Still waiting for 13 months of backpay from NY unemployment that wasn't my fault!

Took me 16 months to get my backpay. The system is totally broken. Good luck!

I finally got someone on the phone after trying for weeks using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they connected me with an actual human at unemployment! Best money I ever spent cuz the agent fixed my backpay issue on the spot and I got paid within a week. Check out this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Currently on month 9 of waiting for backpay. The whole system is designed to make you give up. I've called 68 times (yes I kept track) and still nothing.

Here's what worked for me to get my backpay after 7 months of waiting: Contact your state assembly person! I called my local assembly member's office, explained my situation, and they have special contacts at unemployment. They helped push my claim through in about 3 weeks after I'd been waiting for months.

I've been dealing with NY unemployment for far too long, and let me tell you what I've learned about backpay issues: First, document EVERYTHING. Every call, every email, names of reps you talk to. This creates a paper trail you can use later. Second, there are multiple ways to escalate your case: 1) Call early in the morning (like right when they open) 2) Use a service like claimyr.com to get through the phone maze 3) Contact your state representative or assembly person 4) File a formal complaint with the DOL 5) Sometimes sending a physical letter (yes, actual mail) gets attention Third, use very specific language. Don't just ask about "backpay" - ask about specific weeks you're owed and reference any claim ID numbers or confirmation numbers. I was owed backpay for 5 months and it took me using ALL these methods together to finally get it. The system is designed to be frustrating, but persistence works eventually. Good luck!

I filed a complaint with the ombudsman office after 10 months of waiting and suddenly got all my backpay the next week. Coincidence? I think not 🤔

unpopular opinion: sometimes the backpay issue is because of mistakes WE make on the application. I thought I was perfect but turns out I answered a question wrong and it flagged my whole account. Once I admitted my mistake to the agent, they fixed it in like 10 mins 🤷‍♂️

another day, another New Yorker screwed by the unemployment system 😫

Listen I went through this exact same thing last year. Waited 11 months for backpay of around $12,000. What finally worked was this super detailed email I sent to the commissioner's office with a timeline of EVERY interaction I'd had. Include dates, reference numbers, names of agents... everything. Got a call from a specialist 3 days later and money in 2 weeks.

not falling for another unemployment 'hack'... these never work 👎

Have you tried the backdoor number? 888-209-8124 then press 9 then 2 then wait for it to offer spanish then press 9 again. Sometimes gets you to a different queue.

So I was about to throw my phone after 3 hours on hold when I saw someone recommend Claimyr in another thread. Used it and got a callback with an actual unemployment agent within 2 hours. They fixed my backpay issue on the spot - all 8 months worth! Best thing I've done through this whole nightmare. claimyr.com if anyone needs it.

hot take: the backpay system is intentionally broken to save the state money. they know most people will give up eventually.

Check your spam folder!!!! My backpay notification was sitting there for 3 months before I found it. They needed additional info and I never saw the email.