CALL THEM!!! Seriously, sitting around waiting won't fix it. My claim was stuck for 3 months until I finally got through. Use claimyr.com if u keep getting the busy signal

Hey NebulaNova! I went through almost the exact same thing last year - approved in July but didn't see a penny until November. Turns out there was an identity verification issue they never told me about. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Log into your account and check if there's any pending correspondence or questionnaires 2. Look for any "eligibility review" notices 3. Make sure your direct deposit info is correct 4. Call the claims center early morning (like 8:01 AM sharp) The good news is YES you'll get all your backpay once they resolve whatever's holding it up. I got like $2,800 dropped into my account all at once. Keep certifying every week no matter what - that's super important for getting your full backpay. Don't give up, you're not alone in this! 💪

I'm dealing with something similar right now - down to my last week of benefits with months left until my BYE date. From what I've researched and heard from others here, it sounds like we're basically stuck until either we qualify for a new claim (which requires significant work history since filing) or wait until the BYE date. Has anyone had success with getting temporary assistance programs to bridge the gap? I'm worried about the time it takes to get approved for things like SNAP and rental assistance. Also wondering if there are any local programs in NYC specifically that might help during this transition period. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - this whole system is so confusing and stressful when you're already dealing with job search anxiety!

I'm in a very similar boat - just got down to my last 2 weeks of benefits and my BYE date isn't until June. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful, especially about the 10x weekly benefit rule for qualifying for a new claim early. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my local workforce development center: if you do have some work history since filing but aren't sure if it's enough to qualify, DON'T guess! They told me that filing a new claim when you don't actually qualify can create a mess in the system that takes forever to untangle. Also, for anyone in a similar situation - I started the SNAP application process last week and they have an online pre-screening tool that gives you an idea if you'll qualify and for how much. It at least helps with planning while you wait for the full application to process. This whole system really needs to be clearer about what happens when you exhaust days before your BYE date. It's stressful enough being unemployed without having to decode all this bureaucracy! 😤

Cash App processing times >>> regular bank accounts frfr

Just got approved for benefits yesterday! This timeline gives me hope that I might see my first payment soon. Quick question though - can you use any digital wallet like Venmo or PayPal for direct deposit, or is Cash App the only one that works fast? Also, what exactly do you mean by "answer certification questions correctly"? Are there specific things to watch out for? Thanks for sharing your experience, really helpful for us newbies! 🙏

Update on the ID.me verification process in 2025: The NYSDOL system integration has improved somewhat from previous years. Most accounts now update within 48 hours, but there are still occasional delays during high-volume periods (like the beginning of each month). One thing to note is that after ID.me verification, your account security level changes, which sometimes requires a password reset. If your account is unlocked but you still can't access it, try the "Forgot Password" option and create a new password with the enhanced security requirements.

Glad to hear your account finally unlocked! For anyone still dealing with this issue, I went through the same thing a few months ago. Here's what I learned from my experience: The ID.me verification delay is usually on NYSDOL's end, not ID.me's. They have to manually sync the verification data with their legacy system, which is why it takes longer than the advertised 24 hours. A few additional tips: - Don't attempt to verify multiple times if it's taking long - this can actually delay the process further - Make sure your NY.gov account email matches exactly what you used for ID.me - If you changed your phone number recently, that can sometimes cause sync issues The system definitely needs improvement, but hang in there - it does eventually work. Most people I know had their accounts unlock within 2-3 days max.

just be honest about everything! i got in trouble once for not reporting some cash work i did and had to pay back benefits plus penalties. not worth it

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been doing part-time work while on unemployment for about 6 months now. You definitely don't need to call ahead, just report everything accurately on your weekly certification. Make sure you have your pay stubs ready when you file because you'll need to enter your gross earnings (before taxes). The system is pretty straightforward once you get used to it. One tip: file your weekly claim as soon as possible after your benefit week ends to avoid any delays in processing.