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just hang in there, once the payments start they come regularly every week as long as you keep filing your weekly claims on time
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim 12 days ago after getting laid off from my retail job and still showing $0 in payment history. The waiting is really nerve-wracking when you're counting on that money for rent and groceries. I've been religiously filing my weekly claims and double-checked all my info multiple times. It's somewhat comforting to know 2-3 weeks is normal, but man does it feel like forever when you're stressed about bills. Hoping both our payments come through soon!
I totally feel you on this! The waiting is the worst part, especially when you're already stressed about money. I'm in a similar boat - filed about 10 days ago and checking my account obsessively hoping to see something other than $0. At least we know we're not alone in this process. Fingers crossed we both see our payments hit soon! Stay strong and keep filing those weekly claims.
just keep filing your weekly claims no matter what, you'll get backpay for all the weeks once it goes through
Two weeks is pretty normal for initial processing, especially in NY where they have high volume. I went through the same thing last year - filed my claim, did my weekly certifications religiously, and felt like nothing was happening. Then suddenly in week 3, all my backpay showed up at once. The key is to keep doing those weekly certifications even though it feels pointless. Also, try logging in at different times of day - sometimes the portal updates overnight and you might see status changes you missed. If you hit the 4 week mark with no updates, that's when I'd start trying to call them directly.
One more thing - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your hours get reduced. You can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file, so don't wait thinking you might get more hours back.
@cc48bca1aca9 For the wage requirement, you generally need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period (first 4 of last 5 quarters) with earnings in at least 2 quarters. Since you worked full-time for 2 years, you should easily meet this. Also, when filing your weekly claims, be very precise about reporting your reduced hours and earnings - even small mistakes can delay your payments. The online system lets you file claims Sunday night through Friday, and I'd recommend doing it the same day each week to stay consistent.
@3ad2327a0759 That's really helpful about the $2,600 minimum - I was worried I might not qualify but I definitely earned way more than that over the past 2 years. Quick question about reporting earnings - when I do work my reduced hours, do I report my gross pay or net pay after taxes? And does it matter if I get tips that aren't tracked by my employer?
I'm in a super similar situation right now! My best friend's wedding in Thailand is coming up in 6 weeks and I've been stressed out of my mind about how to handle it with my pending claim. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been SO reassuring though - it's amazing how consistent the advice is about just being upfront with DOL. The claimyr.com service sounds like it's been a total game changer for actually getting through to speak with someone real instead of sitting on hold forever. I was getting so anxious thinking I'd have to choose between being there for my best friend and protecting my benefits, but it sounds like DOL is actually really reasonable about family events when you follow the proper process. Definitely going to call them this week to report my travel dates and get everything sorted out properly. A temporary pause is totally worth it to be there for such an important celebration! Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - this community support has been incredible! 🇹🇭✈️💕
@Evelyn Kim Thailand wedding sounds incredible! 🇹🇭 This whole thread has been such a relief for all of us dealing with this same situation. I was also getting super anxious about having to choose between family celebrations and unemployment benefits, but seeing everyone s'consistent positive experiences with being honest upfront really shows that DOL is way more understanding than the scary stories online make them seem. The claimyr service definitely seems like it s'worth every penny to actually get through and talk to a real person who can walk you through the process properly. Your best friend s'wedding is such a special moment and you absolutely should be there! A temporary pause in benefits is such a small trade-off for celebrating one of the biggest days in your best friend s'life. Hope your call goes smoothly and that you have the most amazing time in Thailand! This community has been amazing with all the real advice and support 💕
This entire thread has been SO helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where I need to travel to my cousin's wedding in Ireland while my claim is still pending from February. I was honestly panicking thinking I'd have to choose between family and my benefits, but reading everyone's real experiences here has completely changed my perspective. The consistency is incredible - literally everyone who was upfront with DOL and used that claimyr service had positive outcomes. It's amazing how reasonable they actually are about family situations when you follow the proper process (report travel, don't certify overseas, accept the temporary pause). I was getting so worked up by all the fraud horror stories online, but hearing from actual people who've successfully navigated this is exactly what I needed. Family weddings are once-in-a-lifetime moments and it sounds like DOL totally gets that. Definitely calling them this week to report everything properly. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this community support has been a lifesaver! Ireland here I come! 🇮🇪💒
Sayid Hassan
Just to add - there's also something called WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding that can help with training costs. It's separate from regular unemployment but you can sometimes combine them. Your local workforce development office would know more about what's available in your area.
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Kayla Morgan
•Thanks everyone! Sounds like I need to contact my local Career Center to get started. Hopefully they can explain all these different programs better than the website does.
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Gavin King
I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to share what I learned from my Career Center visit last week. They told me the Training Benefits program can last up to 2 years depending on the type of training, and you can apply as long as you're still within your benefit year. The key is to apply early because some popular programs fill up fast. They also mentioned there's something called "Skills Training" grants that can cover things like certification exams and licensing fees. Definitely worth making an appointment with a counselor - they walk you through all the options and help you figure out which programs make sense for your career goals.
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Ethan Davis
•This is exactly the kind of detailed info I was looking for! Two years is way longer than I expected for training benefits. Did they mention anything about what happens if you finish the training program early - can you still collect benefits until you find a job or do they stop once you complete the program? Also really interested in those Skills Training grants for certifications since I was thinking about getting my CompTIA cert.
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