This is such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. It's crazy how many people go through this same exact problem with the NY unemployment system. The fact that @NebulaNova was able to get both weeks certified is huge - I've heard horror stories of people losing benefits because of these technical issues. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions. The specific menu navigation from @Javier Mendoza is going to save so many people hours of frustration.

Same exact situation happened to me last week! The 888 number is absolutely useless - I think it's just there to make people give up. What finally worked for me was calling 800-833-3000 right at 8am and using those menu options that @Javier Mendoza shared. The key is really calling the second they open because by 9am the wait times are already 45+ minutes. Also make sure you have your social security number and claimant ID ready because they'll ask for both right away to verify your identity. The representative was able to see that my account had been automatically locked due to "suspicious activity" (which was just me trying to reset my password too many times). Took about 5 minutes once I got through to someone. Don't lose hope - the system is terrible but there are people there who can actually help if you can reach them!

@Dylan Cooper - Another tip that helped me when I was in the same boat: if you haven't already, make sure to check your email (including spam folder) for any communications from NYS DOL. Sometimes they send important updates there that don't show up in your online account right away. Also, when you do find your claim status, don't worry if it shows "pending" for a while - that's totally normal. The key thing is making sure you keep certifying for benefits each week like others mentioned. I was stressed about the same thing when I first filed, but it all worked out once the initial processing went through. Hang in there!

@Dylan Cooper - I just went through this same process a few weeks ago! In addition to what others mentioned, try looking for a section called "Claim Summary" or "Benefit Year Summary" in your account - that's where I found the most detailed info about my claim status. It should show you whether your claim is "Active," "Pending," or if there are any outstanding issues. Also, if you see any flags or holds on your account, there's usually a brief explanation of what's needed. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but 10 days is still within the normal processing timeframe. Keep doing those weekly certifications even while you wait - that was key for me getting backpay once everything got approved.

Anybody know if theres a way to expedite the waiting week credit process? I'm really in a tight spot financially and every day counts 😰

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been dealing with NYDOL for a while now. A few things that might help: 1. **Document everything** - keep screenshots of every page, error message, confirmation number, etc. This saved me when they claimed I never submitted something. 2. **Try the online portal during off-peak hours** (like early morning or late evening) - it's way less glitchy then. 3. **For the waiting week credit specifically** - make sure you have your exact dates of unemployment ready. They're really picky about this stuff. 4. **Stay vigilant about scams** - I've gotten at least 5 fake texts claiming to be from NYDOL in the past month alone. The real NYDOL will never ask for your full SSN or banking info via text/email. The whole process is honestly a nightmare, but you'll get through it. Keep pushing and don't give up! Also seconding what others said about local assistance programs - 211 is a great resource while you're waiting. Good luck! 🤞

I went through this same situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: Start with the online application at labor.ny.gov early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) when the system is less busy. Have your last employer's info ready including exact dates of employment and your final pay stub. If you get stuck on any questions, you can save your progress and come back to it later. The phone lines are brutal right now - I spent literally days trying to get through. Focus on getting your initial claim filed online first, then worry about calling if you run into specific issues later. The key is establishing your claim date so you don't lose any potential benefits while figuring out the details.

I was in the exact same boat a couple months ago - lost my job suddenly and panicked about getting unemployment started. Here's what I learned: definitely go the online route first at labor.ny.gov. The phone system is absolutely brutal right now. I'd recommend trying to file between 6-8 AM when the servers aren't as overwhelmed. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and gross wages). Don't stress too much about getting every detail perfect - you can make corrections later if needed. The most important thing is getting your claim filed to establish your benefit year start date. Once that's done, you can deal with any issues that come up. The weekly certification can be done online or by phone, and that's usually much easier than the initial filing. Hang in there - it's overwhelming at first but once you get through the initial application it gets much more manageable!

Don't panic! I literally did the exact same thing two weeks ago - went out with friends on Sunday and completely forgot to certify until Monday morning. I was so stressed thinking I'd lost a week of benefits! But everyone here is right - you have until Saturday at midnight to certify for the previous week. I logged in Monday afternoon and it went through perfectly fine. My payment was maybe delayed by one day but that was it. The NY system actually expects people to miss Sunday sometimes, which is why they give you the full week. Just make sure you don't let an entire week pass without certifying because then you'd have to call (and good luck with that!). Set up multiple phone reminders - I now have one for Sunday morning and another for Wednesday just in case. Trust me, this won't affect your claim at all!

You're absolutely fine! I've missed Sunday certification more times than I can count and it's never been an issue. You have until Saturday at 11:59 PM to certify for the previous week, so you've got plenty of time. Just log into the NY unemployment website and certify like normal - your payment might be delayed by a day or two but you won't lose any money. I actually prefer certifying on weekdays now because the website runs way smoother than Sunday mornings when everyone's trying to access it at once. Definitely set up a recurring reminder on your phone though - I have mine set for Sunday at 9 AM and it's been a lifesaver. The NY system is stressful enough without adding unnecessary panic about missing deadlines!