Need help with ID.me verification for ny unemployment - keeps rejecting my social security card

Omg I literally had this SAME issue last month! The ID.me verification is straight trash. After like 20 tries uploading my SS card, I finally got it to work by putting it on a dark background (I used a black t-shirt) and making sure there was good lighting directly above it. Don't give up!

After weeks of struggling with ID.me and getting nowhere, I finally found a solution! I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback with an actual human unemployment agent! The agent was able to manually verify my identity over the phone and bypass the whole ID.me mess. Talking to a real person got my payments unlocked so fast - honestly it was the only way I could get this resolved. They even have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I had to do an ID.me video call with a trusted referee after my docs kept getting rejected. It sucked waiting in the queue (took like 3 hours) but at least it worked. They should really fix their stupid system tho.

ID me is THE WORST! I had the same issue. Try taking the pic with flash off, and make sure there's no shadow over the card. Also, if that doesn't work, schedule a video call with them - you can do this after failed attempts. It's a pain but works.

Listen all you need to do is use the ID.me app instead of the website. The website is glitchy as hell but the app worked first try for me. Plus the app gives you better instructions for taking pictures of your documents.

Here's what finally worked for me with the whole ID.me mess for NY unemployment: First, make sure your SS card is pristine - if it's worn out, they'll reject it. I actually had to request a new one and that took forever. Second, take the picture on a solid white background in natural daylight (not direct sunlight). Position the card perfectly straight without any glare. Third, if that still doesn't work, try using the ID.me app instead of the website. Fourth, after 3 failed attempts, you should get an option to verify with a "Trusted Referee" through video chat. The wait times are horrible (I waited 5 hours!) but they'll manually verify you. Fifth - and this is what I wish I knew earlier - if you're really stuck, use claimyr.com to get through to an actual unemployment agent who can often override the ID.me requirement or help you with an alternative verification process. Talking to a real person at the unemployment office solved what no amount of fighting with ID.me could. Hope this helps someone! The system is broken but there are ways through it.

Check that your social security card doesn't have the words "COPY" or "NOT VALID" watermarked on it. Some people try to use photocopies without realizing it won't work. Also the NY unemployment system is a dumpster fire right now so... 🤷‍♂️

I work in tech support (not for NY unemployment lol) but here's a troubleshooting tip: clear your cache/cookies or try a different browser entirely. Sometimes ID.me has browser compatibility issues. Also check if you're using any ad blockers or privacy extensions that might interfere.

After failing a bunch of times I called the ny unemployment helpline (took forever to get through) but they told me they can mail me a different identity verification form as an alternative to ID.me. Maybe ask about that?

does anyone know if we can just go to an unemployment office in person instead of dealing with this online ID.me garbage? i'm about ready to drive to albany at this point

Honestly the ID.me system makes me so angry. My mom is 67 and got laid off and there's NO WAY she could figure this system out on her own. The entire unemployment system discriminates against older people and those without tech skills.

ok weird question but does anyone know if having a social security card with a different last name is causing the problem? I got married and changed my name with SSA but still have my old card...

anyone try using a passport instead of SS card for ID.me verification? curious if that works better

I got locked out of ID.me completely after too many failed attempts... had to create a whole new account with a different email address. Such a mess.

try using scotch tape over your social security card - sounds weird but it reduces glare and helped mine scan properly. Also maybe check if your camera lens is clean?