New York Department of Labor - Unemployment Customer Service Issues

I recently applied for unemployment benefits and chose to have them deposited directly into my savings account since I don't have a checking account. To my surprise, last week the benefits were indeed deposited into my savings account. However, this week I noticed on my payment history that the money was loaded onto a debit card instead, which I did not receive as I requested direct deposit. After contacting my bank, they mentioned a note on my account indicating that the savings account needed to be updated to a checking account for unemployment benefits. I am puzzled as to why it worked last week but not this week, and now I'm concerned about not knowing the whereabouts of my funds. Despite trying to reach out to unemployment services, I've been unable to get through. I urgently need assistance to understand why my benefits were loaded onto a card this week instead of my bank account.

After relocating for a job at Macy's corporate in New York, which started on October 14th, I got furloughed the week of March 30th. We were advised to hold off filing for unemployment until April 1st to qualify for the alternate base period. Despite filing on 4/1, my benefits show as $0. A colleague who started the same day managed to reach them by phone, and they revised her claim date to 4/6 for eligibility. I've been on hold for hours, trying to resolve this issue as filing on 4/1 made my claim effective date 3/30, excluding the first quarter of [redacted] from calculations. I'm seeking fairness in changing my claim effective date to 4/6 to access UI and pandemic assistance.

In New York City on Tuesday, April 7th, I was directed to call the telephone Claim Center at 1-[redacted] to finalize my claim. However, since then, I have been experiencing difficulties reaching a claim specialist. Most of my calls get disconnected after being placed on hold. Today, I received a message instructing me to remain on the line to maintain my position in the queue, where I have already been holding for over 2 hours. I am unsure of what steps to take next to successfully complete my unemployment claim. Alina

I was laid off due to the Coronavirus, and I have been claiming benefits every week, but I haven't received any payments yet. Today, when I checked online, it shows that each week I claimed is marked as "forfeit." I am aware that I still owe the Department of Labor from years ago, and they have been garnishing my taxes. I thought this would be resolved with my claims, but it seems not. Unfortunately, I am unable to reach anyone for assistance with these issues. There is a confirmed case of Covid-19 in my household, and we are struggling to make ends meet as it has been four weeks without any financial support.

I recently stopped working on March 19th with Kohl's and filed for unemployment benefits. I mistakenly did not account for the emergency pay I received for an additional two weeks, for the periods of March 22nd - 28th and March 29th - April 4th. Consequently, I unintentionally received overpayment. I am eager to return the excess funds, but I am experiencing difficulties reaching the unemployment office due to high call volumes. This is my first time applying for unemployment, and I am concerned about potential penalties for not being able to communicate with them promptly.

Subject: Issue Filing for Unemployment Benefits To Whom It May Concern, My name is Michael Monasterial, and I have been facing challenges trying to file for unemployment insurance and pandemic insurance. Unfortunately, I encountered an issue with my pandemic-specific claim due to a misunderstanding in the application process. I last worked on 3/20/[redacted] for Remodeling Consultants Inc. in Mamaroneck, NY. As a full-time employee earning $25 per hour, I was forced to stop working because of the impact of the Coronavirus. While trying to complete the application, I misunderstood a question regarding telephonic work, mistakenly indicating that I could work in that capacity. Given the circumstances, I am struggling to reach the department over the phone for assistance. I have no other source of income and urgently need support to navigate this situation accurately. Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Michael Monasterial

Hello, I am facing an issue with missing earnings for the listed periods in the monetary determination. It seems that no wages have been reported for my full-time job, which is confusing because I have already filed my [redacted] NY state taxes with income from that job. I had the payroll specialist at my restaurant complete and submit the request for reconsideration with proof of earnings provided. I was informed by the claims specialist that once I mailed in my request, my wage information would be updated, and I would receive a new monetary determination. It has been two weeks since then, and my initial claim expires on the 22nd of April. I am concerned about not receiving benefits before it expires as I have been out of work for five weeks. I am contemplating filing a new claim to get an update on my request for reconsideration but do not want to jeopardize my initial claim. I understand the challenges many are facing with unemployment benefits and would appreciate speaking with someone regarding my initial claim's status and how to expedite my benefits. Thank you. - A.M.

I submitted my NYS unemployment insurance application online on 4/10/20 after the system was reportedly fixed. I got a "Submission Confirmation" with an 8:10 AM timestamp the same day, asserting I would be contacted within 72 hours. It has been over 72 hours, and I have not heard anything. I received a robo-call at 1 AM on 4/12/20 promising a call, but none came. As a self-employed Education Consultant unable to work due to school closures from COVID-19, I am struggling without income. I simply want to verify if my application was received and is being processed, and if I will receive any mailed forms to fill out. I am having difficulty reaching anyone for answers, even after sending messages through the site. This lack of communication is frustrating, and I feel lost in trying to find help. Thank you, Joe C.

I have been approved for unemployment benefits and have successfully claimed every week. While my first payment went through without issue, my second claim for March 29th and third claim for April 5th are showing as processed but not listed on my account. Surprisingly, my fourth claim is listed as released for payment, but I haven't received it yet. I'm wondering if my missing payments are still being processed, especially since the waiting week was waived, and I haven't received that either. Despite reaching out multiple times, I haven't been able to speak to a representative. Could certifying my second claim on a Wednesday instead of Sunday or Monday have caused this delay? I am the only one in my workplace facing this issue, and I'm hoping for some guidance from anyone who has experienced something similar.

My father works as a taxi driver, a profession already facing challenges even before the pandemic hit. Our family, like many others, comprises immigrant parents and first-generation American children who rely on his income to survive. Despite the long hours and meager earnings - with drivers making less than $50 a day after working nearly 12-hour shifts to pay off hefty loans - taxi drivers like my dad have yet to receive any unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) funds. Meanwhile, others, including teenagers with part-time jobs, have been receiving assistance for weeks. This overlooked issue is putting immense financial strain on families like mine, increasing our debts and forcing my dad to work tirelessly without a break, even on holidays. My immigrant mother, who struggles with English, is also facing challenges finding work. We desperately need this aid, but the lack of support is leaving us feeling abandoned by the government. Countless immigrant families, just like ours, are grappling with these hardships.

I applied for unemployment online on 4/9/20 and was instructed to wait 72 hours for a response, but I didn't hear back within that time frame. I tried calling the [redacted] number multiple times but kept getting a busy signal until I finally got through the following Thursday at 8:00 a.m. I spoke to a woman, completed my application, and was told I was approved. She mentioned I would receive payments on Fridays starting on 4/17/20 and to call [redacted] for further assistance. However, the funds haven't appeared in my account and only show as pending. I've been unemployed since 3/14/20 and need help as I'm unable to start a new job due to closures.

Hello, I am Tina Lupo. I submitted my unemployment application online on 9th April [redacted]. After filling out half of it, I was informed that someone would contact me within 72 hours to complete the rest. Despite attempting to reach out multiple times at [redacted], I faced difficulties getting through and was unsuccessful in completing it. On 16th April [redacted], I managed to speak with an agent after waiting for 45 minutes. I was informed about being approved and the expected payment dates. However, the funds did not reflect in my checking account as advised. I was given another number, [redacted], to inquire about the payment status. I have been unemployed for five weeks now and struggling to meet my basic needs. Thank you. - Tina Lupo.

Hello, my name is Nick Sidiropoulos. I worked as a bus driver for Long Island Bus Company (MTA, which later became NICE) from [redacted] until June [redacted]. Unfortunately, in June [redacted], I had a severe injury on the bus to my legs and back, which impacted my ability to work. Despite undergoing treatments, my condition did not improve significantly. Due to my physical limitations, I had to decline alternative job offers from the company, ultimately leading to my termination. I wasn't able to apply for unemployment benefits as I was placed on Workers' Compensation for my hands, back, and legs. Although I received some compensation for my hands, my treatments have not been entirely successful, and I am still undergoing medical procedures. At 74 years old and divorced, I am unsure of my eligibility for further assistance. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This message was typed by my friend, please excuse any errors as English is not her first language. Thank you. Nick Sidiropoulos

When I applied for COVID-19 unemployment benefits as a sole proprietor, I spoke with a representative over the phone and was asked to fax my tax return, which I found odd. I also sent my W-2 from my Saturday part-time job. However, the fax confirmation for my tax return was never received. After being approved, I noticed I was only receiving $[redacted] per week, calculated solely based on my part-time job income from the W-2. I believe my sole proprietorship income was not considered, resulting in the incorrect amount. Despite the helpful but inexperienced representative, I am concerned my claim was not processed accurately. I have tried to rectify this online to no avail as my information is already in the system. I am unable to reach anyone over the phone despite numerous attempts. I received a Visa card in the mail instead of direct deposit as requested. I seek assistance in correcting this issue promptly.

I have been trying to reach the 1-[redacted] number for the past 2 1/2 weeks without any luck. I am unable to claim my weekly benefits because the system requires me to claim credit for my first waiting week by speaking to a representative, but getting in touch with someone has been incredibly challenging. I have not been able to speak to any representatives since the beginning of this process despite multiple attempts. I understand that there is a high volume of calls, but it feels unfair that others who applied after me are receiving payments while I am still waiting for assistance, especially since I have been unemployed since 03/29. I would really appreciate immediate assistance and hope to hear from someone soon.

Since the corona situation began on March 9th, as a self-employed individual, I have been unable to work. On April 6th, when New York state opened benefits for self-employed individuals, I applied for Unemployment online. However, upon completing my application, I received a message instructing me to speak to a representative to finalize my claim. Despite my persistent efforts, making over [redacted] daily calls for several days, I was unable to reach a live representative. A few days later, New York introduced a call-back service. I finally received a call from a representative on April 12th. She verified my application date and self-employed status, without providing any further details. I affirmed both answers, and she informed me that a case manager had been assigned to me, promising to keep me on the call-back list. It is disheartening to have heard nothing from the case manager since the call. Despite numerous attempts to reach out, including emails to the department, I have not received any responses. As a single father struggling to support my son, I am quickly running out of funds for necessities. The delay in receiving financial assistance is causing me significant distress. While the state claims a drastic reduction in backlogged cases, I continue to wait for a call back. I am perplexed as to why new claims can be processed swiftly online while individuals like myself face prolonged waits for support. The current situation may soon force me to seek any available work to provide for my son, regardless of the risks involved. The inconsistency between the department's promises and the reality of my situation is deeply concerning.

I started to claim my benefits yesterday, 4/22/[redacted], in the early afternoon. I entered my personal ID# and password, but accidentally touched the home key on my laptop. A message saying I exceeded the login attempts limit popped up. It instructed me to contact the toll-free number [redacted]. I never reached the question section, just entered my ID and then was locked out. I tried calling the number multiple times that day without success. Please assist me. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Sarah "Alia" Ssemakula, and I've encountered challenges in finalizing my unemployment benefits claim. I submitted my initial application on March 18th, the assigned date, and was informed via email that my claim was partially completed, prompting me to contact a claims specialist. Despite attempting over [redacted] calls daily, I have not been successful in reaching anyone. I submitted multiple claims due to the confusion surrounding my original one and was assured a call within 72 hours, which has not happened yet. It has been more than a month since I've been unemployed, and resolving my claim is critical. I am willing to provide any necessary information to expedite the process.

My name is Theresa Underwood, and I filed for unemployment on April 15th. I received a letter confirming my application was processed, but when I tried to claim my benefits the following week, I was told it wasn't processed. After speaking to an agent a week later, it was supposedly sorted out. However, this week, I was informed I needed to speak to an agent before claiming my benefits. As a single mother with financial responsibilities, this inconsistency is causing me distress. Despite multiple attempts to contact the office, no one has been available to address my concerns. I urgently need my benefits to support my daughter and myself during this challenging time. It's frustrating to face this issue repeatedly within a month. I implore you to investigate this matter promptly. Thank you.

On Thursday, April 23rd, I finally spoke with a live representative to process my claim. She gathered my information and mentioned I would need to answer further questions, including providing my banking details through an automated system. Unfortunately, I got disconnected mid-questionnaire. Despite multiple attempts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I was unable to reach anyone to address this. The representative informed me that I needed to claim my weekly benefits starting from this Sunday. However, my attempts online and via phone have been unsuccessful, and my claim remains incomplete. I urgently need assistance as I've been unemployed for over a month. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. Previously, I received an email instructing me to complete my claim online, but the process redirected me to a "Submission Complete" page without further options. Please call me at [redacted] instead of emailing to resolve this matter promptly.