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Hey so my brother works at KeyBank (not customer service but IT) and they've been having MAJOR database issues with the unemployment card system. Something about the conversion to a new security protocol that went really wrong. They're working on fixes but it's taking forever because it's a whole government contract thing with approvals needed. His advice to family has been just switch to regular direct deposit because the card system won't be fully fixed until May probably.
This is actually consistent with what we've been hearing through official channels as well. There was supposed to be a security certificate update that would fix many of these issues by the end of March, but it's been delayed. Your brother's May timeline sounds realistic based on the current situation. Thanks for sharing this insight.
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with the NY unemployment KeyBank line that someone suggested (1-866-295-2955), and it was like night and day compared to the regular KeyBank customer service! The rep immediately understood the issue and transferred me to their security team. They confirmed my identity through a different process and manually reset something on my account. I was able to log in right after the call! For anyone else having this issue, definitely call this specific number and ask for the security authentication team right away. Now I need to decide if I should stick with KeyBank or switch to direct deposit to my regular bank...
Switch to regular bank!!!! Trust me you'll thank urself later!!! KeyBank will probably just have more problems again
Glad you got it resolved! Based on the recurring issues many users are experiencing, switching to direct deposit to your personal bank account would be the most reliable option. The transition process through NY.gov is relatively straightforward and typically takes 3-5 business days to become effective. Keep in mind that any payment initiated during that transition period might still go to KeyBank.
My heart goes out to you! I'm going through something similar but mine says I made way LESS than I actually did. So they're giving me like $187 a week when I should be getting the maximum benefit! This system is seriously rigged against us. I'm definitely going to request a hearing after seeing your post. Thank you for sharing this info!
Quick tip: While waiting for your hearing, continue certifying for benefits each week. Even though you're not getting paid right now, if the hearing goes in your favor (which it should if you have proper documentation), you'll receive backpay for all properly certified weeks. Missing a week of certification means losing that week of benefits permanently.
I know this doesn't help with your current situation, but once you get the card, make sure to set up the direct deposit preference properly for next time. In 2025 they changed the system so you have to verify bank info through the NY.gov ID portal separate from the unemployment system. It's super confusing and they don't explain it anywhere obvious.
EXACTLY THIS!!! they make everything IMPOSSIBLE to understand on purpose!! I filled out direct deposit info THREE TIMES and they still sent a stupid card! when i called they claimed i "didn't complete verification" whatever that means!!
Yes! It finally came yesterday - took 16 days total. The envelope was super plain like everyone said, I almost missed it. Thanks for checking in! Already transferred the funds to my bank account.
Tax professional here. If your transcript shows code 291 with a future date, that's your scheduled processing date. The refund typically hits accounts 5-7 business days after that date. If you see code 971 followed by 846, that means it's been approved and sent. For those still waiting, please note that unemployment tax refunds for tax year 2024 are being processed through August 2025, so some will wait longer than others. This is normal IRS procedure for adjustments.
This is really helpful, thank you! I just rechecked and I have codes 291 and 971 on 4/15, then code 846 on 4/22. So that means I should see it around April 22nd?
Exactly right. Code 846 with the 4/22 date means your refund is scheduled to be deposited on April 22nd. You're all set - no need to worry!
Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. I'll stop checking my account every hour now 😅
Sebastian Scott
I've been trying to call the helpline for three days about my missing card and it's IMPOSSIBLE to get through. Just constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting 40+ minutes. Anyone found a way to actually talk to a human being there??
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Gabriel Graham
•I was having the same problem but found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 10 minutes. They basically call for you and connect you when they reach a live person. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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James Martinez
UPDATE: Finally got my virtual card today! Took exactly 12 business days after approval. For anyone still waiting, hang in there. The email came from a different address than I expected ([email protected]), so check your spam carefully. Now figuring out how to transfer to my bank account...
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Alexander Zeus
•Great news! For transferring to your bank, after you log in to the portal, click on "Account Management" then "Transfer Funds." You'll need your routing and account numbers. The first transfer requires verification, which takes an extra day.
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Drake
•congrats! still waiting on mine... day 13 now 🙄
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