Also make sure you're still doing your job search requirements even though benefits exhausted. I think you have to keep certifying that you're looking for work in case you do qualify for a new claim period. Don't want to mess up any future eligibility.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add that you should also check if there are any state or local assistance programs available while you're figuring out the unemployment situation. Many counties in NY have emergency rental assistance programs that can help with rent if you're facing eviction. Also, make sure to apply for SNAP benefits if you haven't already - the income limits are higher now and it can help stretch your budget while you're looking for work. The process for a new unemployment claim can take a few weeks even if you do qualify, so having other support in place is crucial. Hang in there, this system is really tough to navigate but there are other resources out there.

make sure youre filing your quarterly reports on time too or they hit you with penalties. learned that the hard way last year

As someone who just started a small business in NY, this is really helpful information! I'm wondering about the quarterly reporting process - when exactly are those due dates throughout the year? And is there a minimum number of employees you need before you have to start paying into the unemployment insurance system? I want to make sure I'm compliant from day one.

I've been following this thread and wanted to share another option that worked for me when I was stuck overseas last year. If you have a trusted friend or family member in the US, you can set up a three-way call where they dial the NY unemployment number first, get through the queue, and then add you to the call. This way you're not dealing with international calling issues and the system sees a domestic number initiating the call. Also, for the login issues, I had success using NordVPN with their Buffalo or Albany servers specifically - seems like the system recognizes those as legitimate NY locations better than NYC servers. @a1978de8d17d - so glad you got through! The Spanish option is definitely going in my toolkit for future reference. Really appreciate you coming back to update us with what worked. One more tip for everyone - if you're sending documents via fax, always include a cover sheet with your full name, phone number, last 4 of SSN, and the date/time you're sending it. I also write "URGENT - OVERSEAS CLAIMANT" at the top. It might help get attention from whoever processes these things. Hope this helps someone else avoid the nightmare we've all been through! 🙏

Just wanted to add another resource that might help - if you're still having trouble getting through by phone, you can also try reaching out through the NY Department of Labor's Twitter account (@NYSLabor). I know it sounds random, but they actually do respond to DMs about urgent issues, especially if you explain you're overseas dealing with a family emergency. Also, for future reference, I learned that if you're going to be out of the country for an extended period, you can actually request a temporary hold on your claim processing by sending a written request to the NYSDOL explaining your situation. Obviously doesn't help your current situation, but might be useful info for others. The fact that so many people in this thread are dealing with the same "lost documents" issue really shows how broken their system is. At least we're all helping each other figure out workarounds! Keep us posted on how the Spanish option works out for those trying it - fingers crossed it helps more people get through! 🤞

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience since I see so many people struggling with adjudication delays. I went through this same situation about 6 months ago - filed for unemployment after being laid off from my retail job and got stuck in adjudication for almost 5 weeks. It was incredibly stressful financially, but I learned a few things that might help others here. First, definitely keep filing your weekly claims even while under review - you'll get backpay if approved. Second, try to gather any documentation you have about your layoff (termination letter, final paycheck stub showing reason, etc.) in case they ask for it. Third, be patient but persistent - I eventually got through on the phone after calling first thing in the morning on a Tuesday. The whole process is frustrating but most legitimate layoffs do get approved eventually. Wishing everyone dealing with this the best of luck!

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim 3 weeks ago after being laid off from my job at a local bookstore due to budget cuts, and it's been stuck in adjudication ever since. The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you're counting on those benefits to cover basic expenses. I've been calling the NYS Department of Labor daily but can never get through - just endless hold music or busy signals. It's frustrating not knowing if there's something wrong with my application or if this is just normal processing time. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel less alone in this situation though. Hoping we all get resolution soon!

I went through this exact situation last month! Changed my direct deposit on a Tuesday and my payment was supposed to hit that Friday. The payment still went to my old account as expected, but here's the key thing - I called the old bank immediately when it posted and explained I was closing the account due to fees. They actually waived the monthly maintenance fee for that month since I was transferring everything out right away. Might be worth a shot to call your bank and explain the situation - some of them will work with you, especially if you mention you're dealing with unemployment. Then just make the DD change after this payment clears to be safe.

I just went through this same headache two months ago. Here's what I learned the hard way: NY unemployment processes payments about 3-5 days in advance, so if your payment is already scheduled for Wednesday, that money is basically already "in the pipeline" to your current bank. Even if you change your direct deposit info today, this week's payment will still go to your old account. The new bank info only takes effect for future payments. So you're safe to wait until Thursday to make the change - you won't lose this payment and you won't risk any delays. I know those bank fees suck (been there!) but it's better to eat one more fee than deal with the nightmare of a frozen unemployment account. Trust me on this one!