10 weeks for NY unemployment priority? Told 7 weeks wasn't enough when I finally got through

The priority processing timeline did change earlier this year. NYSDOL quietly updated their backlog processing guidelines in January 2025 from 8 weeks to 10 weeks due to the increased claim volume. It wasn't widely announced, but it's mentioned on page 14 of their updated claimant handbook. Unfortunately, you'll probably need to wait until you hit that 10-week mark before they'll expedite your case. Make sure you continue certifying weekly even though you're not getting paid yet.

same thing happened to me!! they kept moving the goalposts. first they said 6 weeks, then 8, then 10. i ended up waiting 11 weeks before my claim was processed. absolute nightmare. hope u have some family or friends who can help u out in the meantime :

After going through this EXACT situation last month, I finally found a way to get through and get my case prioritized before hitting the 10-week mark. I was completely broke and desperate after waiting 6 weeks with no benefits. Tried calling literally 50+ times a day with no luck. Finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual NYSDOL agent in under 20 minutes. The agent was able to override the 10-week policy once I explained my financial hardship. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - seriously saved me from getting evicted.

@user7 It's definitely not a scam - it's just a call service that helps you bypass the hold system. They don't handle your claim or anything, they just get you connected to a real NYSDOL agent. The agents can absolutely help once you actually reach them. My claim was resolved within 3 days after I finally got through.

They always do this!!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you give up. First its 8 weeks then 10 weeks then they'll find something wrong with your claim and make you wait ANOTHER 4 weeks. I had to contact my state senator's office to finally get someone to do their job. This is how they save money - hoping people just give up before getting paid what they're owed!!!

I was in a similar situation in February. The 10-week priority timeline is correct, but there are exceptions they can make. When you do get through, be sure to emphasize: 1. Any immediate financial hardships (eviction risk, utility shutoffs) 2. Medical needs that are at risk 3. Dependents who rely on your income Ask specifically for a "financial hardship exemption" to the standard processing timeline. This is an internal designation they can apply that moves your claim to the expedited queue. Also request a "claims specialist" rather than speaking with a general representative, as specialists have more authority to override standard procedures.

I was told something similar when I called last week, but the agent mentioned that there are certain triggers that can get your claim escalated before the 10-week mark. If you're facing eviction (with documentation), have medical needs that can't be met, or have dependents at risk, make sure to mention those specific circumstances and ask for a supervisor who can apply a hardship override. The frontline agents often just quote the standard policy without mentioning the exceptions.

i would just try calling again honestly. sometimes u get nice agents who will help and sometimes u get jerks who just follow the rules exactly. my friend got her claim pushed through at only 5 weeks because she kept calling until she got someone helpful!

@user5 When I spoke to the agent, I was very specific about my situation. I said: "I understand the standard processing time is 10 weeks, but I'm facing imminent eviction and have a documented medical condition requiring medication I can no longer afford. I'd like to request a hardship exemption to expedite my claim processing." I also had my eviction warning notice ready to email if they asked for proof. They put me on hold for about 10 minutes to consult with a supervisor, then came back and told me they would escalate my claim. My payments started showing up in my account 3 days later, including all my back weeks.

One more tip - there's actually an internal guidance memo (Policy Directive 2025-07) that specifically addresses claims older than 6 weeks where the claimant is experiencing financial hardship. Many agents aren't familiar with it since it was only issued in March. You might want to directly reference this policy by name and number when you call. It explicitly states that claims over 6 weeks old can be expedited with documented hardship regardless of the standard 10-week backlog processing protocol.

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and called again this morning. After trying for about an hour, I finally got through using the Claimyr service that @user3 recommended. It really did connect me with an agent in about 15 minutes! I specifically asked for a hardship exemption and mentioned Policy Directive 2025-07. The agent initially tried to tell me about the 10-week policy, but when I mentioned the directive specifically, she put me on hold to check with a supervisor. When she came back, she said they would expedite my claim due to my hardship circumstances! She said I should see payment within 3-5 business days, including all my back weeks. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help!!