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I just wanted to add - if you're really concerned about privacy, you might want to set up direct deposit for future payments if you haven't already. That way there's no mail at all. You can do it through your NY.gov account under payment preferences. Much more discrete!
Excellent suggestion. Direct deposit is available for most NY unemployment benefits, including the tourism recovery payments. You can set it up through your NY.gov account by navigating to the "Payment and Tax Information" section and selecting "Update Direct Deposit Information." You'll need your bank routing number and account number. Changes typically take 3-5 business days to process.
Slightly off topic but does anyone know how much longer they'll be sending these tourism recovery checks out? My sister worked in a hotel in 2022-2023 and lost her job but hasn't received anything yet. Wondering if she should call about it or if they're still processing applications?
The Tourism Recovery Benefit Program is scheduled to continue disbursing payments through October 2025. However, eligibility is being processed in batches based on employment verification timelines. If your sister was verified in the early rounds, she should have received payment by now. I'd recommend she contact NYSDOL to check her status, especially if her NY.gov account doesn't show any pending tourism recovery benefit. The verification process does take longer for certain employers who were slow to submit employment records.
Update: Just got a letter saying I need to do a phone interview with a claims examiner next Tuesday. Getting nervous but at least something's happening. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
That's actually good news - it means your claim is moving forward. For the interview: 1. Be honest but concise 2. Stick to facts, not emotions 3. Explain clearly that you followed proper call-out procedures 4. Emphasize your good attendance record before this incident 5. Have documentation of the emergency ready to fax/email if requested 6. Mention that your union filed a grievance Good luck! Many claims with similar circumstances get approved.
This reminds me of when my dad got fired from his trucking job after 12 years because he missed two days when there was that huge snowstorm in 2024. He did everything right but they still gave him a hard time with unemployment. He finally got approved but then they underpaid him for like 6 months until he got it fixed. The system is so broken... hope you have better luck than he did!
Quick update on processing times - I've noticed from forums and my own experience that NYSDOL seems to be moving faster on BYE reapplications in 2025 compared to last year. Several people reported 10-14 day processing times recently, which is better than the 3-4 weeks that was common before. I think they've streamlined their verification process. That said, always plan for longer just in case your claim needs additional review.
Has anyone had their weekly benefit amount change after reapplying at BYE? I'm worried mine might go down since I worked less this past year.
Yes, this is a common concern. Your benefit amount is recalculated based on your base period wages when you reapply after a BYE date. If you worked fewer hours or earned less during your new base period compared to your previous one, your weekly benefit amount could indeed decrease. Conversely, if you earned more, it could increase. The system calculates this automatically based on reported wages from your employers.
Same thing happened to me but my hold was for 12 weeks!!! I had to borrow money from everyone I knew. Its ridiculous how they leave ppl hanging like this. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got through to someone who explained what was happening with my claim. Still took forever but at least I understood what was going on.
Update: I spoke with a DOL rep today after using that Claimyr service (it actually worked!). They explained that I should continue certifying weekly but answer truthfully about my availability after giving birth. My claim will stay open, but benefits will pause while I'm medically unable to work. Once my doctor clears me, I can resume benefits without having to reapply. The 10-week investigation is still ongoing separately from this. Thank you all for your help and advice!
Noland Curtis
That's fantastic news! So glad it worked out for you. When you get that backpay, make sure you set aside some for taxes - they don't always withhold the correct amount on backdated claims!
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Sadie Benitez
Great news! This is exactly how the system is supposed to work. The callback specialists have much more authority to resolve complex claims compared to the frontline phone agents. Congratulations!
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