I'm actually a case worker who used to work with unemployment claims (different state though), and I can tell you that 10 days is pretty typical for the initial review phase. The NYS system has to verify your employment history, cross-reference wage records, and sometimes wait for employer responses. Since you filed due to company downsizing, that's actually one of the more straightforward scenarios - no fault determinations or complex separation issues to investigate. The good news is that once it's approved, you should receive back pay for all the weeks you've been waiting. Just keep certifying weekly if that option becomes available, even while it's under review.

I went through this same process about 6 months ago and completely understand the anxiety of watching that "under review" status day after day. In my case, it took exactly 12 days before I got approved, and like you, I was laid off due to company restructuring. What really helped me was keeping a detailed record of everything - screenshots of my claim status, copies of all documents I submitted, and notes about any communications. When my benefits finally kicked in, I got the full back pay from my initial filing date. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but since you have a clear-cut layoff situation and provided all the documentation upfront, you're likely just in the normal processing queue. Try to stay patient - I know it's easier said than done when you're dealing with financial uncertainty!

Oh no this is giving me anxiety! I hope this doesn't happen to me. What if I can't file my weekly claim on time? Will they stop my benefits?? I depend on these payments to pay rent.

I just went through this exact same situation last week! My account got locked on a Monday morning right when I was trying to certify. I called the NYS Department of Labor customer service line (888-209-8124) first thing in the morning around 8:05 AM and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The key is calling right when they open. The agent was able to unlock my account immediately after verifying my identity with my SSN and some personal info. They also backdated my weekly claim so I didn't lose any benefits. Don't stress too much - just call early tomorrow morning and you should be able to get it resolved!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Filed my reconsideration back in mid-June and here we are in late August with absolutely no movement on my case. It's incredibly frustrating because I submitted everything they asked for - W2s, paystubs, tax returns - and my online portal still shows the same low benefit rate. What's really getting to me is that I calculated it myself and I should be getting almost $200 more per week based on my actual earnings. That adds up to a lot of money over time, especially when you're already struggling financially. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it seems like 10-14 weeks is becoming the new normal which is just unacceptable. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that @Miguel Hernández mentioned because calling the regular number has been completely useless - either busy signals or hours-long waits that end in disconnections. @Jamal Brown - thanks for posting this question because clearly a lot of us are in the same boat. The 60-day expedited processing rule that @Aaliyah Jackson mentioned is news to me and might be exactly what we need to get some movement on these cases. Keep us updated on what happens when you finally get through to someone!

I'm in a very similar situation - submitted my reconsideration request back in early June and still haven't heard anything! It's now been over 10 weeks and my benefit rate hasn't changed at all. Like many others here, I calculated that I should be getting significantly more per week based on my actual earnings from last year. The lack of communication is really the worst part. At least send us a confirmation that documents were received or some kind of status update! Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel better knowing it's not just my case that's stuck in limbo. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that @Miguel Hernández recommended since calling directly has been impossible. And @Aaliyah Jackson, that 60-day expedited processing rule is really good to know - I had no idea that existed and will definitely mention it when I finally get through to someone. Thanks @Jamal Brown for starting this thread - it's clear this is a widespread issue affecting tons of people right now. Hopefully we'll all get our backpay eventually but the system really needs to be fixed!

This is really helpful information! I had no idea the rates could vary so much based on experience rating. One thing I'm still wondering about - does the size of the company affect these rates at all? Like would a small business with 5 employees pay the same percentage as a large corporation, assuming they have similar layoff histories? Also, is there any way for employees to actually see what rate their employer is paying, or is that confidential business information?

One thing that might help clarify this for everyone - the NYS DOL actually publishes an annual rate schedule that breaks down how the experience rating system works. New employers start at that 3.4% rate mentioned earlier, but after they've been in business for a few years and have enough data, their rate gets recalculated based on their "reserve ratio" - basically comparing how much they've paid in versus how much their former employees have claimed. Companies with positive reserve ratios (paid in more than was claimed) get lower rates, while those with negative ratios pay higher rates. It's actually a pretty fair system when you think about it, since it makes the costs directly tied to actual usage.

just put 00-0000000 if you dont know it, they'll figure it out later

If your small restaurant employer isn't responding to calls, you might also try checking if they have a business license posted somewhere visible - sometimes the FEIN is listed there. Another option is to look at any old paystubs you might have saved, as some employers include it. If all else fails, you can also try searching for the business on the IRS's online EIN database or contact the NYS Department of Labor's employer services division - they might be able to help you locate the FEIN using the business name and address.