I went through something similar when I first started collecting unemployment. The key thing to remember is that rental income is passive income, not earned income from employment. NYS Department of Labor distinguishes between these types of income. You should definitely report it on your next weekly claim - there's usually a section for "other income" where you can include it. Don't panic about not reporting it initially - just be transparent going forward. The worst thing you can do is continue not reporting it now that you're aware of it.

I'm dealing with a similar situation - I have a duplex and live in one unit while renting out the other. From what I've learned, as long as you're not actively managing the property (like doing maintenance, advertising, showing units), the rental income is considered passive and shouldn't affect your unemployment benefits. However, I'd still recommend calling NYS DOL to clarify your specific situation since every case can be different. The peace of mind is worth the wait time on hold. Also, when you do report it, make sure to specify that it's rental income from a property you own, not income from employment or self-employment activities.

UPDATE: I was able to get through to someone at NY unemployment! I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested earlier and got connected to an agent within 25 minutes (which is miraculous compared to my previous attempts). The agent confirmed they can mail my 1099-G to my parents' address in New York. They said it should arrive within 7-10 business days. Just wanted to update in case anyone else has a similar issue. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. The geographic IP blocking makes total sense from a security standpoint, but it's definitely frustrating when you're legitimately trying to access your own tax documents. Good to know there are multiple solutions - the official phone line, written requests, and services like Claimyr. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and workarounds!

I went through this exact same frustration last month! One thing that helped me was clearing my browser cache and cookies completely before trying the account recovery process again. Sometimes the my.ny.gov site gets stuck with old session data. Also, try using an incognito/private browsing window when attempting recovery. I know it sounds basic, but after trying everything else, this simple step actually let me access recovery options that weren't showing up before. If you're still stuck after trying the identity proofing method others mentioned, this might be worth a shot before going the in-person route.

I just went through this exact same situation two weeks ago! After trying everything else mentioned here, what finally worked for me was using the NY.gov chat feature during off-peak hours (early morning around 7-8 AM). Most people don't know there's a live chat option buried in the help section of my.ny.gov. The wait was only about 10 minutes compared to hours on the phone, and the chat agent was able to escalate my case to someone who could reset my security questions within the same day. They sent me a secure link via email to set up new questions. The chat is usually available weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM, but mornings definitely have shorter wait times. Worth trying before making the trip to a physical office!

I'm going through something similar right now! I was laid off in January and have been collecting benefits while job searching. Reading all these responses is so reassuring - I had no idea that employers can't access unemployment records. I've been debating whether to mention it during interviews when they ask about my employment gap, but it sounds like I can just focus on explaining that I was laid off and am looking for the right opportunity. It's wild how much mental energy we spend worrying about things that employers probably don't even think twice about. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is exactly what I needed to see today!

I'm a career counselor and see this anxiety all the time with my clients. What you're experiencing is completely normal, but here's the thing - you've actually handled this situation perfectly. You were laid off (not fired for cause), you used the unemployment system as intended while actively job searching, and now you're interviewing for new positions. That's exactly how it's supposed to work! The stigma around unemployment benefits is largely self-imposed. Most hiring managers have either been laid off themselves or know plenty of people who have. In today's economy, layoffs are seen as business decisions, not reflections of individual performance. Focus on telling your story confidently - you took time to find the right opportunity rather than settling for just anything. That actually demonstrates good judgment and self-awareness, qualities employers value.

Reading through this entire thread as someone who just started collecting unemployment last week has been incredibly educational! I had no idea that so many factors could affect payment timing - from first-time income reporting to banking system delays to NYSDOL maintenance issues. @Norman Fraser, I'm so glad your payment came through and that you shared your whole experience! It really shows how this community can help people stay calm and understand what's actually happening instead of just panicking. The explanation about income reporting delays is something I definitely need to remember since I'm planning to look for part-time work soon. What strikes me most is how much practical knowledge everyone here has that you just can't find in the official NYSDOL resources. Things like understanding what "PROCESSED" actually means, knowing that ACH delays happen, and recognizing when system maintenance might be affecting payments - this is all real-world wisdom that makes navigating unemployment so much less stressful. Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and advice. This thread should honestly be pinned as a reference for anyone dealing with NY unemployment payment delays!

This thread has been an absolute lifesaver! I just started my first unemployment claim in NY three days ago and have been obsessively checking my account status and bank account, not really understanding how the process works. Reading through Norman's experience and everyone's explanations has given me such a better understanding of what to expect. The breakdown of what "PROCESSED" actually means versus when money hits your account is incredibly helpful - I had no idea there could be legitimate delays even after NYSDOL releases the payment. And the information about income reporting delays is something I'll definitely keep in mind since I'm already looking at some freelance opportunities. What really stands out to me is how this community provides the kind of practical, real-world knowledge that you just can't get from the official NYSDOL website or phone system. Things like ACH processing delays, system maintenance impacts, and first-time income reporting quirks - this is all stuff that would have caused me unnecessary panic without this context. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and helped Norman (and the rest of us newcomers) understand the system better. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes dealing with unemployment so much less overwhelming!