Update: I tried calling again today using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to a tier 2 specialist! They confirmed that my verification was completed by Homeland Security last week but was sitting in a queue waiting for final review. The specialist manually moved it to the payment processing stage and said I should see funds in 3-5 business days. Also, they're going to include all the backdated payments! Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting it resolved! This thread is so helpful - I'm dealing with a similar work authorization issue right now (H1B visa holder) and have been stuck for 2 weeks. Going to try the Claimyr service and also check if my name matches exactly between my documents and application. It's crazy how many different answers we get from different agents when most of them don't seem to understand the SAVE verification process at all. Thanks for sharing your update!

Just want to say hang in there - I know the waiting is stressful especially when you have bills due. Once the system gets going with your payments they usually become more predictable.

I went through this same situation a few months ago and the waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking when you're counting on that money. In my experience, the first payment after approval typically takes 10-14 business days to arrive by mail. Since you filed your weekly claim on Sunday and it shows as processed, you're probably looking at getting the check sometime next week if you're lucky, or the week after more realistically. One thing that helped me track it better was setting up text alerts through my.ny.gov - at least then you know exactly when they say it's been mailed out. The good news is that once you get into the rhythm, subsequent checks usually come much more consistently.

Congrats on the new job! Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me - when you do your final certification and report returning to work, make sure you have your exact start date ready. The system will ask for the specific date, not just "this week" or "next week." I made that mistake and had to call back to correct it (which was a nightmare). Also, if you're starting mid-week like November 17th (which is a Sunday if we're talking about this year), you'll still certify for that partial week but report your earnings from the new job. The system will calculate your partial benefit automatically. Good luck with the new position!

Hey @Zara Perez! I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you know what to do. When you certify for your last week (the week ending before you start work), make sure to answer "YES" when they ask if your employment status changed and enter November 17th as your return-to-work date. After that, just stop certifying - don't file a new claim or anything. Your claim stays open for a full year in case you need it again, but it goes inactive once you stop certifying. The key is being honest about your work status on that final certification. I was worried about the same things you mentioned, but as long as you don't keep certifying after you start working, you'll be totally fine. Congrats on landing the job! 🎉

The whole system is so confusing!! Why can't they just make this stuff clear on the website instead of making us guess about every little detail.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - on workers comp for a shoulder injury but can still do computer work. What I learned is you need to be really specific with the Department of Labor about what type of work you CAN do, not just what you can't. When I registered for work search, I made sure to list all the job types that don't involve physical labor. The key is being honest about your restrictions while showing you're genuinely looking for suitable work within those limits.

Write a formal hardship letter. Send it certified mail to NYSDOL Commissioner's Office. Include documentation of financial hardship (eviction notice, utility shutoff, bank statements showing $0, etc). By law they have to prioritize hardship cases. My cousin works at DOL and told me this is what actually gets claims expedited internally.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of waiting 5+ months for basic financial support you're entitled to is unimaginable. I've been following this thread and there's some really solid advice here. Based on what others have shared, I'd prioritize these steps in this order: 1) Contact your STATE SENATOR's office (not just assemblyman) - they seem to have more direct connections to DOL, 2) Send that certified hardship letter to the Commissioner's office that Maria mentioned - especially since you're facing eviction, 3) File the AG complaint that ApolloJackson suggested, and 4) Try that claimyr service to actually get through to a Tier 2 agent who can see what's really blocking your claim. Document everything with dates and names. Don't give up - you've paid into this system and deserve these benefits. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease with NY unemployment. Sending you strength! 💪