NYS Department of Labor unemployment account locked - why is my unemployment account locked and how to fix?
My unemployment account got locked yesterday and I have no idea why. I was just trying to file my weekly claim like normal and when I logged into my.ny.gov it said my account was locked due to security reasons. I didn't do anything different than usual - just put in my username and password like I always do. Now I can't access anything and my weekly claim is due today. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm really stressed because I need to certify for benefits and I don't know how long this will take to fix.
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Amina Diop
This usually happens when there are too many failed login attempts or suspicious activity detected on your account. The NYS Department of Labor locks accounts as a security measure. You'll need to call their customer service line to unlock it, but be prepared for long wait times. In the meantime, don't keep trying to log in as that will just extend the lock period.
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Paolo Romano
•I only tried logging in once though! This is so frustrating. Do you know if they'll backdate my weekly claim if I can't file it today?
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Oliver Schmidt
same thing happened to me last month, it was a nightmare trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor
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Paolo Romano
•How long did it take you to get it resolved? I'm worried about missing my certification deadline.
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Natasha Volkov
Before calling, try the account recovery option on the my.ny.gov login page. Sometimes you can unlock it yourself by verifying your identity with the security questions. If that doesn't work, you'll definitely need to call. Make sure you have your SSN and driver's license ready when you call the NYS Department of Labor.
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Paolo Romano
•I tried the security questions but it's not giving me that option, just says to contact customer service.
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Javier Torres
Been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for WEEKS about my locked account. Their phone system is absolutely useless - either busy signal or they hang up on you after an hour on hold. This whole system is broken!!!
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Emma Wilson
•I had the same issue with getting through by phone. I actually used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach a NYS Department of Labor agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was so much easier than trying to call myself and sitting on hold forever.
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QuantumLeap
wait why would your account just get locked randomly?? that doesn't make sense unless you did something wrong
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Amina Diop
•It's actually pretty common with the my.ny.gov system. Could be anything from a browser issue, using a VPN, or even just logging in from a different device than usual. The security system is very sensitive.
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Malik Johnson
Oh no this is giving me anxiety! I hope this doesn't happen to me. What if I can't file my weekly claim on time? Will they stop my benefits?? I depend on these payments to pay rent.
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Natasha Volkov
•Don't panic! As long as you contact them and explain the account was locked, they can usually backdate your weekly claim. Just document when you tried to file and when the account got locked.
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Oliver Weber
I just went through this exact same situation last week! My account got locked on a Monday morning right when I was trying to certify. I called the NYS Department of Labor customer service line (888-209-8124) first thing in the morning around 8:05 AM and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The key is calling right when they open. The agent was able to unlock my account immediately after verifying my identity with my SSN and some personal info. They also backdated my weekly claim so I didn't lose any benefits. Don't stress too much - just call early tomorrow morning and you should be able to get it resolved!
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Miguel Alvarez
•This is really helpful to know! I'm going to try calling right at 8 AM tomorrow morning. Did they ask you any specific questions to verify your identity besides your SSN? I want to make sure I have everything ready so the process goes smoothly. Also, how long did the actual unlock process take once you got through to an agent?
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