I'm going through something similar right now - filed about 10 days ago and still waiting. From what I've learned lurking in these forums, the 10-day employer response window seems pretty standard, but the actual processing time varies a lot depending on your situation. Since you mentioned your employer was disorganized, there's a good chance they might not even respond at all, which could actually work in your favor. Keep documenting everything and filing those weekly claims like others have said. The waiting is definitely stressful but it sounds like most people do get resolved one way or another within a month or so.

I just went through this process a few months ago and can confirm what others have said about the 10-day employer response window. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed record of my separation - I wrote down the exact date, circumstances, and any witnesses present when I was laid off. Even though my employer didn't contest the claim, having that documentation ready gave me peace of mind. Also, don't be discouraged if it takes the full 4-6 weeks - the system is backed up but it does work. Since you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's usually pretty straightforward for them to process once they get to it.

Have you considered looking into your state's Displaced Worker Program or asking about educational waivers? I know someone who got approved for unemployment while attending a certified nursing program because it was considered job retraining for a high-demand field. The key was that the program had to be pre-approved by the state and directly related to improving employment prospects. You might also want to check if your college has any partnerships with local workforce development boards - sometimes they can help navigate the bureaucracy and even provide additional funding. Don't give up on all options just yet, but definitely exhaust the research before making any big moves. The worst thing would be to quit your job and then find out you have no income stream at all.

I work at the NY Department of Labor and wanted to clarify a few things about unemployment eligibility and education. While it's true that voluntarily quitting to attend school generally disqualifies you from regular unemployment benefits, there are some legitimate pathways worth exploring. First, check if your program qualifies under the Training Benefits provisions - certain approved training programs can allow you to collect benefits while enrolled. You'll need to apply for approval BEFORE you quit your job though. Second, look into the Trade Readjustment Allowances if your job loss is trade-related. Third, some community colleges have workforce development partnerships that can provide both training approval and additional funding. My advice: schedule an appointment with your local Career Center counselor BEFORE making any decisions. They can walk you through all available programs and help determine if your educational goals align with any approved training categories. Don't quit until you have a clear funding plan in place.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the NY unemployment system is absolutely broken! I went through something similar a few months ago where I was stuck in "waiting week" limbo for almost 2 months. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: first, I logged into the desktop site instead of mobile and found a hidden identity verification task that wasn't showing up on my phone. Second, I sent that email to the commissioner's office that someone mentioned (nysdolcommissioner@labor.ny.gov) with "URGENT PAYMENT DELAY" in the subject line. But honestly, what got me the fastest results was using claimyr.com to actually get through to a real person - the agent I spoke with was able to see that my account had some kind of technical hold that only they could remove. All my backpay hit my account 2 days later. Don't give up on those payments you're owed! Even though you found a new job, you're still entitled to get paid for those weeks you were properly unemployed and certifying. The system makes it seem hopeless but there are ways to get through to the right people who can actually fix these issues.

I'm experiencing the exact same issue! Filed in early March after being laid off, got approved with a $385 weekly benefit amount, but I've been stuck in "waiting week" status for 4 weeks now with $0 payments. I've certified every week correctly and there are no obvious error messages in my account. After reading through all these comments, I'm definitely going to try logging in from my laptop instead of just my phone app to see if there are hidden verification tasks. It's insane that the mobile site apparently hides important information! I'm also going to try that commissioner email approach and possibly use claimyr.com if nothing else works. It's both frustrating and somewhat reassuring to see so many others dealing with this same broken system. The fact that they can approve claims but then have these hidden technical holds without properly notifying people is just ridiculous. Thanks OP for posting this - at least now I know there are actual solutions that have worked for people instead of just endless calling with no results!

One thing I wish someone had told me when I first applied - make sure to set up direct deposit right away! Getting those debit cards they send can take forever and they charge fees for everything. Also, if you do any freelance or gig work while collecting, you MUST report it on your weekly claim even if it's just $20. I learned this the hard way when they made me pay back benefits because I didn't report some small Uber earnings. The NYS Department of Labor takes unreported income very seriously and it can mess up your whole claim.

Just went through this process myself earlier this year! A few additional tips that helped me: 1) Take screenshots of everything when you file - the website can be glitchy and you want proof of what you submitted 2) Create a dedicated email folder for all NYS Department of Labor correspondence so nothing gets lost 3) If you're laid off, ask your employer for a letter stating the reason for separation - this can help avoid adjudication delays 4) Don't panic if your first payment takes 2-3 weeks, that's normal processing time. The whole experience is stressful but thousands of people go through it successfully every week. You've got this!

Three weeks isn't that bad honestly. My cousin waited 2 months for his decision last spring. The judges are overwhelmed with cases right now.

I went through a similar situation last year and the waiting is absolutely brutal. Three weeks is actually pretty normal timing - mine took about 4 weeks after the hearing. The fact that your employer barely participated and couldn't provide documentation is definitely a good sign for your case. In the meantime, have you looked into emergency rental assistance programs? Many counties in NY have programs that can help with rent while you're waiting for the appeal decision. Also make sure you're applying for food assistance if you haven't already - you can do it online through myBenefits.ny.gov. Hang in there!