I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The certification loop is so frustrating - I was certifying every few days thinking maybe it would finally stick. Turns out I had a "pending determination" on my account that was invisible to me but blocking all my certifications from processing. What finally worked for me was calling the main NYSDOL number (888-209-8124) at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. I know everyone says the phones are impossible, but I got through after about 45 minutes of busy signals by hitting redial constantly. The rep immediately saw the issue - apparently my previous employer had contested my claim and it triggered an automatic hold. She cleared it in about 5 minutes and released 3 weeks of backed-up payments the same day. The key was getting to someone who could actually see the backend of my account, because the online portal shows nothing about these hidden flags. Don't give up! Keep that confirmation number documentation and try the early morning calling strategy. The system is broken but there are real people who can fix it once you reach them.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been certifying for the past two weeks and every single time I log back in, it's like I never did it. I've gotten confirmation numbers both online and through the phone system, but my account still shows "Action Required - Certify for Benefits." Reading through everyone's responses, it sounds like there's probably some kind of hidden flag or pending issue on my account that's preventing the certifications from actually processing. The most frustrating part is that the system doesn't tell you WHY it's not working - it just keeps letting you certify over and over again like everything is normal. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy that @Dominique Adams mentioned. Has anyone else had luck with specific times of day for getting through to NYSDOL? I'm worried about falling behind on bills while this gets sorted out, but it's encouraging to hear that once you actually reach someone, they can usually fix it pretty quickly.

I've been following all the great advice in this thread as I'm preparing for my own DOL appointment next week. One thing I wanted to add that helped my sister when she went through this - if you've been receiving any other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, bring documentation of those as well. They may ask about all sources of support to get the complete picture. Also, if you had direct deposit set up for your previous job, bring a voided check or bank account information since they'll likely want to set up direct deposit for your benefits if approved. The whole process sounds intimidating but everyone's experiences here make it seem much more manageable. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips - this thread is incredibly helpful for those of us navigating this system!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also dealing with a claim that's been stuck in adjudication and have an appointment coming up soon. One additional tip I'd add based on my research - if you've moved at all since filing your claim, bring proof of your current address like a recent utility bill or lease agreement. I've read that address discrepancies can sometimes cause delays. Also, if you applied for jobs through any staffing agencies or temp services, bring those records too as they count toward your work search requirements. It's amazing how much more prepared I feel after reading everyone's experiences here. This community is a lifesaver for navigating the confusing DOL system!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress, but I want to add my voice to everyone else here - you should absolutely be eligible for unemployment benefits! I was in a nearly identical situation about 4 months ago when I was let go from a warehouse job during my 60-day probation period. They said I wasn't meeting their packing speed requirements, which sounds very similar to your "not picking up processes fast enough" situation. I was honestly terrified to file because I thought being terminated during probation would automatically disqualify me, but it was actually approved really quickly - within about a week. The most important thing is to file your claim immediately on Monday after your last day. Don't second-guess yourself or wait "just a few more days" like I almost did. Time really does matter for getting your benefits started. Keep that email from your supervisor as backup documentation, but honestly, based on what you've described, this should be pretty straightforward. Performance issues during probation are exactly what unemployment insurance is designed to help with. I know it feels devastating right now, but this community is right - sometimes these "setbacks" really do redirect us toward better opportunities. I ended up finding a job that was a much better fit for my skills just a few weeks later. You've got this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this situation - I know how stressful it must be to lose a job during probation and worry about making rent! But I want to reassure you that based on what you've described, you should absolutely be eligible for unemployment benefits. Being terminated during probation for performance reasons (like not learning processes quickly enough) is very different from being fired for misconduct. The fact that your supervisor specifically cited learning speed rather than any policy violations or behavioral issues actually works in your favor. Make sure to file your claim first thing Monday after your last day on Friday - don't wait even a day because that's when your benefit clock starts. Keep that conversation with your supervisor documented and be completely honest when filling out your application. Use clear, factual language like "terminated during probation period for not meeting performance expectations." This is exactly what unemployment insurance exists for - helping people who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Try not to let this shake your confidence - probation periods exist precisely to determine if there's a good mutual fit, and sometimes there just isn't. That doesn't reflect on your abilities as an employee. Hang in there!

Just want to add my experience here - I was in a very similar situation in 2023. Lost my job in August but didn't file until November because I was confident I'd land something quickly (spoiler: I didn't). When I finally filed, I was completely honest about my unemployment start date and explained that I had been actively job searching but didn't realize I should file immediately. The agent I spoke with was sympathetic but explained that NY generally doesn't backdate for "personal choice" reasons, even when that choice was based on optimism about finding work. I didn't get any backpay, but here's what I learned: file your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov, and when you get to the section asking why you're filing now instead of when you first became unemployed, be completely honest but frame it around any external factors if possible. Did you have interviews lined up? Were you told by someone you might not qualify? Any documentation helps. The silver lining is that once you're in the system, NY unemployment benefits are pretty decent compared to other states. You'll likely get benefits going forward, which is better than nothing. Don't let the potential backpay denial discourage you from filing - every week you wait is another week of benefits you're definitely losing.

I went through this exact situation last year and want to share what actually worked for me. I lost my job in September 2024 but didn't file until December because I was sure I'd find something quickly (classic mistake!). When I filed, I was completely honest about my situation but emphasized that I had been actively job searching and had several promising interviews that ultimately didn't pan out. I mentioned that I wasn't fully aware of the "file immediately" rule and thought unemployment was more of a last resort. To my surprise, they actually approved a partial backdate - I got about 6 weeks of the 12 I had waited. The agent told me it helped that I could show I was actively looking for work during that time (I had a spreadsheet of applications I'd submitted) and that I filed as soon as I realized I qualified. My advice: definitely file TODAY, be honest about your timeline, and if you have any documentation of job search activities from October onward, mention that. Even if you don't get full backpay, you might get something. And more importantly, you'll start getting benefits immediately going forward. The online application took me about 45 minutes and was pretty straightforward. Have your employment info ready and be patient - the system can be slow during peak times.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just completed my ID verification with NYS Department of Labor yesterday and already seeing "adjudication in progress" with all my weekly claims showing $0. I was starting to worry something went wrong, but after reading through all these detailed timelines everyone has shared, I feel so much better knowing this 1-3 week waiting period after ID verification is completely normal. It's amazing how consistent everyone's experiences are - most people seeing status changes around the 2-week mark really gives me realistic expectations. I'm definitely going to set up those text alerts that were mentioned and try to be patient instead of obsessively checking my account. This thread is incredibly helpful - thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences! It makes such a difference knowing we're all going through the same process and that those back payments do eventually come through.

I'm in the exact same position as you right now! Just completed my ID verification with NYS Department of Labor 9 days ago and still stuck on "adjudication in progress" with all my weekly claims showing $0. I was getting really worried that something was wrong with my claim, but reading through everyone's timelines here is incredibly reassuring. It seems like the 1-3 week wait after ID verification is completely normal, with most people seeing changes around the 2-week mark. I've been continuing to certify my weekly claims even though they show $0 amounts, and I just set up text alerts so I stop obsessively checking my account multiple times a day. The consistency in everyone's experiences really helps manage expectations - knowing that this waiting period is standard and that the back payments eventually come through makes the stress much more manageable. Thanks for posting this question - it's so helpful to connect with others going through the exact same timeline!