New York Department of Labor - Unemployment Customer Service Issues

I tried to apply for unemployment benefits in NYC, but when I fill out the form after entering my SSN, I receive an error: "You used a different NY.gov username in the past. Please log in with that username instead. If you have forgotten that username, please sign out and select 'Forgot Username' to retrieve it." I'm using the original username I created for my account, and the 'Forgot Username' option only gives me the current username. I can log into my gov account but encounter issues when trying to file a claim with my SSN. I've attempted multiple times without success. There seems to be an issue with my account. Your assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I have been waiting for my claim for 2 months. I have tried contacting them multiple times through different phone numbers and sending online messages, but haven't received any response for a month and a half. This is becoming really frustrating. I believe there may be technical issues with my case since it has been messed up before. I am on the PUA claim and currently out of work because the banquet hall where I work as a chef manager is closed. I handle large events there, and my boss is waiting to reopen. I just want some acknowledgment and clarity on my claim status after waiting for so long. Thank you.

I am reaching out because I am struggling with claiming unemployment benefits. I was laid off last June and subsequently found a part-time teaching job at Greece CSD. Even though I work only three hours a day, the system does not allow me to claim benefits as it states I do not qualify. When I worked as a long-term substitute from November [redacted] to February [redacted], I was okay, but now that I am back to part-time, I'm facing challenges again. I need assistance as I am experiencing financial hardship and cannot make ends meet with my reduced income. I appreciate any guidance on how to navigate this situation. Thank you for your help in advance.

I submitted an unemployment claim on March 29, but I have not received any communication from the Department of Labor. There is no way to check the status, and I keep getting disconnected when trying to speak to someone over the phone. I am frustrated as I have been without work for almost a month, struggling to provide for my daughter with very little money and food supply. Despite sending two emails to the New York State Department of Labor, I have not received any replies. It has been well over the expected 2-3 weeks without any update, even though I have been filing my claims weekly. My name is Kristan P., and the email I am using matches the one on file with NYSDOL. I kindly request a prompt response to this urgent matter.

I have been receiving unemployment benefits through direct deposit into my checking account since April [redacted]. Recently, after having to recertify my benefits due to reaching my Benefit Year End (BYE), I was informed that my payments will now be loaded onto a KeyBank debit card instead of going to my bank account. I never authorized this change and would like my payments to go back to being deposited directly into my account. However, when I try to update my account details, I keep getting an error message stating that my account number is invalid. I have been using my Chime online banking account without any issues for over three years. This is the same account I have always used for my unemployment benefits. I have been attempting to contact a representative to resolve this matter, but after calling over [redacted] times, I have yet to speak to anyone.

My claim for the week has not been paid out yet because they required my ID to be verified. Yesterday, I spent 4 hours on hold with the ID verification company as requested. My ID is now verified, but the Department of Labor says it will take 14 days to update my account, causing me financial stress with bills due soon. I have filed weekly without issues and received no prior notice about the ID requirement. I urgently need to contact someone to expedite my payment. Unfortunately, I am unable to reach a live person as the automated system is not connecting me. This situation is frustrating as I rely on this payment, and I need assistance promptly to avoid further financial difficulties.

Hello, I am attempting to contact a representative for Unemployment Insurance assistance, but have been unable to reach anyone. Resolving my issue with filing a claim is urgent, and I require assistance from a live person rather than an automated system. Despite following the instructions on the website to connect with a representative, I am having difficulty navigating the updated phone menu and cannot find the option to "speak with a representative." This situation is causing me significant frustration, and I urgently need assistance. Thank you, Mari

I am seeking your help regarding my unemployment benefits issue with the NYS Department of Labor. I lost my job on December 31, [redacted], and my severance lasted until the first week of April, after which I applied for benefits in late March. The initial letter confirming my eligibility arrived promptly, but I am still waiting for the determination of benefit letter. My attempts to contact them by phone have been unsuccessful due to high call volumes and no option to leave a message. I am struggling without income and had to dip into my [redacted](k) for rent. I am not well-off and urgently need assistance with expediting my claim. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I applied for unemployment a month ago, submitted all required paperwork, completed ID verification, and spoke with a representative to finalize my claim. I received my back pay on 4/25/21. However, when I tried to claim benefits on the website, I received a message instructing me to call to complete my claim, even though I had already done so. This issue has persisted for 3 weeks now, and despite attempting to call 80 times a day for 2 weeks with no success in reaching anyone, I am still unable to certify for benefits. I am unsure why I am being asked to speak to someone again after already completing my claim with a representative. I have also tried emailing and sending messages through my account without any response. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I need to update my address for my unemployment card as it was taken and used on April 7th. My new address is [redacted] State Street, Schenectady, NY [redacted], but I would prefer to have my card mailed to [redacted] Emmet Street at my niece's secure mailbox. I have submitted proof of address with my Niagara Mohawk Bill and landlord document, but I have not received a new card in over a month. Urgently, I need someone to review my case, resend a new card overnight, and help me update my password as I cannot access my email for claims. Please reach out to me at my new number, [redacted], or send me an email promptly. I am facing eviction from my apartment and desperately need access to my funds.

I believe I am eligible for an additional $[redacted] per week under the Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program. This program allows for an increased rate if an individual is receiving regular unemployment benefits and earned over $[redacted] from self-employment ([redacted]) during the year, which I have. I submitted my 2[redacted] forms required for this increase over 6 months ago. Despite receiving confirmation from the Department of Labor (DOL) that they received the documents, I have not yet received the benefit increase. I have tried to follow up online multiple times and have received apologies for the delay from the DOL. When attempting to call, the line cuts off after a 10-minute recording. I urgently need the additional benefits that I have been confirmed to be entitled to. How can I reach the DOL to resolve this issue promptly?

I recently cancelled my card and have been waiting for almost 2 months for the new one to arrive. Despite sending in documentation to update my address, I still have not received the card. Every time I call customer service, they claim my address hasn't been updated. This delay is causing me serious issues as I cannot pay my bills without the new card. I urgently need to know when I can expect the card to be sent out. Please contact me at [redacted]. I am frustrated with the slow progress in resolving this matter as it has been dragging on for over two months now.

I submitted a claim and followed up on messages from NYState DOL. After verifying my identity as instructed, over six weeks have passed without any communication from the DOL. My financial situation is dire with no income, leading to me struggling to provide food for myself and my pets. While I understand others may have dependents to support, my pets are my family. Despite my efforts, I cannot reach any helpful contacts at the DOL. Only one person mentioned my case was under review but couldn't offer more assistance. I also applied for help from HEAP, but they require extensive documentation before determining eligibility. At 60 years old, with a long work history, I find myself in need of assistance for the first time. The service should support individuals in finding work, yet I am struggling to afford basic necessities. I urgently request direct contact from NY State DOL.

I've been patiently waiting for weeks for my claim to be processed. I submitted all the required documents promptly. My previous employer mistakenly indicated that NY State would contact them first because I didn't work for them for more than 6 months, but this information was incorrect. It seems like there has been a delay in handling my claim, leaving me struggling to buy food, cover expenses, pay rent, and most importantly, take care of my pets. This situation is truly frustrating. Although I understand that the NY State Department of Labor is dealing with a high call volume, it's still disheartening that our calls remain unanswered, and our claims are left pending for weeks without any income. What's most infuriating is the automated voice system that leads us through a long series of prompts only to end with a message saying they can't take the call due to high volume and then disconnecting. Frustrating!

Since the beginning of December, I applied for unemployment due to a layoff at the hospital, but my claim has been complicated. Despite submitting all required documents in January and discovering fraudulent activity on my account, my case remains unresolved after 7 months. The delay has resulted in the loss of my home, car, license, and financial stability. I have endured significant hardship, especially after risking my health daily while working with COVID-19 patients. It is frustrating to see others receive prompt assistance while my situation is ignored. I am determined to seek justice and rectify the situation with legal help.

I am in need of assistance and have been unable to contact you due to blocked communication. I reported fraud with my documents regarding unemployment benefits. This issue has left me in a shelter with no means to receive necessary support. I am a mother of a 4-year-old girl and pregnant, facing financial strain. Please reach out to me at [redacted] by phone, preferably a Spanish-speaking representative. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated.

I have been filing claims for three months now. I keep being told that someone will contact me, but I am still waiting for that call. I call every day, but some days I can't reach anyone. I was assured that my case is a priority, yet no one has reached out to me. I have children and bills to take care of. Initially, I was informed that I would receive one or two payments and then submit my paperwork to receive the rest. When I first inquired, I was told someone would call me within three days, but that did not happen. Despite several follow-ups, the information I receive seems contradictory. I was last told a payment would be processed by Tuesday, but nothing came through. Each time I call, I feel like I am getting the run-around. I hope this situation can be resolved promptly as I am actively seeking jobs, although the offers I receive pay less than what I need.

I am Andrew N. and I have been trying to receive benefits from the New York State unemployment office for the past 7 weeks. Despite several attempts, I have not received any payments or communication from them. I was working until April 12, [redacted], when I had to take a break due to Covid-19. When I returned to work on May 12, I was terminated shortly after for tardiness. I have been in touch with multiple representatives from the Department of Labor (DOL) who mentioned an issue with my claim but were unable to provide further assistance. I have reached out via email three times in the past two months but have not received a response. I am facing financial difficulties and urgently need resolution. How can I escalate this matter to expedite the process? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you. - Andrew N.

I have been receiving an incorrect weekly rate for my NYS unemployment benefits for several months now. I have attempted to contact the office through various phone numbers without success. When I call the main number, I go through multiple prompts only to be told that they are too busy to assist me. I have also tried contacting them through their website, but I receive the same generic response asking me to call the office for an update, which is not helpful since I cannot get through on the phone. I am in urgent need of resolving this issue as I should be receiving more than the current $[redacted] per week.

Apologies for any language barriers. My unemployment benefits were valid from 03/09/[redacted] to 03/14/[redacted]. I received benefits from 05/17/[redacted] to 07/19/[redacted] but stopped due to personal reasons related to my wife's troubles. I recently resumed benefits on 08/08/[redacted] but wonder if I can retroactively receive the benefits I missed. Thank you for your assistance!