I'm in the same boat - got approved 10 days ago but still no card! Reading through these comments, sounds like I should double check my address in the system and maybe call KeyBank if it hits the 2 week mark. Really don't want to get hit with late fees on my rent because of this delay 😩 Has anyone had luck getting emergency payments while waiting for the card?

Been through this exact same situation! My card took almost 2.5 weeks to arrive, which was super stressful. Here's what I learned: First, definitely verify your address is 100% correct in the NY.gov system - even small typos can cause major delays. Second, if you're past the 10 day mark, call KeyBank at 1-866-295-2955 to check the status. The hold times are terrible but you need to know if it was actually mailed. Third, seriously consider switching to direct deposit right now for future payments - it's so much faster and you won't have this anxiety again. You can change it in your online account under payment methods. The money that's already been issued to the card will still come on the card, but at least future payments will hit your bank directly. Hang in there, it will arrive!

Keep in mind that even if you qualify for the max $504, you still need to meet all the other requirements like doing job searches and filing your weekly claims on time. NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about the work search requirements now - you need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records.

The $504 is decent but honestly doesn't go very far these days especially in NYC. At least it's something though while you're looking for work.

Before you go looking for physical offices, try calling the NYS Department of Labor technical support line early in the morning around 8 AM. They have separate numbers for different issues. Also, if your weekly claim certification is stuck, log out completely and clear your browser cache before logging back into my.ny.gov. Sometimes that resolves display issues where the system isn't showing pending adjudications properly.

I'm in a similar situation in upstate NY - been waiting 3 weeks for my certification to go through. From what I've researched, most of the physical NYS Department of Labor offices are now "American Job Centers" and they primarily handle career services rather than unemployment claims. The one in Syracuse requires appointments and they told me over the phone that they can't access individual claim files anyway. Your best bet might be trying to call right at 8 AM when the phone lines open, or using that callback feature on my.ny.gov if you can find it (it's buried pretty deep in the site). Also check if you have any messages in your correspondence section - sometimes there are requests for additional info that don't show up as alerts.

Wait I thought there was some rule about not being able to file again within a certain time period? Or am I thinking of something else??

I've been in a similar situation and can confirm there's no lifetime limit. I've filed unemployment claims about 5 times over the past decade due to company restructuring and contract work ending. Each time, as long as I had enough qualifying wages in my base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before filing), my claim was approved. The NYS DOL really just cares that you meet the current eligibility requirements - sufficient work history, unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available for work. Don't stress about your previous claims affecting future eligibility!

@Zoe Papadopoulos I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago with my 3 kids. You absolutely can get both, but like others mentioned, they'll reduce your TANF by whatever you get from UI. In my case, I was getting $405/week from unemployment and my TANF ended up being around $200/month after the offset - but every little bit helps when you're struggling. The application process for TANF was honestly a pain (lots of documents, interviews, etc.) but the caseworker was pretty understanding about my situation. Also make sure to ask about the emergency rental assistance when you apply - I got help with two months of back rent through their emergency program which was a lifesaver. Hang in there, it does get better!

I'm currently navigating this same situation and wanted to add that timing can be really important. When I applied for TANF, they asked for my most recent unemployment payment stubs, so make sure you have those ready along with your initial UI determination letter. One thing that caught me off guard was that they also wanted to see my job search log - apparently they cross-reference with the DOL requirements to make sure you're meeting both programs' work search obligations. Also, if you're already receiving any emergency food assistance or utilities help from other organizations, you'll need to report that too. The whole process took about 6 weeks from application to first payment, so don't wait if you're already struggling. The sooner you get in the system, the sooner you can get help. And definitely ask about childcare assistance if you need it for job interviews - that's another benefit that can help while you're job searching.