make sure you're doing the job search requirements too even while waiting. they can ask for your log anytime and if you don't have it you could get disqualified

I went through this same process about 6 months ago after being laid off from my job of 5 years. My timeline was pretty typical - filed on a Wednesday, got my first payment exactly 3 weeks later. The waiting can be nerve-wracking but try not to stress too much. One thing that helped me was setting up direct deposit right away if you haven't already - it speeds up payment delivery by a few days compared to the debit card option. Also keep all your documentation handy (layoff notice, pay stubs, etc.) just in case they need anything, though for a straightforward layoff like yours they probably won't.

This is so frustrating but unfortunately pretty common with NY DOL. I went through something similar when I had to reschedule a phone interview. The key is persistence - keep claiming every week like others said, and definitely document everything with timestamps. One thing that helped me was calling first thing in the morning right when they open (8am). The hold times are usually shorter then. Also, if you haven't already, make sure your work search log is completely up to date in the system because they're really cracking down on that stuff lately. Hang in there - the backpay will come through once they clear the review! 🙏

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! Missed my work search meeting due to a family emergency, rescheduled immediately, did everything they asked including the questionnaire and job zone requirements. It's been 3 weeks of claiming with no payments and I'm getting really stressed about my rent. Has anyone had luck with the secure messaging system through the unemployment portal? I sent a message last week but haven't heard back. Also wondering if there's a specific department or phone number that handles these review cases faster than the general line? Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - at least I know I'm not alone in this mess! 😤

The detection timeline depends on when your employer reports wages to the state. Some employers report new hires within days, others might take the full 20 days they're allowed. Then there's quarterly wage matching. Bottom line - don't risk it, always report work immediately on your weekly claim.

I work in HR and can confirm that we're required to report new hires to the state directory within 20 days, but most companies do it much faster through automated systems. NYS also gets quarterly wage reports from all employers. The cross-matching happens regularly, not just once a year. I've seen people think they're safe for months only to get hit with massive overpayment demands. Even if you only worked one day and earned $50, report it - the penalties for not reporting can be way more than what you'd lose in benefits.

definitely file asap because even if they deny you initially you can appeal and the whole time youre appealing you should keep filing your weekly claims

I went through something similar about 6 months ago - got fired for what they called "attendance issues" but it was really due to my mom's medical appointments that I had to help with. The NYS Department of Labor actually sided with me during adjudication because I had emails showing I tried to work with my supervisor on the scheduling. The key thing is to file your claim right away like others said, and when they do the fact-finding interview, be honest about the childcare situation and any communication you had with your employer about it. Also keep filing those weekly claims even if your case is under review - you don't want to miss out on benefits for weeks you should have been eligible for. The whole process took about 4 weeks for me but I ended up getting approved and they paid me retroactively for the waiting period.

Just to add - if you do get any legal paperwork about garnishment, don't ignore it even if you think your unemployment is protected. You still need to respond and assert your rights under the exemption laws.

I went through something similar last year. The key thing to remember is that even though unemployment benefits have some protection from garnishment for regular consumer debt like credit cards, you should still respond to any legal notices you receive. Don't just assume you're automatically protected - you need to formally claim the exemption. Also, keep detailed records of all communications with both the creditor and NYS Department of Labor. In my case, I had to provide documentation proving my only income was unemployment benefits. The creditor eventually backed off once I properly asserted my rights, but it took several months to resolve.