depends on ur situation tbh... if theres any red flags it could take months. but most ppl get approved pretty quick if everything checks out

Oh this brings back memories! When I was laid off from my teaching job a few years ago, it took forever to get approved because they had to verify my work history or something. But my friend who got laid off from Target got approved super fast. I think it just depends on your specific case and how busy they are.

The NYS Department of Labor system is deliberately slow to discourage people from filing. They make it as difficult as possible hoping you'll just give up and find another job instead of collecting benefits you're entitled to. It's all about saving the state money at the expense of working people who paid into the system.

Just keep filing your weekly claims and wait it out. Nothing else you can really do at this point.

If you're having trouble getting through on the website, I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me reach a NYS Department of Labor agent when I was stuck. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me time when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines.

Just want to add that you should apply even if you think you might not qualify. Let them determine eligibility rather than assuming you don't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about options. Spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or hung up on. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent confirmed there are no extensions available but helped me understand other benefit programs I could apply for. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly.

wait I thought there were extended benefits when unemployment rates are high? isn't that automatic or something

Just wanted to add - if you're filing because you were laid off, the application might ask for additional details about your layoff that could add time. I had to explain the circumstances around my position being eliminated and that took some thought to word correctly.

Honestly the whole UI system is designed to make it as difficult as possible. Even when you fill everything out perfectly they'll find some reason to delay your benefits. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my adjudication to clear and nobody can tell me why.