Been there, it sucks but you'll be fine. Just make sure when you file weekly claims you're actively looking for work because NYS Department of Labor requires job search activities. Keep a log of where you apply. And if you have trouble getting through to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor about your claim, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an agent quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling busy phone lines.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a nightmare to navigate even when you ARE eligible. I was laid off last year and it took WEEKS to get my first payment because of some stupid adjudication hold that nobody could explain to me. Good luck getting anyone on the phone at NYS Department of Labor!

Just went through this last month! @Miguel here's what helped me get through it smoothly: - Call first thing at 8 AM when they open (way shorter wait times) - Have your W-2s, pay stubs, and employer contact info ready - Write down the rep's name and any reference numbers they give you - The actual interview part only took about 15-20 minutes once I got through They mostly just verify your employment history and ask why you're unemployed. Super straightforward if you have your paperwork organized. You got this! 💪

Been through this exact same thing! The TCC call is basically just them verifying info that didn't match up properly in the online system. Usually it's something simple like employment dates or reason for separation that needs clarification. My advice: call on Tuesday/Wednesday mornings around 8:15-8:30 AM (not exactly at 8 when everyone else calls). Have your Social Security card, last few pay stubs, and exact dates of employment ready. They'll ask about your work history, why you left your job, and if you're able/available to work. The whole thing took me maybe 25 minutes once I got through. Don't stress too much - they're just doing their due diligence to make sure everything checks out before approving your claim. You're almost there! 👍

just a heads up - if you received unemployment in 2024 make sure youre using the right tax forms. the rules changed a bit from covid years. also check if you qualify for any credits that might offset what you owe

One thing that might help is to look into making quarterly estimated tax payments if you think you might need unemployment benefits again in the future. Since UI benefits don't have automatic withholding like regular paychecks, you can avoid a big tax bill by setting aside money throughout the year. I also recommend keeping detailed records of all your unemployment payments in case there are any discrepancies with the 1099-G form you receive.

One thing that helped me understand my disqualification was requesting my complete claim file from NYS Department of Labor. You can see exactly what information they used to make their decision and it might reveal errors or misunderstandings that you can address in your appeal.

I went through something similar and the appeal process is definitely worth pursuing if you believe there's an error. The key is to gather all your documentation - pay stubs, termination letters, anything that proves your work history and the circumstances of your job separations. I was initially denied for "voluntary quit" but it turned out my former employer had reported incorrect information. After appealing with proper documentation, I was approved and received all my back benefits. The appeal hearing lets you present your side of the story directly to a judge, and you can have witnesses testify on your behalf. Don't give up without trying - the worst that can happen is they uphold the original decision, but you might discover there was a mistake in your case.

try contacting your state representative or assemblyperson! sounds crazy but they can actually help with unemployment issues. i was stuck with verification problems for months, called my assembly member's office, and they had it fixed in 2 days. they have special contacts at nysdol.

I went through this exact nightmare last month! After weeks of failed attempts, here's what finally worked for me: 1) Make sure you're using the EXACT same name format across all documents (including middle initial vs full middle name), 2) Take your selfie in natural daylight near a window - the lighting makes a huge difference, 3) If you have any old addresses associated with your credit report, ID.me might be pulling those for verification questions. I had to temporarily lift my credit freeze like someone mentioned above, and that was the key! Also try using a different device entirely - sometimes their system gets glitchy with certain browsers/phones. Don't give up, it's incredibly frustrating but there IS a solution that will work for your specific situation.