New York Department of Labor - Unemployment Customer Service Issues

I finally connected with a live representative on Thursday, April 23rd to process my claim. However, after providing my information, I got disconnected during the automated questioning about my banking details. Despite trying repeatedly on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I couldn't get through to complete my application. I was informed to claim my weekly benefits starting from Sunday, but I couldn't do it online or by phone. With no success contacting them, my claim remains incomplete. I urgently require assistance as I've been unemployed for over a month. I prefer a call over email. Initially, instead of resolving it over the phone, I received an email prompting me to finish the claim online. However, upon visiting the website, I only found a submission confirmation and couldn't proceed further. Kindly reach out to me at [redacted] for help.

I attempted to file my initial claim online on March 16th but faced technical issues due to an old account from about 10 years ago with a forgotten login linked to an outdated email. After a week of unsuccessful access, I filed via phone. Two weeks later, during a call, I inquired about payment options, but was directed to an online method despite my login issues. When trying to update my direct deposit details, errors occurred due to maiden name variations. Upon investigation, I discovered two payments were sent to a closed bank account from my old claim. I updated my info last Monday and certified benefits for last week. I am unsure when the money will be released from the closed account. I also missed certifying for weeks in March due to the claim completion delay. How do I receive retroactive pay for those weeks? I am in dire need of assistance due to a pending divorce and lack of financial support. I can be reached at [redacted] or [redacted]. Additionally, I have not received any mail from the Department of Labor.

Hello, I am reaching out about my unemployment insurance claim. I initiated the process on 2/24/20. Following that, I received my Monetary Benefit Determination letter on 3/02/20. Subsequently, I was asked for additional information to verify my eligibility for benefits. I promptly provided the necessary details, including payment dates and amounts from my previous employer, via fax on 03/23/20. Despite certifying seven times, I have not yet received any payments. My attempts to contact someone by phone have been unsuccessful, leaving me frustrated and desperate for the owed funds, especially as my job applications have gone unanswered. After being employed consistently for 7 years, this is my first time relying on the unemployment system, and I feel let down. I am seeking guidance on how to address this issue and receive the benefits I am entitled to.

On April 4th, I completed the UI form as instructed but missed a call from the DOL at 9:20 pm on a Friday. After receiving an email instructing me to fill out a PUI form, I did so today, but made an error and was deemed ineligible for benefits. I am eligible as a freelancer since my primary workplace is closed due to COVID-19 and my projects have been canceled. I urgently require UI benefits to cover my expenses, as I have not earned any income since mid-March. Could you please provide guidance on how to correctly fill out the PUI form again? Thank you for your prompt assistance.

I have been trying to reach a live person at the New York State Dept of Labor for weeks without success. I was laid off due to the Coronavirus on 3/23/20 after working at the company since 5/22/18. I had been employed full-time with bi-weekly pay. Despite this, I received a letter rejecting my claim, stating I made $0 in the five quarters in question, which is incorrect. I submitted a dispute with pay stubs, W2s for [redacted] and [redacted], and a letter from my employer. It's been over a month since I first claimed, and my family is relying on this assistance. I'm unsure if my documents reached the office or if anyone is there to handle them. I need assistance in talking to a real person from the NY Dept of Labor.

I have encountered issues while trying to claim my unemployment benefits. Despite receiving confirmation messages for my submission and PUA application, I have not received any further updates by mail. When attempting to access the system, I am met with error messages and no new notifications in my inbox. Even after multiple attempts to call the Telephone Claims Center and follow the automated prompts, I am unable to reach a representative to complete my application. The system keeps indicating that my claim is only partially complete and instructs me to speak with a representative, but I am unable to get through due to high call volumes and disconnections. My husband and I have both been unemployed since March 13, and we are in urgent need of assistance with our claims.

I have encountered issues trying to claim my unemployment benefits. I have received confirmation messages for my submission and PUA application, but despite being told my application is complete with a decision pending by mail, I have not received anything. When I try to access my messages, I am informed there are none available. The system prompts me to call a specific number to complete my claim, but after multiple attempts, I am unable to reach a representative due to high call volumes and disconnections. I am unable to claim my benefits online or receive any callbacks. My husband and I have both been unemployed since March 13, and we are in need of assistance.

I recently submitted my New York unemployment claim over the phone with a representative on 4/3/20. I explained that my last day of work was on 3/27/20 due to the government shutdown. I initially tried to file for UI benefits on 3/30/20 but encountered issues accessing the website until speaking with the representative on 4/3/20, when I successfully completed the claim and certified for the first week. However, my claim has been pending since then, and I received an email requesting completion of forms for pandemic insurance, which I find confusing. While others in my company have successfully filed for regular UI benefits, I have been unable to reach the labor department for assistance. I am uncertain about completing the pandemic application when I already have a valid UI claim on file with New York State. It has been almost a month since I sent an email seeking clarification. Sincerely, M. A.

I submitted my application for pandemic unemployment assistance two weeks ago. After realizing I needed to apply for regular unemployment as well, I received a call from the New York State Department on April 21st, [redacted]. They informed me that I needed to apply for pandemic unemployment. When I checked my 'ny.gov' account, I saw that my application status was "submitted" due to my initial mistake. I need to refresh my status so I can re-apply correctly. Any assistance in refreshing my application would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, N.P.

Dear Sir/Madam, Two weeks ago, I applied for pandemic unemployment assistance. Shortly after, I realized I needed to file for regular unemployment first. Today, on April 21st, [redacted], I received a call from the New York State Department and was informed to apply for pandemic unemployment instead. When I checked my 'ny.gov' account, I noticed my status was still "submitted" due to my initial error. I need to refresh my application to re-apply correctly. Your assistance in updating my application would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Nulufer P.

Hello, my name is Daniele and I am a U.S. resident with a green card living in NYC for the past 3 years. I applied for unemployment benefits with NY Labor on March 19. Every Sunday, I have been applying for my benefits as required. However, when I check my payment history, it seems to be stuck on the first unpaid week (which is normal since they don't pay for the first week). I haven't received payments for any other weeks, even though I received a letter confirming that I am eligible for the maximum amount of $[redacted] per week. I also received a Key Bank card, but it has no funds in it, even after almost 6 weeks since I applied. Many people I know have received their payments promptly, but I have been unable to reach anyone at NY Labor despite calling numerous times. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank you.

I sought assistance with a PUA form but was asked irrelevant unemployment questions like my ability to work, availability, and reasons for stoppage. These questions are not applicable to the current pandemic. My husband, daughter, and I, a [music] partnership for 23 years, have faced income loss due to 12 canceled shows since February 23rd. After being informed of NYS DOL assistance, the call disconnected before reaching a live representative. I am uncertain about the next steps and the expected timeframe for the NYS DOL to contact me.

I submitted my NYS Unemployment Insurance application on 4/20/20 and was contacted the next day. However, when I attempt to access Unemployment Services on my NYS DOL account, it indicates that my claim for benefits is only partially completed. I'm unsure if my application is finished. Even though I spoke with a representative from NYS DOL who confirmed my completion, there are no forms shown in the "Completed Forms" or "Pending Forms" sections of my account. The website seems to have errors, and the Telephone Claims Center has been unhelpful with no option to talk to a live person. What steps should I take next to resolve this issue?

I would like to keep this brief as I understand your workload. When I applied for unemployment, direct deposit was never offered. I noticed online that a debit card was being sent after three weeks. I called and was informed it was en route. It has been over a month, and I have sent four messages reporting that I never got the card. I also tried to set up direct deposit on a tablet, but it doesn't appear when I access the website from my friend's apartment. Since March 16, the system still shows the debit card status despite me stating multiple times that I haven't received it. Due to difficulties in reaching a staff member over the phone, and almost 50 days passing with no card or direct deposit, I find myself in a tough spot. I have tried twice to set up direct deposit to no avail as the card is either lost or missing. I am in urgent need of assistance.

My claim is incomplete, and I am unable to get through on the phone. When I tried to complete my claim online, I was told someone would contact me within 72 hours, but I have not received any call yet. I have been attempting to file or complete my claim since March 16. When I called in March to initiate my claim, I was informed I needed to speak to a representative to finalize it, but there seems to be no one available. They mentioned someone would call me, and although I did receive a call last month with some questions, I was told I would receive something in the mail, which never arrived. When I try to complete my claim online, it indicates that my claim is incomplete and prompts me to call. However, when I call, no one is available, and the call gets disconnected. I am unsure what steps to take next. I am eager to finish my claim to receive benefits. I have been trying since March 16, and I have not even received a letter in the mail about it. I have sent numerous emails but do not know what else to do to seek assistance. My number is [redacted]. Thank you, G. Ellis.

Hello, good morning! I'm Yarelis Batista. I applied for unemployment over 3 weeks ago, but I've had issues with my online application. I can't get through to a customer service agent using the phone numbers on the website, which is disappointing. When trying to claim my benefits, the system says my claim is incomplete. Please help me understand what's missing or needs to be completed in order to finalize my claim. I've been trying to contact customer service for over 3 weeks and have yet to receive a response. Kindly provide me with my account details. For further communication, please reach out to me via email at [redacted] Thank you for your assistance. Yours sincerely, Yarelis

I received an email from the NY Department of Labor regarding a mailing issue that may have exposed my personal information. They mentioned providing free credit monitoring for a year as a precaution. I applied for unemployment insurance as a self-employed individual in March. After some initial communication, I was instructed to claim benefits regularly. Later, I was prompted to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Upon realizing an error in my PUA application, I submitted a corrected one and was then asked to reapply for regular UI. As of now, I've only received a $[redacted] deposit and my UI claim is still pending.

I left the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic for my safety and attempted to inform the Department of Labor (DOL) by contacting the TCC. After facing difficulties reaching them by phone (which persists even after five weeks), I completed an 'Out of Country' questionnaire. It has been four weeks since then, with a response requesting more details coming one week later, followed by silence. Despite booking my flight back to NY for next week on 5/11, there seems to be a block on my account preventing any payments without contacting the DOL, leaving me worried about my financial situation upon returning to NY. The high cost of living in NY without any income is a serious concern. I have exhausted all possible phone numbers and email addresses in my attempts to get a reply. I feel lost and unsure of what steps to take next.

I applied for New York unemployment eight weeks ago. The telephone claims center's automated message says my file is "verified," but my online profile shows my claim as "pending." I've been able to claim weekly benefits each week by certifying eight times, yet no payments have come due to the "pending" status. I messaged the Department of Labor's "UI Filing a Claim" and "UI Claimant Advocate Office" four weeks ago with no responses. I spoke to someone at the Claimant Advocate Office two weeks ago who said it's unusual to be in a pending status after eight weeks. He promised to check if there was an issue with my initial application causing the delay and would only call back if there was an issue. I haven't received a call back yet. It's been two months, and I'm still waiting for answers.

I made a mistake during my weekly claims. I submitted a claim from 3/15/[redacted] to the receiving date of 4/28/[redacted]. After finally submitting my claim, it has been a week, but it still shows the total and net amount as zero with the type "waiting period." When I tried to claim for this week, it indicates that I will not receive anything for the week of 3/15/[redacted] to 4/28/[redacted]. I am confused as to why I am not receiving anything since my state was on lockdown during that time. This is my first time applying for unemployment, and I am unsure if I mistakenly answered the questions, resulting in not receiving my benefits. I realized that I answered with "no" instead of "yes" due to a misunderstanding. Is there a way to correct this significant error? Have I lost my claims because of misunderstanding the questions? I filed again this week and repeated the same mistake. I am very worried that I might have lost what I have been waiting for. I have tried calling, but I cannot reach a live person on the phone. I am lost at this point. I have waited long enough while bills continue to accumulate. I desperately need help to rectify this issue. It is unfair to claim from 3/15 and not receive what is rightfully mine. Please contact me at [redacted] (Ana) urgently to help me resolve this problem as soon as possible.