mine took about 10 days last year when i got laid off from my warehouse job, but that was before all the recent changes to the system

Just want to add that you should start filing your weekly claims right away even if your initial claim isn't approved yet. You can't get paid for weeks you don't certify, so don't wait! Log into my.ny.gov every Sunday to file your weekly claim.

I had issues getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had wage calculation questions. Tried calling for weeks but kept getting disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent who could review my earnings history. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process way easier than trying to navigate the phone system myself.

Commission jobs are tricky for unemployment calculations because your income varies so much. I worked commission sales too and my benefit amount was based on my best quarter, not the terrible final months before I got laid off. The NYS Department of Labor system actually worked in my favor that way. Just make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly.

honestly the NYS Department of Labor phone system is so bad that if you run into any issues you'll spend hours trying to reach someone. I had a problem with my weekly claim filing and couldn't get through for days. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Might be worth bookmarking in case you need to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor.

Stick with unemployment if you can afford it! I made the mistake of taking a crappy retail job too quickly after getting laid off and it made interviewing for real positions almost impossible. Plus once you're working, you can't collect unemployment anymore even if the new job doesn't work out (well, you can but you'd have to reapply and qualify all over again).

The NYS Department of Labor follows federal guidelines on this. You must be able to work legally in the US to receive unemployment benefits. This includes citizens, permanent residents, and those with valid work visas or permits. If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to discuss your specific situation, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. An agent could give you definitive information about your eligibility.

You might want to check with local worker advocacy groups too. Sometimes there are other programs or resources available even if regular unemployment isn't an option. They would know about any state-specific assistance programs.

yeah this whole system is screwed up if you ask me. when the economy tanks the people who need help most can't get it because there's no money coming in. typical government planning right there

This reminds me of when my brother was on unemployment back in 2009 during the recession. He was worried about the same thing but ended up getting all his benefits plus extended benefits that Congress approved. The system worked even during the worst economic crisis in decades.