the manhattan office on varick street

Another day, another post about ny unemployment making things impossible 😩 They should know not everyone has credit cards! My nephew had the same issue and ended up asking his roommate to use their card just to verify (seems sketchy but it worked

Have you tried ID.me? It's the verification service NY unemployment uses and they have options besides credit cards. I think you can do a video call verification with them if the automated stuff doesn't work. Go to their website directly instead of through the unemployment portal.

Friendly reminder that your local state representative's office can often help with unemployment issues! I was stuck in verification hell for 2 months, called my assemblyman's office, and they got it resolved in a week. Their offices have special contacts at unemployment.

Not to be that person, but maybe consider getting a secured credit card? You put down a deposit equal to your credit limit (can be as low as $200) and it works just like a regular credit card. Would solve this problem and help build credit. Capital One and Discover both have decent ones with no annual fee.

after trying for weeks to reach someone at ny unemployment about identity verification, i gave up and used claimyr.com - got connected to an agent in 40 min who fixed everything. i was skeptical but it worked perfectly and i got paid the next week

Try tweeting at @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include personal info). Sounds weird but they sometimes respond and help. Worked for my cousin when she had verification problems and couldn't get through on the phone.

Welcome to the ny unemployment hunger games 😂 may the odds of getting through to a human be ever in ur favor