Need help with NY unemployment ID.me verification process ASAP
Hey everyone, I'm totally stuck with this ID.me verification for my NY unemployment claim. Been trying to get it done for 3 days now but keep hitting roadblocks. The system keeps timing out or saying my documents aren't clear enough? Has anyone successfully gotten through this process recently? Any tips or tricks would be super helpful because I'm getting desperate - benefits are on hold until I can verify my identity.
20 comments
PaulineW
yeah id.me is a NIGHTMARE!! i had to try like 5 times before it worked. make sure ur using chrome browser and good lighting for ur selfie. also dont use a pdf for ur documents, they want jpg files
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•Thanks! I've been using Safari on my phone, maybe that's part of the problem. I'll try Chrome on my laptop. Did you have to do the video call verification thing or just upload documents?
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Annabel Kimball
The ID.me verification system can be temperamental, but there are specific steps that will increase your chances of success: 1. Use a laptop/desktop rather than mobile device when possible 2. Ensure all documents are high resolution (at least 300 dpi) 3. Make sure documents are fully visible with all four corners showing 4. Good lighting is essential - natural daylight works best 5. If you fail 3 times with document uploads, you'll be required to do a video verification call The most common issues are document clarity and selfie verification problems. Taking your time with each step rather than rushing through will save you trouble in the long run.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•This is really helpful, thank you! I think I was rushing through the steps too quickly. For the selfie part, should I take my glasses off? I've been wearing them but wondering if that's causing issues.
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Annabel Kimball
•Yes, definitely remove glasses for the selfie verification. They can create glare or shadows that interfere with the facial recognition system. Also make sure you're in a well-lit room with even lighting on your face (no harsh shadows).
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Chris Elmeda
I had THE WORST time with ID.me last month!!!! Tried 7 times and kept failing at different points in the process. So frustrating!!!!! What if it never works????? Will I lose all my benefits???? I'm so worried this is happening to you too now...
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Jean Claude
•You won't permanently lose benefits if you're having technical difficulties with ID.me. The system will place your benefits on hold until verification is complete, but once verified, you should receive all back payments you're entitled to. If you continue having issues after multiple attempts, request a video verification call. While these can have long wait times, they have a much higher success rate than the automated system for people experiencing difficulties.
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Charity Cohan
After struggling with ID.me for almost a week, I finally found a solution that worked. The queue for video verification was showing 5+ hours when I tried, so I looked for alternatives and found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual NYSDOL agent who was able to override the ID.me requirement and process my verification differently. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Saved me days of frustration and my benefits started processing the next day. Might be worth checking out if you keep hitting roadblocks.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•Thanks for sharing this! The video call wait times are showing 4+ hours for me right now, so having an alternative is really helpful. I'll check out that video and see if it might work for my situation.
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Josef Tearle
•is this a legit service? seems sketchy to use a third party when dealing with unemployment stuff
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Shelby Bauman
ID.me is such garbage honestly. One thing nobody mentioned - make sure your address on your ID matches your current address on file with unemployment. That messed me up for DAYS and nobody told me until I finally got through to someone. So stupid.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•OMG that might be my problem! My license has my old address because I moved last year and haven't updated it yet. Is there any way around this?
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Shelby Bauman
•you might need to upload a utility bill or bank statement with your current address along with your ID. there should be an option for that somewhere in the process. that's what finally worked for me
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PaulineW
when i did mine i had to restart my computer completely cuz the camera wasnt working right. also make sure ur internet connection is really good. if ur on wifi maybe try connecting with ethernet cable if u can
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Jean Claude
Just to add some helpful information that hasn't been mentioned yet: 1. ID.me has specific browser requirements. For best results, use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Safari often has compatibility issues with their system. 2. If you've attempted multiple times without success, try clearing your browser cache and cookies before starting over. 3. Their system works best with the following document types (in order of preference): - Driver's license - State ID card - US Passport 4. For anyone who doesn't have a webcam on their computer, you can use the ID.me mobile app instead, which often works better for the selfie verification portion. If all else fails, you can contact NYSDOL directly at 1-888-209-8124, but be prepared for very long wait times.
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Maxwell St. Laurent
•This is really helpful! I didn't know they had a mobile app - that might be easier for me since my laptop camera isn't great. I'll try that approach tomorrow.
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Josef Tearle
my cousin had the same problem last month and he said just keep trying different browsers until one works. he finally got it to work on microsoft edge of all things lol
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Maxwell St. Laurent
UPDATE: I finally got through the ID.me verification! For anyone else struggling with this, here's what worked for me: 1. Used Chrome browser on my laptop (Safari was definitely part of my problem) 2. Made sure I was in a room with good natural lighting 3. Took off my glasses for the selfie part 4. Added a utility bill with my current address since my license has my old address 5. Made sure to go through each step slowly and carefully Thank you everyone for all your help and suggestions! My verification is now complete and they said my benefits should resume with the next payment cycle.
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Annabel Kimball
•Great news! Thanks for updating us with what worked for you. This will definitely help others going through the same process.
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Chris Elmeda
•CONGRATS!!!!! So happy it worked out for you! What a relief!!!
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