Need to repay NY unemployment overpayment of $1200 but no instructions - how to pay it back?

I had this exact same issue last year! The NYSDOL system is so frustrating. After weeks of trying to get through on the phone, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. The agent explained that overpayment notices often arrive before the payment instructions, which is terrible communication on their part. They helped me set up a payment plan since my overpayment was pretty significant. Definitely worth checking out if you're struggling to get answers.

You should have received Form IA797 (Overpayment Recovery Notice) which explains your repayment options. Since you didn't get it, you need to: 1. Log into your NY.gov account 2. Go to 'Messages' in your unemployment dashboard 3. Look for overpayment documentation there If nothing appears there, call the Overpayment Recovery Unit at 1-800-533-6600. They can send you the payment instructions and even set up a payment plan if needed. Don't ignore this - unpaid overpayments can be sent to collections, result in tax refund interception, or affect future benefits.

one thing they NEVER tell you is that there are different numbers for different problems!! u keping calling the main number for HOURS. worst system ever. lol

OMG the SAME THING happened to me in January!!! They said I owed $2700 and I FREAKED OUT because that's like almost all my savings!!! I kept checking my mail everyday and my email and nothing came for instructions. I was so scared they would garnish my wages and I really need every penny right now. I finally got someone on the phone after literally 9 times trying and they told me there was a GLITCH in their system for sending out the instruction letters. Can you believe that? A GLITCH?! After all the stress they put me through!!! Did you try calling the 533-6600 number yet? I'm still paying mine off...

Here's what you need to know about NY unemployment overpayments in 2025: 1. You have three payment options: - Pay in full online through your NY.gov account - Set up a monthly payment plan (minimum $100/month) - Send a check/money order to: NYSDOL Overpayment Recovery, PO Box 1195, Albany, NY 12201 2. Important: Include your Overpayment ID number on all payments (should be on your initial notice) 3. If you can't find your Overpayment ID, call 1-800-533-6600 4. There's no interest on standard overpayments if you set up a payment plan within 30 days 5. The department is legally required to provide payment instructions - if they didn't, document all your attempts to resolve this I recommend checking your NY.gov account first - they've recently updated the system to include a dedicated "Overpayment Management" section.

just wait theyll take it from ur tax refund next year prob. thats what happend to my brother lol

My gf works at the unemployment office actually...she says tons of people never get the instructions packet. It's a known issue they just won't fix. So annoying.

Quick update on overpayment procedures for 2025 - NYSDOL recently launched an online repayment portal that might not be visible in all accounts yet. Go to https://labor.ny.gov/signin and after logging in, check under "My Online Forms" for "Overpayment Resolution." This new system was rolled out in March but is still being implemented across all accounts. If you don't see it, use the methods I described in my earlier comment.

UPDATE: I finally got through to the Overpayment Unit using the number you all suggested! Turns out they DID send instructions, but to my old address from 2 years ago (even though my current address is in the system). The rep was actually really helpful and set me up with online payment access. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call the specific overpayment number (1-800-533-6600) rather than the main unemployment line. Thanks everyone for your help!