dont bother calling the main number nobody ever answers. try this secret number instead: *** *** **** [Comment removed by moderator - no posting of unauthorized phone numbers]

I went through this exact same nightmare last fall! The self-employment question glitch is so frustrating. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: 1. I tried the mobile site trick mentioned above - it did help bypass the question once but then it came back 2. I kept detailed screenshots of every error message (super important for when you finally talk to someone) 3. I eventually used Claimyr after seeing so many people mention it here - got connected to an agent in about 90 minutes who fixed it immediately The agent told me my account had some kind of "employment classification conflict" from old data in their system. Once they cleared that flag, I was able to certify normally and got all my back payments within a week. Don't give up! I know it feels hopeless but this IS fixable. The system is just terrible at handling these edge cases. Document everything and keep trying - you'll get through eventually. Hang in there! 💪

ugh the system is so confusing, why don't they just tell you this stuff upfront?? spent weeks worrying about nothing

I totally get the worry about credit impact! I was in the same boat when I first started collecting benefits. Just wanted to add that if you're concerned about that overpayment notice, don't panic - you have options. You can appeal it if you think it's incorrect, or contact NYS Department of Labor to set up a payment plan if you do owe money. The key is responding promptly rather than ignoring it. I had to deal with something similar and they were actually pretty reasonable about working out a manageable payment schedule. Your regular UI benefits definitely won't hurt your credit though - that's just government assistance helping you get back on your feet!

From what I understand, NYS Department of Labor actually encourages people to be flexible with their job search, especially as unemployment goes on longer. The key thing is showing you're making a genuine effort to find work. Document everything in your job search log - even if you're applying for jobs that seem below your education level, you're still meeting the requirements.

I'm in a similar boat - have a master's in communications and been unemployed for about 4 months now. What I've learned is that NYS DOL actually has a "suitable work" provision where they gradually lower the bar for what's considered suitable as your unemployment continues. Initially they expect you to look for work similar to your previous job, but after several weeks they expect you to broaden your search to include lower-paying positions. I've been applying to everything from my field down to administrative assistant roles, and my case worker told me this was exactly what they want to see. The important thing is showing active job search efforts - they care more about the quantity and consistency of your applications than whether each job perfectly matches your degree.

Make sure when you get your decision letter that it specifically says you're eligible for benefits going forward. Sometimes they'll reverse the disqualification but there can still be other issues that need to be resolved. Also double check that your job search requirements are up to date in the system.

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago. The good news is that since your employer didn't show up to the hearing, that usually works strongly in your favor. In my case, it took about 2.5 weeks to get the decision letter, and then another 10 days for the payments to actually start flowing. The back pay was definitely worth the wait - I got everything I was owed from when my claim was first put on hold. Just keep filing those weekly claims religiously, even though it feels pointless right now. Hang in there, you're almost at the finish line!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! Used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. The rep confirmed exactly what you all said - my claim got caught in their post-update verification process. She manually reviewed my claim, verified my identity, and released all my payments! Should have the money in 2-3 business days. THANK YOU everyone for all the advice and support here. This community is amazing.

So glad to see this community helping each other out! I just wanted to add that if you're still having trouble getting through by phone, you might also try contacting your local assembly member or state senator's office. They often have direct lines to DOL staff for constituent services. I had to do this last year for a different issue and their office was able to escalate my case within a week. Also, if you're facing immediate financial hardship (like potential eviction or utility shutoff), mention that specifically when you do get through - they sometimes have expedited processing for emergency situations. Keep your head up everyone, this system mess won't last forever!