NYS Department of Labor

If you did not file a claim for unemployment benefits or are not attempting to obtain benefits at this time, please disregard this message. No action is currently needed on your part.

Dear New Yorker:

New York State uses ID.me to verify the identity of unemployment insurance (UI) applicants. Your claim for benefits is currently pending identity verification.

Please visit on.ny.gov/IDme to verify your identity.

This is the only link you should use for identity verification associated with unemployment benefits in New York State. You may use any computer or mobile device to access the ID.me services. When signing into the ID.me system, you must use the same email address that you used to file your claim for benefits, or the completion of your verification will take longer than the normal processing time.

You must verify your identity within the next fourteen (14) days. If you do not, your claim will not be processed. The sooner you verify your identity, the sooner your claim can be processed. You will not be able to speak to an agent in our Telephone Claims Center until 10-14 days after verifying your identity through ID.me

Note: After your identity has been verified through ID.me, you must consent to share your information with NYS DOL. Failure to select “Allow and continue” will cause significant delay in completing the UI filing process.

Even if you already submitted your identification documents through the previous method, you should still follow the directions to submit these documents again via ID.me (unless you meet the special instructions for non-citizens below.) This new process will expedite the time it takes to get the benefits you are entitled to.

After your identity has been verified by ID.me, DOL will automatically continue processing your claim. If you are due benefits, they will be paid to you without the need for any further action on your part.  However, for some applicants, there may be other issues affecting your claim. If you have received other DOL questionnaires, please respond to them promptly.  Please do not call DOL unless payment has not been issued to you within 10-14 days of your verification process with ID.me.

Watch this video for more information about verifying your identity with ID.me

Please note: ID.me is a trusted, secure service used by various federal and state government agencies. For more information and FAQs about ID.me, please visit on.ny.gov/idmeinfo.

Thank you.

Para ver esta información en español, por favor vaya a on.ny.gov/idmeesp.

Special Instructions for Non-Citizens

If you are not a United States citizen, you must also send in a clear and legible copy (front and back) of your Permanent Resident Card (INS Form I-151 or I-551), Temporary Resident Card (I-688), or Employment Authorization Card (INS Form I-688B or I-766).

How to Send Your Information and Protect Your Confidentiality:

  • To best protect your confidential information, please submit your documents through our online service (see directions below) or via U.S. Mail to NYS DOL.
  • Print your name and write only the last four digits of your Social Security Number on all of the documents you send via U.S. Mail or through our online messaging service.
  • Do not send original documents via U.S. Mail. Please send clear and legible photocopies only.
  • Please do not fax your documents or email them from your personal email service.
  • To submit your documents through our online service:
  1. Go to labor.ny.gov/signin
  2. Enter your NY.gov username and password
  3. Select “Go to My Inbox”
  4. Select the menu button beside “Message Inbox” and choose “Compose New”
  5. Select the subject “Submit Documents”
  6. Select “Submit Identity Documents”
  7. Attach the digital copies of your documents
  8. Send the message

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NYS DOL