@OP - were you able to get through to someone? If you're still stuck, I also had luck emailing my local state assembly member's office. They have special liaisons at unemployment who can sometimes expedite these cases, especially when there's a technical issue like ID.me verification problems.

Great to see this got resolved! For anyone else who might face a similar name mismatch issue with ID.me verification, here's a quick summary of what worked: 1. Try the Claimyr service to actually reach an agent (seems to be the most reliable way based on this thread) 2. Have your legal name change documents ready when you call 3. The agent can update your name in the NYSDOL system and provide an ID.me workaround 4. Keep certifying weekly even while dealing with the issue 5. As backup options: contact ID.me support directly, try the technical support line at 1-855-528-5618, or reach out to your state representative The key seems to be getting past that initial phone barrier - once you talk to an actual person, they can usually resolve the name mismatch pretty quickly. Really helpful thread for anyone dealing with expired benefit years and verification problems!

works fine for me! been using it to pay my roommate rent since i lost my job. no issues with DOL or anything

I've been using my KeyBank unemployment card with Cash App for about 3 months now with no problems at all. The setup was pretty straightforward - just added it like any regular debit card. One thing I noticed is that Cash App sometimes takes a small fee for instant transfers, so I usually just do the free standard transfer that takes 1-3 business days. Haven't had any issues with NYS Department of Labor either - they don't seem to care what you do with the money once it's on your card, as long as you're meeting your other unemployment requirements.

The whole unemployment tax thing is so confusing. I thought government benefits weren't supposed to be taxed? Like why do they give you money and then want some back??

Just wanted to add that you can also make estimated quarterly tax payments if you're worried about owing too much at the end of the year. Since you mentioned receiving about $8,000 in benefits, you might owe around $800-1,200 in federal taxes (depending on your tax bracket) plus whatever NY state taxes apply. If you're still collecting, definitely turn on the 10% federal withholding ASAP. And don't stress too much - this catches a lot of people off guard their first time dealing with unemployment taxes!

I'm a substitute teacher who just got notified that my district won't be offering me a permanent position next year, so I'm in a similar situation. From what I've read on the NY Department of Labor website, the key factor is whether you have "reasonable assurance" of employment for the next school year. Since your contract wasn't renewed due to budget cuts, you definitely don't have that assurance, which should make you eligible. I'd recommend applying sooner rather than later since there can be a waiting period before benefits start. Also, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search efforts since they'll ask about that in your weekly certifications.

I'm also a teacher dealing with a non-renewal situation, and from everything I've researched, you should definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits. The main thing that disqualifies teachers is when they have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work - but since your position was eliminated due to budget cuts, that doesn't apply to you. I'd suggest filing your claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. Make sure to emphasize on your application that this was an involuntary separation due to lack of work/budget cuts, not a resignation. Also, keep applying for other teaching positions while you're collecting - they'll ask about your job search activities in the weekly certifications. The stress is real, but at least unemployment benefits can help bridge the gap while you find your next position!

Don't forget you can also check your payment history and benefit amount on your my.ny.gov account once your claim is processed. Sometimes it takes a week or two after filing to see your actual weekly benefit rate show up in the system.

Hey Mateo, I went through this same situation last year when I got laid off from my tech job. One thing to add to what others have said - make sure you apply as soon as possible because there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Also, if you have any severance pay, that might delay when your benefits kick in depending on how it's structured. The online application process is pretty straightforward but gather all your employment info first (dates, employer details, reason for separation). You should get a determination letter within a few weeks that will show your exact weekly benefit amount. Hang in there - the system does work once you get through the initial setup!