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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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December??? bruh why did u wait so long fr
was trying to find work didnt think id need it 😔
we all been there no shade. hope u get it worked out
Just went through this myself! Filed my backdate request in January after losing my job in November. They approved it but I had to provide a letter from my doctor about anxiety/depression that prevented me from filing right away. The key is being honest about why you waited and having some kind of documentation to back it up. Also keep records of any job applications you submitted during those weeks - it shows you were genuinely trying to find work. Don't give up, it's definitely possible! 🙏
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This entire thread has been incredibly reassuring! I'm currently on day 4 of waiting for my waiting week to be released and was starting to really worry about the whole process. Seeing Henrietta's actual timeline - waiting week released on Tuesday, first payment received Friday - gives me so much more confidence than the vague information on the NYSDOL website. It's also really helpful to see the warnings about potential delays and flags that might need manual clearing. I've got direct deposit set up and have been certifying weekly, so hopefully when my waiting week gets released I'll have a similarly smooth 3-day experience. This thread should honestly be pinned somewhere because it has way more useful real-world information than any official documentation I've found. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, both good and frustrating - it really helps newcomers like me know what to expect!
I'm so glad this thread is helping you too! Day 4 isn't too bad - I know it feels like forever when you're stressed about money, but from what I've seen here and in other threads, waiting weeks usually get released within the first week or two. The fact that you've already got direct deposit set up and are staying on top of your weekly certifications puts you in a great position for when it does get released. And you're absolutely right that this thread has way more practical information than anything official - it's amazing how much more helpful real people's experiences are compared to the generic government website info. Hang in there, your waiting week should hopefully get released soon and then you'll be looking at that same 3-day timeline to your first payment!
This thread is absolutely amazing - thank you everyone for sharing real timelines and experiences! I'm currently in week 3 of waiting for my waiting week to be released and was getting really anxious about the whole process. Seeing Henrietta's successful 3-day turnaround from waiting week release (Tuesday) to first payment (Friday) gives me so much hope! It's also really valuable to see both the success stories and the warnings about potential system issues that might require calling. I've been religiously certifying every week and have direct deposit set up, so hopefully when my turn comes I'll have a similarly smooth experience. The fact that multiple people here had the same 3 business day timeline really helps set realistic expectations. This thread has more useful information than hours of searching through the confusing NYSDOL website - you all are lifesavers!
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This whole system is so frustrating! Companies think they can just eliminate positions when people are on maternity leave and get away with it. At least unemployment is available but the process is still a nightmare to navigate.
Yeah, the timing definitely feels suspicious to me too. But I need to focus on getting benefits approved first, then maybe look into whether this was legal.
I went through something very similar when my employer "restructured" while I was on maternity leave. The NYS Department of Labor approved my claim without any issues once I provided the FMLA documentation and termination letter. One thing that really helped was being very clear on my application that I was on approved leave with a guaranteed job to return to, and that the employer eliminated the position during my protected leave period. Make sure you emphasize that you were ready and able to return to work when your leave ended. The whole process took about 2-3 weeks for me to get my first payment. Don't let them intimidate you - you absolutely deserve these benefits!
This is really helpful to hear from someone who went through the exact same situation! 2-3 weeks sounds reasonable. Did you have to do any follow-up calls or did it all process smoothly once you submitted the documentation? I'm hoping to avoid any delays since I need the income ASAP.
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@Logan Stewart One thing I wish someone had told me when I first filed - make sure you set up direct deposit right away if possible. Getting paper checks can add delays, especially around holidays. Also, don't panic if your first payment takes a bit longer than expected - there's often some processing time for new claims. Since you mentioned having a mortgage and kids, you might also want to check if you qualify for any other assistance programs while on unemployment. Some utilities companies have payment assistance programs, and there might be local food banks or other resources that can help stretch your benefits further during those 6 months. The key is really to treat job searching like a full-time job from day one - the 26 weeks will be here before you know it.
@Dylan Baskin This is all such valuable advice! I really appreciate you mentioning the direct deposit tip - I definitely don t'want any delays with payments, especially with a mortgage to cover. The idea about checking for other assistance programs is smart too. I hadn t'thought about utility payment programs or local resources, but every bit helps when you re'stretching benefits over 6 months. You re'absolutely right about treating job searching like a full-time job. I think I was underestimating how quickly that 26-week clock starts ticking. Better to be proactive from day one than scrambling at week 20. Thanks for taking the time to share all these practical tips - it s'exactly what I needed to hear as someone completely new to this process.
I'm in a similar boat - just got let go from my job and trying to navigate this whole unemployment system for the first time. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add that I called the NYS Department of Labor yesterday and the wait time was over 2 hours, but I did eventually get through to speak with someone. They confirmed the 26 weeks (6 months) and helped me understand the weekly certification process. One thing they emphasized was to keep all your job search documentation organized from the start - apparently they do random audits and you need to be able to prove you're actively looking. Also, they mentioned that if you have any part-time or temporary work while collecting benefits, you need to report it immediately or you could face penalties. The whole process is definitely overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job, but at least knowing it's a solid 6 months gives some peace of mind for planning.
Diego Flores
ugh the whole system is so frustrating!!! why does it take so long just to verify basic information?? my old job probably threw the letter in the trash and now im stuck waiting indefinitely
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Ravi Kapoor
•I understand the frustration, but the process usually moves faster than it seems. Most non-response cases resolve within 3-4 weeks from filing.
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Emma Davis
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed 3 weeks ago and it's been in adjudication the whole time. My former employer was terrible with paperwork when I worked there so I doubt they'll respond either. Thanks everyone for the info about continuing to file weekly claims - I had no idea that was so important. @Isabella hopefully both our claims get resolved soon! The waiting is the worst part when you're counting on these benefits.
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Anastasia Popov
•@Emma I'm in the exact same boat! It's such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this. The uncertainty is killing me - I keep checking the portal obsessively hoping something will change. At least now I know to keep filing those weekly claims. Fingers crossed we both hear something positive soon! Have you been able to get through to anyone on the phone or are you just waiting it out like me?
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