u should check ur mailbox everyday too. they sometimes send letters that need response but nothing shows online about it

UPDATE: It's been 12 days since I applied and I just got my first payment today! Much faster than I expected based on what everyone said. Just wanted to update in case it helps someone else with timeline expectations. The payment is pending in my account and includes 2 weeks worth of benefits (I certified twice while waiting). Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now and I'm curious what happens next. Did you get any official confirmation after submitting your appeal? I submitted mine 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. The waiting and uncertainty is killing me!

Just got my hearing date! April 15th, so about 3 weeks from now. They sent instructions for the phone hearing and said both me and my former employer will be called. I'm nervous but feeling more prepared thanks to everyone's advice here. I've gathered all my evidence and am rehearsing how to clearly explain what happened. Will update after the hearing!

just wondering but did u have any jobs in the last 18 months out of state? that always makes it take longer

Update for everyone: I just checked my account and my claim was FINALLY approved this morning! It took exactly 24 days from filing to approval. All my certified weeks show as paid now, with the payment scheduled for tomorrow. Huge relief! Going to keep certifying weekly going forward. Thanks everyone for your advice and support through this stressful time.

they always say 2-3 days but mine always takes exactly 4 days every single time lol

I just remembered something that might help you! If you're really concerned about the timing, you can sign up for text alerts about your claim status. Go to your NY.gov account settings and there should be an option for notifications. That way you'll get a text when your payment is processed and don't have to keep checking the website.

UPDATE: Called KeyBank and they said my card was mailed out 18 days ago! They're sending a replacement that should arrive in 7-10 business days. Also switched to direct deposit for future payments. Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm having the EXACT same problem but it's been over a month now! Did anyone try contacting the local unemployment office instead of calling? I'm wondering if I should just go in person tomorrow because I'm getting desperate too. I've got two kids to feed and rent is already late...

if it goes longer than a week you might need to call them. my cousin had to wait almost 2 weeks once and it turned out there was some flag on his account cuz the new bank was out of state or something weird

UPDATE: My payment just hit my new account this morning! It took exactly 6 business days from when I changed my bank info. Thanks everyone for the reassurance - you were all right that I just needed to wait. I wish the NYSDOL website had explained this delay period when I made the change. Would have saved me a lot of stress!

Just wanted to update - I sent in my certification history that the agent provided (after using Claimyr to reach someone), and I got confirmation yesterday that my verification was accepted! The letter says my benefits will continue without interruption. So there IS a solution to this, but you definitely need to get that official record from them.

FYI I just spoke to someone from NY unemployment (finally!!!) and they said this is part of a MASSIVE fraud investigation they're doing. Apparently there was some huge ring of people falsely certifying for others. She said they're sending these letters to thousands of people, even those who did everything correctly. She also said we're not supposed to send bank statements - only actual proof of certification.

My heart goes out to you! I'm going through something similar but mine says I made way LESS than I actually did. So they're giving me like $187 a week when I should be getting the maximum benefit! This system is seriously rigged against us. I'm definitely going to request a hearing after seeing your post. Thank you for sharing this info!

Quick tip: While waiting for your hearing, continue certifying for benefits each week. Even though you're not getting paid right now, if the hearing goes in your favor (which it should if you have proper documentation), you'll receive backpay for all properly certified weeks. Missing a week of certification means losing that week of benefits permanently.

I'm on unemployment right NOW as I type this!!! Has your friend been living under a rock??? LOL But seriously the application process is HORRIBLE and confusing. I almost gave up three times but I really needed the money. They make it hard on purpose so people will give up, I'm convinced of it!!!!

I remember last summer when I was collecting, I got so confused about the whole "effective days" thing. Kept thinking I was getting shorted money. Turns out NY unemployment has this weird way of calculating where each day equals 1/4 of your weekly benefit. Anyone else find that super confusing?

To summarize the correct procedure for your situation: 1. Continue certifying weekly 2. Report accurately the number of days you worked (any amount of work counts as a full day) 3. Report your gross earnings before expenses 4. If your earnings exceed $504 in a week OR you work 4+ days, you'll receive zero benefits that week 5. Your claim remains open for 52 weeks from when you first filed 6. When your gig ends, simply resume normal certification 7. If your benefit year has expired, then you would need to file a new claim Additionally, consider tax implications - unemployment benefits and 1099 income are both taxable. You may want to have taxes withheld from your UI benefits and make quarterly estimated tax payments on your 1099 income.

You don't need to call when your gig ends - just resume certifying normally. However, if you go several weeks without certifying (4+ consecutive weeks), the system may ask you additional questions when you restart. Answer honestly about why you weren't certifying (you were working) and you should be fine. Just be prepared for potential delays if the system flags your claim for review after the gap.