What does the NY unemployment KeyBank card envelope look like when it arrives?

It comes in a plain white envelope with a return address from KeyBank in Cleveland, OH. Nothing that says Department of Labor or anything about unemployment on the outside. I almost threw mine away thinking it was a credit card offer! The envelope is pretty nondescript.

I was stuck waiting forever for my card too, but I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to someone at unemployment who helped me fix my card issue. Seriously helped me get my benefits flowing when I was about to give up. They got me a callback with an actual person at ny unemployment instead of waiting on hold forever. https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Mine came in a white envelope that said KeyBank on it. No DOL markings. I remember it had a Cleveland, OH return address. The actual card is inside on a piece of paper that you have to tear off. Definitely easy to miss if you're not looking carefully.

FYI you can also set up direct deposit instead of using the KeyBank card. Log into your ny unemployment account and there should be an option somewhere to add your bank info. I switched to direct deposit after losing my card and its so much better.

I had this EXACT problem. Threw mine away by accident. Had to call KeyBank to request a new one. The number is 1-866-295-2955. Took about 2 weeks to get the replacement. Super annoying, but at least when you get the new card, any benefits that were already paid will still be on it.

The NY unemployment system is such a disaster. First they make it impossible to get through on the phone, then they send important financial instruments in envelopes designed to be thrown away. It's almost like they're trying to make it difficult for people to get their benefits.

Here's what worked for me dealing with all the KeyBank nonsense: First, don't panic if you think you lost the card. It happens a lot because of their terrible envelope design. Call KeyBank directly at 1-866-295-2955 to request a replacement. While waiting for the new card, set up your account online at KeyBank's unemployment debit card website. You can do this even without having the physical card - you'll need your social and some other info to verify your identity. Once you have online access, you can see if any payments have been deposited. If they have, you know your claim is being processed correctly at least. When you finally get your card, IMMEDIATELY set up direct deposit through the NY unemployment website. This bypasses KeyBank entirely for future payments. If you're having trouble reaching anyone at unemployment to help with card issues, I highly recommend claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and get you a callback when there's actually a human on the line. Saved me hours of frustration and my benefits started flowing after one conversation with a real person. The system is frustrating by design, but there are workarounds. Hang in there!

You can also check if any money has been added to your card by calling keybank even if you dont have the card yet. You'll need your SSN and some other verification info. That way you'll at least know if payments are being deposited while you wait.

Yep white envelope from Cleveland. Fun fact: I got mine 3 MONTHS after my first payment was supposed to be on it. The DOL told me they had sent it but Keybank had no record. Eventually got a supervisor who admitted they had a backlog of card requests. Such a mess.

PSA: Once you get your KeyBank card, you can transfer the money out to your personal account through their website/app. Don't leave your money sitting on that card - they charge inactivity fees if you don't use it for a while!

Does anyone know how long it typically takes for the card to arrive after your first payment is approved? I've been checking my informed delivery from usps every day...

u might have better luck going to a keybank branch in person if there's one near you. My card never came so I went to a branch and they helped me figure out the issue

Always open ALL your mail during unemployment, even if it looks like junk. I've had important notices come in very plain unmarked envelopes. The system is designed to be confusing.

i hate KeyBank with a burning passion. their customer service is awful and their website looks like it was designed in 2005. switch to direct deposit asap