New York Department of Labor - Unemployment Customer Service Issues

I closed my business due to Covid-19 and applied for unemployment on March 15. Since then, I have been claiming every Sunday. I received paperwork to verify my business and submitted it by fax and online. Later, on 4/15, I got a PUA application which I filled out online. Despite my efforts, my claim remains at $0, even after faxing my earnings as advised by a claim specialist on 3/16. I have contacted state representatives but have not received clear information. I am struggling to reopen my business, pay rent, and cover bills. Feeling stuck in pending status has been frustrating, and I wish there was more transparency and easier access to information regarding my unemployment status.

I submitted my unemployment claim approximately a month ago and was instructed to also apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Upon reaching the final question about teleworking, I misunderstood its context and mistakenly answered that I could not telework, assuming it referred to my ability to commute, not realizing it pertained to working from home. This error led to a notification denying me PUA benefits. I have attempted to contact the Department of Labor more than 80 times since April 30th to rectify this, but have not reached anyone. I fear this mistake will impact my eligibility for much-needed assistance. Kindly assist me in correcting this issue before my first payment is processed.

My last day at work was March 27th, and I filed for unemployment insurance (UI) online on March 30th. On April 6th, I filed for HEAP. Despite not hearing back until April 16th when a representative mentioned certifying my previous weeks, another representative followed up on April 26th to certify the last two weeks. However, my payment history doesn't reflect the weeks from March 29th to April 25th that they certified and instead shows a waiting period from March 23rd to April 28th. I've attempted to contact them through emails and calls without success. The dates on the claim history are incorrect. I'm hoping someone can reach out to me to resolve this issue promptly since this is my 6th week without work.

I have been unable to work due to a reduced staff caused by COVID-19 since Thursday, April 16, [redacted]. I tried to apply for unemployment around April 19 or 20 and then attempted to certify for the following week, April 20-26, a few days later. During this process, I ended up with three different accounts: MARJGASSS, MARJGASSS14, and MARJGAS@7, all linked to NY.gov. When asked for my social security number, it doesn't get accepted but the FEIN number does. The phone system refers to payment history back to July [redacted], which makes me concerned that my recent claims starting from April 13 were not properly registered. Despite the challenges, I understand the current situation and delays. I hope that if my issues are resolved soon, they will still process my claims from last month retroactively.

I recently received a letter from DOL indicating that I must verify my claim. To do this, I am required to credit the waiting week in order to receive my benefits. I have been certifying for my claim since I filed five weeks ago and initially received benefits for one week. However, my benefit payments suddenly stopped. I attempted to contact [redacted] as instructed, but the recorded message informed me that my claim is valid. I have now been calling [redacted] for three weeks, making over [redacted] calls, but have not reached a representative. I am feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could assist me in resolving this issue with my claim.

Hello, I am Fahad Khan residing at 60 Lawn Ave Apt #41, Stamford, Connecticut [redacted]. I initially applied for unemployment benefits in Connecticut but did not receive any payments for a month. After a friend's advice, I applied in New York as that's where my work is. Subsequently, after five weeks, I unexpectedly received unemployment funds from Connecticut. I apologize for any confusion caused. Please disregard my application in New York since I didn't file any claims there, I simply submitted the application. Thank you, and I hope you stay safe and healthy. Best regards, Fahad Khan

I've started a claim that needs to be completed over the phone. I've been trying to call but keep getting disconnected. I have tried for weeks and have never been able to get through. Please contact me at [redacted] or by email. This is the fourth week I've been trying. I understand it's a busy time, but I'm surprised I haven't heard anything back or been able to stay on the line after inputting my information.

Hello, I am Andrew F. and I am facing a difficult situation. I have been employed as a full-time line cook at Bard College through Chartwells food services for nearly 4 years. Unfortunately, I was informed on March 14th that I would be laid off due to the pandemic. Needing immediate income, I took a temporary maintenance job at Renassaince Rehab nursing home from 4/7 to 4/10 before being called back to Bard College. Concerned about the virus, I returned to Bard College on 4/11 and 4/12 and then subsequently got laid off again. Due to these circumstances, I have not received any payments since April 5th and have been without work since April 13th. As my savings deplete and credit card usage rises, I am in urgent need of guidance regarding unemployment benefits. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I was on unemployment four years ago, but I forgot my password and the answers to the security questions. I also lost access to the email I used for that account. I am currently locked out and unable to log in. I tried calling the support number but couldn't get through due to technical issues. Is there a way to delete my current account so I can create a new one or get help accessing my account with the username tina1977?

I encountered issues while trying to file a claim multiple times. Initially, I was expecting a call within 72 hours, which never occurred. When I attempted to complete the claim over the phone, it asked for a pin I don't have or can't recall. The system wouldn't let me change it as the lines were busy. Upon finally completing the claim, the questions were detailed, but I received no funds. On the third try, I was immediately prompted to file a claim upon logging in, with no other options available. After answering questions, the verification page displayed incorrect information regarding my reason for lack of work due to Covid-19. Despite creating a new pin on another site, it still didn't work when I called. Additionally, my personal information was wrongly shared with someone else, risking my identity. I usually resolve such matters independently, but the phone support is challenging, especially due to the pin issue. Assistance and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to speak to a representative. The system is supposed to be updated, but it's not functioning properly. There are individuals struggling in your state, and as politicians, more needs to be done to help them. Roberta R. mentioned the high volume of calls and shared statistics, but our focus is on resolving the issues. I have followed all the procedures correctly, submitting my weekly claims as instructed. The phone system confirms my claim is valid, yet the website shows it as pending. There are errors on the site instructing me to check my messages, but the message center is empty. It's crucial to address these individual issues and not generalize errors. We need an efficient system, proactive communication, and timely actions on promises made. While retroactive pay is promised, immediate solutions are required for those struggling financially.

I initiated my NYS unemployment claim before the COVID-19 outbreak due to a regular layoff unrelated to COVID-19. I've been requesting weekly benefits but got put on pending status until I submitted additional pension details via fax. I never received confirmation that it was received. I've tried multiple phone numbers but can't reach a live person. I'm unable to log in to GOV ID as it says my email is invalid. I'd appreciate being placed on hold for as long as it takes to speak with a representative. However, the call gets disconnected after going through several phone prompts for five minutes!

I am currently experiencing issues with NYSDOL issuing funds to an outdated debit card that I no longer possess. According to Key Bank, they did not replace my expired debit card from [redacted], and they are now requesting that I request a new card, provide proof of my address, and pay extra for expedited delivery. Despite requesting direct deposit before any payments were issued, I have yet to receive any money. This situation is concerning because I do not have the necessary documents that the bank is requesting. As a result, my application for food stamps has been denied as DOL records show payments made to me, even though I have no way of accessing the funds.

I submitted my unemployment claim at the end of April, got a confirmation email, and was told a representative would call within 72 hours. Since then, I have not received any follow-up. I checked my account for messages, but there were none. When I tried to refile, it said I needed to complete my claim over the phone by calling a specific number. I've been calling for days, but it keeps telling me there are too many calls and then disconnects. I can't even wait on hold. I'm unable to reach anyone to finalize my claim, and it's frustrating. I urgently need my unemployment benefits. How can I get in touch with a representative immediately to complete my claim?

I applied for unemployment, and my case is still pending. After a few weeks of back-and-forth with the department, I got two calls from different representatives, but then there was no progress. I've been able to certify my weekly benefits online for the past two weeks, but I haven't received any payments, and my case still shows as pending. I have not worked since March 16, [redacted], and I am unsure what to do next since reaching a representative over the phone seems impossible. Please assist. Username: JohnL4U

I applied in March and completed my claim process in late March/early April. I was instructed by your representative to certify weekly, which I've been doing diligently. This week I received an email that my claim is ready for payment, so I've been checking my account daily. However, today when I logged in, it's asking me to certify again, even though I've been certifying weekly. The page states that I haven't certified since 3/8/[redacted], which is incorrect. I've been certifying regularly. Unfortunately, I've been unable to reach anyone for help. What should I do in this situation?

I have been approved for unemployment benefits, filed my weekly claims, but have not received any payments. Every time I call to check, it just says the payment is pending. I have tried multiple phone numbers for NYS unemployment, but they all seem to hang up on me due to being too busy. Despite calling right when lines open, I can't seem to get through. I need to speak to someone to resolve this issue as I have bills to pay and need my benefits. How can I reach someone who can assist me?

To Whom It May Concern at the NY Department of Unemployment, I recently received an email from your department about a claim for benefits that was apparently submitted in my name. I believe this may have occurred due to my lack of experience with computers and form filling. Although I did submit certifications for two weeks, I did not intend to file a claim at that time. I kindly request that someone from your office reach out to me to provide guidance on the correct process for applying for benefits. Your assistance in clarifying this matter would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, [Your Initials]

As a self-employed individual, quarantine restrictions have significantly impacted my work. Despite selecting "Yes" to the question regarding COVID-19 quarantine affecting my ability to reach my workplace, my review page incorrectly displays "No." I attempted to rectify this by editing my response, marking "Yes" again, but the review page persisted in showing "No." I also tried troubleshooting by logging out, restarting the browser, and logging back in, but the issue remains unresolved.

My name is Jennie, and I have been denied my unemployment benefits as a self-employed individual. Despite making numerous attempts to contact the office, I have not been able to speak to a live person. Additionally, I have sent four emails without any response. The Department of Labor's letter mentioned inadequate earnings, which I believe to be a mistake as I work full-time. The letter requires a "Request for Reconsideration" to be submitted by 5/25/[redacted]. The DOL website indicates an automatic transfer to PUA, but something seems amiss. It has been 8 weeks since I filed, and I urgently need assistance. Could someone please contact me? Thank you, Jennie Sorino.