Just wanted to add my experience from last year - I initially got the KeyBank card but switched to direct deposit after about a month. The card worked fine, but I noticed my payments hit my bank account on Tuesdays with direct deposit versus Wednesday/Thursday with the card. That extra day or two really mattered when I was tight on money. Also, if you're planning to use the card at stores, some places might ask for ID since it's a government benefits card - totally normal but just wanted to give you a heads up so you're not caught off guard!

One more thing that might be helpful - when you do get your KeyBank card, make sure to download their mobile app (KeyBank Business Card Services) if you plan to use the card for a while. I found it way easier than calling the phone number every time I wanted to check my balance. You can also set up text alerts for when payments are deposited, which was super convenient. But honestly, after reading all these comments, I'd definitely recommend going straight to direct deposit if you can! The card is fine as a backup but direct deposit is just so much more straightforward.

As a fellow union member who's been through this process, I can confirm it's pretty straightforward. One thing to add - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your layoff date. There's no waiting period before you can apply, and delays can affect when you start receiving benefits. Also, keep good records of all your work search activities from day one, even if you think you'll be called back soon. The NYS Department of Labor takes those requirements seriously during audits. Good luck with your claim!

One more tip from someone who's done this multiple times - when you're filling out the weekly certification, be honest about any small jobs or day work you might pick up while laid off. Even if it's just a one-day gig helping a buddy, you need to report those earnings. The NYS Department of Labor will find out anyway when they cross-reference tax records, and it's better to report it upfront than deal with an overpayment later. You can still collect partial benefits if you work part-time while on unemployment.

I'm experiencing the exact same frustrating delays - filed my claim in mid-December and I'm now approaching 6 weeks with nothing but "pending" status. What's really disheartening is how many of us are sharing nearly identical timelines and experiences, which clearly shows this is a massive systemic breakdown at NYS DOL rather than individual case issues. I've tried calling at least 25+ times and like everyone else, either get immediately disconnected or wait hours just to get cut off. The complete lack of transparency about what's causing these delays or any realistic timeline is honestly the worst part - we're all just left guessing while bills pile up. I've started keeping detailed documentation of every failed call attempt and weekly certification, and reading everyone's suggestions about contacting state representatives seems like our best option at this point. The financial stress combined with this information blackout is overwhelming, but it's somewhat comforting to know we're not alone in this mess. Hopefully if enough of us reach out to our assembly members with documented evidence of these systematic delays, we can finally get some accountability and answers from the department.

I'm in the exact same situation - filed my claim in early December and I'm now at 6+ weeks stuck on "pending" with absolutely no communication from NYS DOL. Like everyone else here, I've called probably 40+ times and either get the busy signal immediately or sit on hold for 2-3 hours just to get disconnected. What's really eye-opening is reading through all these comments and seeing we ALL have nearly identical experiences - same December filing dates, same endless "pending" status, same impossible phone system. This is clearly a massive systemic failure, not individual case problems. I've been documenting every call attempt and weekly certification, and I'm definitely going to follow everyone's advice about contacting my assembly member's office this week. The financial stress is brutal - I've had to ask friends for help with groceries which is embarrassing - but honestly the complete information vacuum is what's really killing me mentally. Just knowing WHY there are delays or getting any kind of timeline would make this so much more bearable. Thank you to everyone for sharing your experiences - it's both reassuring and alarming to see how widespread this breakdown is, but hopefully our collective voices will finally force some accountability from the department.

Same boat here! Filed two weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. The whole system is a mess but at least we're all suffering together lol. Good luck with your claim!

One more tip - when you file online, try to do it early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are using the system. The website tends to be more stable during off-peak hours. Also, don't panic if you make a small mistake on dates or details - you can usually correct minor errors later. The most important thing is to get your claim started as soon as possible. Take screenshots of each page as you go through the process in case you need to reference something later!

Just wanted to chime in with my experience - I've filed for unemployment three different times over the past five years with NYS Department of Labor and never had any issues with limits or waiting periods. The key thing is making sure you meet the work requirements each time. I'd recommend filing your new claim online as soon as possible since there can be a waiting week before benefits start, and the sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. Also, keep good records of your work history and pay stubs - it makes the application process much smoother when you have all the documentation ready.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, the NYS system will automatically determine which base period gives you the highest benefit amount - either the standard base period or an alternate base period that includes more recent earnings. This can be really beneficial if you worked consistently during those 8 months between claims. Also, don't forget that you can usually start certifying for benefits the week after you file your initial claim, even if there's a waiting week. The online system at labor.ny.gov makes it pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application.