Don't panic yet! A week is pretty normal for processing. I got laid off from my restaurant job in March and it took about 10 days before I saw 'approved' in my account. Then I had to wait for the debit card to arrive before I could access any money. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while waiting for approval - you can backdate them but it's easier to stay current.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim about 8 days ago and still seeing "claim processing" status. From what I've read on the NYS DOL website, initial claims can take up to 3 weeks to process depending on their current volume. The key thing is to keep checking your my.ny.gov account and make sure you're certified for benefits each week even while waiting for approval. I've also heard that if they need any additional documentation, they'll request it through your online account rather than calling, so definitely check for any messages or requests in there. Trying to stay patient but it's definitely nerve-wracking when you're counting on that income!

ugh the waiting is the worst part!! I'm going through the same thing with a different company and it's driving me crazy. At least you know it was a legit layoff so you should be good.

I went through this exact situation with Amazon LGA8 in Queens about 8 months ago. Amazon definitely provides comprehensive documentation to NYS DOL but they're not maliciously fighting claims - it's just their standard process. The 3-4 week adjudication timeframe is pretty normal, especially for larger employers where they have to verify employment dates, reason for separation, etc. Since you mentioned it was a legitimate layoff due to volume reduction, you should be fine. Just make sure you keep certifying weekly even during adjudication. The benefits will be backdated once approved. Hang in there!

Make sure u get everything in writing and keep copies of EVERYTHING. Also the hearing might be by phone now instead of in person so that makes it easier

I went through a very similar situation about 6 months ago - also got denied for "misconduct" when it was clearly a layoff due to company restructuring. The appeal process was intimidating at first but totally worth it. A few key things that helped me: 1) File your appeal ASAP - you really do only have 30 days, 2) Keep filing your weekly certifications even though you're not getting paid (this was crucial advice I got here), 3) For the hearing, I wrote out a timeline of exactly what happened with dates and kept it simple and factual. The judge was actually very fair and asked good questions. I won my appeal and got all the back pay. Don't let them intimidate you - if you were truly laid off due to downsizing, you have a strong case. Stay organized and stick to the facts!

Based on your responses, it sounds like your claim is stuck in what's sometimes called 'adjudication purgatory.' This typically happens when there's an issue that requires manual review, but your case hasn't been assigned to an adjudicator yet due to backlogs. I highly recommend using the state representative route that several of us have mentioned. Here's exactly how to do it: 1. Find your NY State Assembly member here: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/ 2. Call their office directly and explain that you've been waiting 9 months for unemployment benefits with no resolution 3. They'll have you fill out a form authorizing them to inquire about your case 4. Their office has special contacts at NYSDOL who can often get answers and resolution much faster than individuals can Please come back and let us know if any of these suggestions work for you. Your case is extreme even by NYSDOL standards, and I'm hoping you get resolution soon.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - 9 months is absolutely unconscionable. I went through something similar (though only 4 months) and what finally broke it loose was a combination of things others have mentioned here. One thing I'll add that helped me: when you do get through to someone at NYSDOL, ask them to read you the specific "issue codes" or flags on your account. Don't let them just say "under review" - insist they tell you the actual codes. Write them down and ask what each one means. Sometimes the phone reps don't even look at the details, but if you push for specifics, they'll actually investigate your file. Also, if you're on Facebook, there are some NY unemployment groups where people share real-time info about which phone numbers are getting through faster on any given day. The main number isn't always the best option. Hang in there - with this level of delay, when it does get resolved you should get a substantial lump sum that will help you catch up. But I know that doesn't help with rent due next week. Definitely try the assembly member route ASAP.

I went through this exact nightmare last year. Got the "assigned to a worker" update in June and didn't see a penny until September - 3 full months. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I contacted my state senator's office (they have constituent services specifically for this), kept calling DOL every other day, AND used that Claimyr service people mentioned to actually get through to supervisors. The state senator's office was honestly the game changer - they have direct contacts at DOL and can flag urgent cases. Don't give up, the backpay when it finally comes through will cover everything you're owed. I know it doesn't help with bills right now, but also look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs while you wait. This system is absolutely broken but persistence does eventually pay off.

I'm going through this exact situation right now too! Filed in January, got the "assigned to a worker" update about 3 weeks ago, and still nothing. The financial stress is absolutely killing me - I'm behind on everything and my credit is starting to tank. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time. Sounds like it could be anywhere from a few more weeks to several more months. I'm definitely going to try contacting my state representative's office based on all the success stories here - seems like that's the most consistent way to actually get results. Also probably going to bite the bullet and try that Claimyr service since I'm spending hours every day trying to get through anyway. This whole system is just designed to wear people down until they give up. Hang in there Aaron, we're all in this nightmare together! 💪