I'm also interested in training benefits but wondering about the timeline. How long does the approval process usually take? I'm worried about my regular UI benefits running out before I can get into an approved program. Also, does anyone know if there are specific training programs that are easier to get approved for than others? I'm coming from retail too and really need to pivot into something with better job prospects.

Just wanted to add that if you're considering training benefits, make sure to ask about stackable credentials too. Some programs let you earn multiple certifications in related fields, which can make you more competitive. For example, if you're doing medical coding, you might also be able to get certified in medical billing or healthcare administration. This doesn't necessarily extend your benefits longer, but it gives you more job options when you finish. Also, many community colleges have partnerships with the One-Stop centers, so you might be able to use your training benefits for associate degree programs if they're in high-demand fields. The counselors at the American Job Centers are really helpful in explaining all your options - definitely worth scheduling an appointment even if you're just exploring possibilities.

UPDATE: I went to the career center this morning and got exactly what I needed! They printed a UI Monetary Benefit Determination letter showing my claim details including the end date of September 6th. Took about 45 minutes total with the wait. The staff was really helpful. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

For anyone else dealing with this, I just want to add that if you're in a time crunch like I was last month, you can also try contacting your local assemblyperson's office. They often have direct lines to state agencies and can help expedite document requests. I got my unemployment end date letter within 2 business days after their office made a call on my behalf. Worth trying if the career center is too far or if you're hitting roadblocks with the other methods!

Just want to echo what everyone else has said about faxing being way faster than mail! I went through this same process about 3 months ago and it was such a headache at first. What finally worked for me was using the fax number (518) 457-9378 that Scarlett mentioned, but I also made sure to send it during early morning hours (around 7-8 AM) when their system seemed less busy. One additional tip - if you're sending multiple pages, write your claim number at the bottom of EVERY single page in case they get separated. I learned this after my first attempt where only 2 out of 3 pages made it through properly. Also, keep trying the fax if it doesn't go through the first time - their line can be busy. It took me 4 attempts but once it went through, my address was updated within 5 business days. Don't give up!

I've been following this thread as someone who went through address verification issues last year, and I wanted to add one more tip that saved me a lot of stress. If you're in a time crunch and worried about your benefits being delayed, you can actually update your mailing address online through NY.gov while you're waiting for the formal address change documentation to be processed. This way your correspondence (like determination letters) will still reach you at your new address even if the system hasn't fully processed your address change yet. Just log into your NY.gov account, go to "Profile Settings" and update your mailing address there. It won't lift the hold on your benefits, but at least you won't miss any important notices while waiting for the documentation review. This temporary workaround helped me avoid missing a critical appeal deadline when I was in a similar situation.

This thread is an amazing resource! I'm dealing with my first unemployment claim and was getting really worried about the delays, but seeing Maxwell's complete experience documented here - from the initial 3-week wait to discovering the employer dispute code to final approval - is incredibly reassuring. The timeline of 5 weeks total for an employer dispute case gives me realistic expectations. What really stands out is how important it was to check for those status codes in the payment history - that seems to be the key to understanding what's actually happening with your claim instead of just wondering why payments aren't coming through. I'm bookmarking this entire discussion as my unemployment survival guide. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! As someone who just started their unemployment claim journey after being laid off last week, I'm saving this entire conversation as my reference guide. Maxwell's experience perfectly illustrates what can happen when there's an employer dispute, and the community support here is amazing. The key insights I'm taking away: check your payment history for status codes if payments are delayed beyond 10 days, gather ALL written documentation from your employer about your separation, and don't panic if an employer dispute extends the timeline to 4-6 weeks. The fact that Maxwell got all his back pay at once after approval is really reassuring. One question for anyone still following - should I proactively gather documentation now even though my claim just started, just in case my employer decides to contest it later? I have emails about the layoff and my termination letter, but wondering if there's anything else I should be collecting while it's fresh. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this community is a lifesaver for navigating such a confusing system!

This is really helpful information! I'm in a similar situation - I work in NYC but live in Connecticut. I was so confused about which state to file with, but now I understand it's definitely NYS Department of Labor since that's where my employer is located and where my wages were reported. Thanks everyone for clarifying this - it's such a common situation for people who commute across state lines but the rules aren't always clear when you're stressed about being unemployed.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where I live in Pennsylvania but work in Manhattan. I was getting stressed about potentially filing in the wrong state and having to start over. It's reassuring to know that since my paychecks come from a NY employer and taxes were withheld for NY, I should definitely file with NYS Department of Labor. The interstate commuter situation is definitely more common than people think, especially in areas like NYC where people live across state lines for housing costs but work where the jobs are.