Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The waiting week credit issue is specifically mentioned in DOL guidance as requiring specialist assistance, which is why it forces you into the phone queue. For those still struggling, document each call attempt (date/time) in case you need to show you were actively trying to resolve the issue.

I'm dealing with the exact same waiting week issue right now! It's so frustrating that they force you to call for something that should be automated. Reading through all these suggestions gives me hope though. I'm going to try the Wednesday 10:30am strategy first since that seems like solid insider info, and if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into Claimyr. The fact that multiple people here got through using different methods makes me feel like there's actually a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with these government systems!

Don't wait any longer OP. Even if you can only get 4 weeks backdated, that's still something. Plus you'll be eligible for benefits going forward. The weekly benefit amount in NY can be up to $504 so every week you delay costs you money. File online at my.ny.gov and start your weekly claims as soon as your claim is processed.

I went through something similar last year - waited about 6 weeks to file thinking I'd land something quickly. The 4 week backdate limit is real and it stings, but here's what I learned: file your claim ASAP and be prepared for the phone interview where they'll ask about the delay. When I explained that I was actively job searching and didn't realize the urgency of filing immediately, they were understanding but still couldn't go beyond the 4 weeks. The good news is once you're approved, the weekly benefits really help while you continue your job search. Also make sure you're meeting the work search requirements - you need to document your job search activities each week. Don't let this delay cost you any more potential benefits!

just a heads up that once your regular UI runs out theres no more extensions like there were during covid. so make sure you're really looking for work and not just going through the motions

One thing to also keep in mind is that your benefit year has an end date regardless of your balance. Even if you still have money left, your claim expires exactly one year from when you first filed. You can find this date on your monetary determination letter or in your online account. So if you filed in June 2024, your claim ends in June 2025 no matter what. This caught me off guard when I was on unemployment a few years back - I thought I could just keep collecting until the money ran out, but the year limit hit first.

I'm so glad I found this thread! Just filed my unemployment claim 5 days ago and was already starting to get anxious about not hearing anything yet. Reading everyone's experiences here is incredibly reassuring - I had no idea that 2-3 weeks was the normal processing timeline. Like many of you, this is my first time applying for unemployment benefits and I've been checking my my.ny.gov account multiple times a day wondering if something was wrong. I was also laid off due to company downsizing, so it sounds like I'm in a similar straightforward situation as most people here. Definitely going to sign up for that informed delivery service - what a smart tip! It's amazing how much better I feel knowing that "claim under review" status is completely normal at this stage and that I'm not alone in this waiting process. Going to try to be more patient and limit my account checking to once daily. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences - this community support makes such a difference during an already stressful time!

I'm in the exact same situation - filed my claim about 10 days ago and have been checking my account obsessively! This thread has been such a lifesaver. I had no idea that 2-3 weeks was normal processing time and was starting to convince myself I'd made an error somewhere on my application. Like so many others here, I was also laid off due to company downsizing, so it's incredibly reassuring to see that we're all in similar straightforward situations just working through the normal queue. Already signed up for informed delivery based on all the great suggestions here - what a brilliant tip! It's amazing how much the anxiety decreases when you realize this waiting period is just how the system works, not a sign that something's wrong. Going to try limiting myself to checking once per day instead of my current multiple-times-daily habit. Thanks for posting this question - you've created such a helpful support network for all of us first-time filers going through this nerve-wracking wait!

I just went through my RESEA appointment last week and wanted to share what actually happens since I was nervous too. The counselor was really nice and it felt more like a helpful consultation than an interrogation. They asked about my job search strategy, looked at my resume, and suggested some improvements. They also told me about local job fairs and online resources I didn't know about. The whole thing took about 45 minutes. Just bring documentation of your job applications (I printed out confirmations/screenshots), your resume, and be honest about what you're looking for. They're there to help you find work, not trip you up.

I had my RESEA appointment a few months ago and it was actually a positive experience. The counselor helped me realize I was applying for jobs that were either too broad or too narrow for my skills. They showed me how to use the NYS job search website more effectively and connected me with a free resume workshop. One tip - if you've been doing any networking, informational interviews, or attending job-related events, bring documentation of those too. They count toward your work search activities and show you're being proactive. The counselor seemed impressed that I was doing more than just submitting online applications.