the whole system is broken. i gotta certify every week but cant talk to nobody when theres a problem?? make it make sense!!!

Based on your description of payments stopping suddenly in February, this is likely related to the quarterly wage verification process that runs automatically in the system. For quickest resolution, log into your NY.gov account and check your messages and document section - there's often a request for additional verification that causes the payment pause. If nothing appears there, you absolutely need to speak with an agent. One effective method: use the 'request callback' feature on the website rather than calling directly. It became available in late 2024 and though it can still take 2-3 days, it's much more reliable than trying to call in. You'll find it under Account Settings > Customer Support > Request Callback.

I called Bank of America's customer service line and the rep told me there's actually a specific procedure for these tourism benefit checks! Apparently, they need to be processed differently than regular government checks. The hold is still in place but at least I know it's legitimate. For anyone else dealing with this - make sure to specifically mention it's a "New York State Tourism Recovery Benefit" check, not just a regular unemployment check. That seemed to help the customer service person find the right information. I'm also going to try the verification code approach that was suggested. Thanks everyone for your help! At least I know I'm not alone in dealing with this frustrating situation.

my cousin works at ny unemployment and said they got tons of calls about these checks. somthing about the printer they used making them look different from usual. they should really send an email warning people this might happen

I was in the exact same situation and was getting nowhere by using the standard channels. After weeks of frustration, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to someone at the tax department who could help. They have this video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. The agent explained that joint filers with combined income over $75K are in the final batch, scheduled for mid-October. They confirmed my adjustment was in the system but not finalized yet. At least now I know what's happening instead of wondering.

UPDATE: I finally got an email from NY Tax Department yesterday saying my return has been adjusted and I should receive the refund within 2-3 weeks! Looks like they're working through the backlog after all. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I used that Claimyr service and got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed there was a system error that flagged my account for "inconsistent certification patterns" even though I certified at the same time every week. Apparently certifying too consistently can sometimes trigger their fraud detection system (which makes NO sense, but whatever). The agent cleared the flag, verified my missed certifications, and said I should receive all my backpay within 3 business days. She also added a note to my account to prevent this from happening again. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! I'll update again when the money actually hits my account.

FINAL UPDATE: All my missing payments hit my account this morning! What a relief. Thanks again to everyone who helped!

Kinda related question - my unemployment just ended yesterday and I'm worried about my health insurance too. Does anyone know if Medicaid automatically ends when unemployment does? I got approved for both around the same time so not sure if they're connected.

Update: I just checked my bank account and the child tax credit payment came through today! So it definitely continues after unemployment ends. Thanks everyone for the help!