Just to add - even though you can file right away, make sure you have all your documentation ready. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and details about how you lost your job. Having everything organized will make the application process smoother with NYS Department of Labor.

Great advice from everyone here! Just wanted to emphasize that the "file immediately" rule is super important. I learned this the hard way when I got laid off from my retail job last year. I waited almost 2 weeks because I thought I needed to have a certain number of job applications submitted first, but that's not required to file the initial claim. The job search requirements come after you start receiving benefits. NYS Department of Labor starts your benefit year from when you file, not when you lost your job, so every day you wait is potentially money left on the table. The online system at my.ny.gov is pretty straightforward once you get started.

Just make sure your employer is classifying you correctly as an employee and not trying to call you a contractor to avoid paying UI taxes. That's unfortunately common and would leave you without coverage.

@NeonNomad You're all set! No forms needed from your end. Your employer automatically registers you when they start paying UI taxes on your wages. Just keep your pay stubs and employment records in case you ever need to prove your work history for a claim. The system tracks everything based on your SSN and employer reporting.

I just went through this exact same situation two weeks ago! Got the ID.me verification notice after collecting for 4 months without any issues. I was super suspicious at first but it's definitely legitimate - NY has been doing random identity checks to prevent fraud. The process itself wasn't too bad once I got started: - Took about 15 minutes using my phone - Make sure you have your driver's license ready and use good lighting - The selfie verification worked fine for me but I've heard some people get kicked to video calls - Used the exact same email I originally registered with (this is crucial!) My payments resumed exactly 8 days after I completed the verification, and I got all my back payments automatically - no extra steps needed. The missed week showed up as a separate deposit a day after my regular payment. Definitely don't wait on this - the 14-day deadline is real and they will cut off your benefits if you don't complete it. But once it's done, everything goes back to normal pretty quickly. Good luck!

I went through this same ID.me verification process about 6 weeks ago after being on unemployment for 3 months with no issues. It's definitely legitimate - NY has been doing these random identity checks more frequently since all the fraud issues during the pandemic. Here's what worked for me: - Did it on a weekday morning around 10am to avoid long wait times - Used my phone instead of computer - the camera quality was better for the facial recognition - Made sure my driver's license was clean and flat with no glare or shadows - Had good natural lighting from a window - Double-checked I was using the exact email address from my original unemployment application The whole process took about 12 minutes and was pretty straightforward. I got a confirmation email right after completing it, which I screenshotted for my records. My payments resumed after 9 days and the missed week came through as back pay automatically. The 14-day deadline is real, so definitely don't put this off. But once you complete it, everything should go back to normal pretty quickly. The notice you received looks identical to what I got, so you're dealing with the legitimate process. Just make sure when you click the link that it takes you to an actual .gov domain for extra peace of mind!

I agree with everyone saying to file immediately - don't wait! I was in a similar situation last year where I hesitated for a few weeks thinking the job market might turn around quickly, and I ended up losing out on those weeks of benefits. The unemployment rate going up or down doesn't change your eligibility or how fast they process claims. What matters is that you lost your job through no fault of your own. File today and start your weekly certifications as soon as you're able to. The sooner you get in the system, the sooner you can start receiving benefits while you look for your next job.

From someone who works in HR and has helped employees through layoffs - definitely file immediately! The unemployment rate in your area or statewide has zero impact on your individual claim processing time or approval odds. Your eligibility is based on your work history and the reason you lost your job, not economic trends. I've seen people lose out on thousands of dollars because they waited "to see what happens" with the job market. The NYS DOL system processes claims in the order they're received, and your weekly benefit amount is calculated from your wages in the base period regardless of current unemployment statistics. File today and focus your energy on your job search instead of worrying about things outside your control.

If you're still having trouble getting through to KeyBank, try calling early in the morning right when they open (around 7-8 AM) - that's when I had the best luck reaching someone. Also, if you haven't already, check if your first unemployment payment was actually issued yet by logging into your NY.gov account. Sometimes people think they're approved but the first payment hasn't been processed, which means the card wouldn't be sent out yet. The 7-10 business day countdown only starts after that first payment is issued, not after you get approved for benefits. Hope this helps!

For anyone still dealing with missing debit cards - I went through this nightmare last year and here's what finally worked: First, call KeyBank at 1-866-295-2955 early morning (7-8 AM) when wait times are shorter. Have your claim ID and Social Security number ready. If they say the card was mailed but you never got it, insist on an expedited replacement and ask for a tracking number. Second, immediately switch to direct deposit in your NY.gov account to avoid this mess in the future. Third, if you're getting nowhere with KeyBank after multiple calls, contact your state assembly member's office - they have a constituent services team that can cut through the bureaucracy when you're facing financial hardship. Don't let them pass you back and forth between agencies. Your benefits are YOUR money and you have every right to access them!