Based on recent NYSDOL data, here's what most claimants can expect in 2025: - Simple claims (clean work history, employer doesn't contest): 1-2 weeks - Standard claims (typical situation): 2-3 weeks - Complex claims (multiple employers, eligibility questions): 3-6+ weeks The most important thing is to keep certifying weekly while you wait and respond immediately to any requests for additional information. About 70% of delays are caused by missing documentation or unanswered questions.

Just wanted to add that you should also make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one, even while waiting for approval. NY requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week once benefits start, and they can ask for proof retroactively. I learned this the hard way when they requested my job search log during a random audit. Keep a simple spreadsheet with company names, dates, positions applied for, and contact methods. It'll save you headaches later!

Just make sure you file your claim right away after your seasonal job ends. Don't wait thinking you need to look for work first - you can start the process immediately and then do your job search while your claim is being processed.

I'm in a similar situation - just finished my seasonal job at a resort in the Catskills. One thing I learned is that you should gather all your employment documents before filing. NYS Department of Labor will want to see your wages from all employers in your base period, not just the seasonal job. Also, if you worked for the same seasonal employer in previous years, that history can actually help establish your work pattern and eligibility. Don't let the seasonal nature of the work discourage you from applying - you earned those wages and paid into the system.

I worked at Amazon ALB1 in Albany and went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago. The 3-week adjudication wait is totally normal for Amazon employees - their HR system sends NYS DOL a massive packet of documentation that takes time to review. In my case, it actually worked out great because Amazon's records clearly showed I was laid off due to seasonal volume decrease, which supported my claim perfectly. The key thing is to keep doing your weekly certifications even while waiting - you'll get all those backdated payments once it's approved. I know the financial stress is real, but based on what you described (legitimate layoff due to reduced volume), you should be good to go. Amazon's thorough documentation usually helps rather than hurts legitimate claims.

I'm currently going through this same process with Amazon JFK8 - been waiting about 2 weeks for adjudication and starting to get anxious about it. Reading everyone's experiences here is really reassuring though! It sounds like Amazon's detailed documentation process, while slow, actually tends to work in favor of legitimate layoffs. I was also laid off due to reduced volume (they cut our entire night shift), so hopefully my case will be straightforward like the others mentioned here. The financial stress is real while waiting, but it's good to know that most people eventually got approved with full backdated payments. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this process!

Before you quit, document EVERYTHING starting now. Take photos of schedule changes, save any hostile emails or texts, write down dates and details of incidents immediately after they happen. If possible, try to get the hostile behavior in writing - maybe send an email to your boss summarizing a verbal conversation you had. Also consider filing a complaint with the state labor department about the working conditions if they're truly unsafe or illegal. Having an official complaint on file can strengthen your unemployment case.

Another thing to consider is consulting with an employment attorney before you quit. Many offer free consultations and can help you understand if your situation might qualify as constructive dismissal - where the working conditions are so bad that quitting is essentially the same as being fired. They can also advise on whether you have any other legal options against your employer for creating a hostile work environment. Having legal documentation or even just a lawyer's opinion letter about your situation could help support your unemployment claim later.

Check if you had any weeks where you certified late or had issues. sometimes they do adjustments months later. mine had a random $400 show up and it was back pay from May that finally got approved in September.

I've been dealing with NY unemployment for months and honestly their system is so unpredictable. Last month I got a random $280 deposit that turned out to be legitimate back pay from a week in April where my claim got stuck in "pending" status. The frustrating part is they never sent any notification explaining what it was for - I had to dig through my payment history to figure it out. My advice would be to screenshot everything and maybe set that money aside for a couple weeks just to be safe. If it was a mistake they'll usually catch it pretty quickly, but if it's legit back pay then you're good to go. The whole system is a mess but at least when they owe you money they eventually pay up!