Hey! I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now - filed 3 weeks ago and still waiting on my first payment after the waiting week. Been certifying religiously every Sunday but nothing yet. Really stressing about bills piling up. Has anyone had luck calling the main number or is it still impossible to get through? Might have to try that claimyr thing people are mentioning...

Just went through this same situation last month! For me, the first payment came exactly 3 weeks after completing my waiting week. The key thing is to make sure you're logging into your account and checking for any "action items" or document requests - sometimes they need additional verification and won't tell you unless you check. Also double-check that your direct deposit info is correct in your profile. Once mine started, I got all the backpay in one lump sum which was actually pretty nice. Hang in there, the wait is nerve-wracking but it does come through!

Just to add my 2 cents - I got my first payment exactly 5 business days after my first weekly certification was processed. Every week after that it was like clockwork, same day each week. Hang in there!

I'm going through something similar right now - applied 10 days ago and still waiting for my first payment even though my claim shows approved. From what I've read on the NYS DOL website, first payments can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks after your initial certification is processed, especially if there's any backlog in their system. Have you tried calling the customer service line? I know it's hard to get through but sometimes they can give you a more specific timeline for when to expect your payment.

Another thing to watch out for - make sure you're certifying for benefits on the right days. In NY you can usually certify starting Sunday for the previous week, and you have until the following Saturday to do it. If you miss your certification window, you could delay your payments even more. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to certify one week and had to wait an extra week to get back on track. Set a reminder on your phone!

Just went through this myself a few months ago. The waiting period is real - it's basically NYS making you wait one full week before any payments start. But here's what helped me: download the NY.gov mobile app if you haven't already. It makes the weekly certifications way easier and you can check your payment status faster than the website. Also, if your monetary determination is complete, that's actually a good sign - means they've calculated your benefit amount. You should be able to see your weekly benefit amount in your account even if no payment date is showing yet. Hang in there, the first payment is always the most stressful to wait for!

The whole system is honestly a nightmare to navigate. Between the confusing website, impossible phone lines, and constant delays, it's like they don't want you to get benefits. But unfortunately it's the only safety net we have. Just be prepared for lots of frustration and bureaucratic nonsense.

One thing that really helped me when I first applied was gathering all my documents beforehand. Make sure you have your driver's license or state ID, Social Security card, and detailed employment info for every job in the last 18 months - employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, and reason you left each job. Also have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup. The application process goes much smoother when you're not scrambling to find paperwork halfway through.

Just want to thank everyone in this thread for the clear explanations! I was having the exact same confusion as the OP. I kept checking my payment statements thinking there was an error. Now I understand that the NY tax relief only applies to STATE taxes and only when we file our 2025 tax returns - not the weekly payments. The federal withholding (usually 10%) continues as normal unless we change our settings. I think I'll keep my federal withholding active too since I don't want to deal with a big tax bill next April. Really appreciate this community helping each other figure out these confusing government policies!

This whole situation is exactly why government communications need to be clearer! The Governor's announcement should have explicitly stated "STATE tax relief only - federal withholding continues unchanged." I spent way too much time thinking my account was messed up. For anyone else just finding this thread: the bottom line is that NY is waiving STATE income tax on unemployment benefits for 2025, but this only shows up as savings when you file your state tax return next year, NOT on your weekly payments. Federal taxes (usually 10%) are completely separate and will continue being withheld unless you change your settings. Thanks to everyone who explained this so clearly!