Who to contact about NY unemployment using alternative base period on my claim?

The alternative base period (ABP) is actually designed to help people who might not qualify using the standard base period. Normally, they use the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. The ABP uses the last 4 completed quarters instead. You'll need to speak with a claims specialist, not a general representative. When you call the main claims number, you need to specifically request to speak with someone about a base period recalculation or dispute. They have specialists who handle these wage calculations.

you prolly wont qualfiy for regular base period if they put u on alternative. they do calculations both ways automatically and pick the one that works. if you didnt work the whole year before its usually why

I went through something similar in January. The NYSDOL is supposed to calculate your benefit rate using whichever base period gives you the HIGHER weekly benefit amount, not the lower one. You need to request a monetary determination review. Officially, you're supposed to fill out form TC403ER and mail it in with documentation of your wages, but good luck getting that processed in a reasonable timeframe. Honestly, the fastest way is to get through to a claims examiner by phone who can review this in real time. I was getting absolutely nowhere with the main line until I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual NYSDOL agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through, the examiner saw the calculation error immediately and fixed my benefit rate the same day.

My cousin works at unemployment (not in NY tho) and she says they have a whole department that handles wage investigations. Ask specifically for the "wage investigation unit" or "monetary determination team"

Just wanted to mention that I had success getting my base period fixed after initially having trouble reaching anyone. I used claimyr.com to get connected with an actual claims examiner (took about 30 minutes instead of days of calling). Once I got through, I specifically mentioned I needed to speak with the Monetary Determination Unit about an incorrect base period calculation. They transferred me right away, and the specialist was able to review my wages and correct the calculation. My weekly benefit increased by $142 and they paid me the difference for the weeks I'd already received at the lower rate. Make sure you have clear documentation of your wages for all quarters they might consider. In 2025, they'll be looking at quarters from late 2023 through 2024.

got mine fixed last week. took FOREVER. you need form TC403ER but tbh calling is faster if u can get thru

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! After trying for days to reach someone, I used the Claimyr service that was recommended here and got through to NYSDOL in about 25 minutes. They transferred me to the Monetary Determination Unit where a specialist reviewed my case. Turns out one of my employers had reported my wages for the wrong quarter (they reported December 2024 wages in January 2025), which messed up my regular base period calculation. The specialist was able to correct it on the spot after I emailed my pay stubs. My weekly benefit went up from $318 to $462! They're also paying me the difference for the 4 weeks I received the lower amount. Thanks everyone for your help!