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!

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.

Hey Gavin, I just wanted to reach out because I went through almost the exact same nightmare with NYSDOL last year. 8 months of waiting, constant "pending" status, and getting absolutely nowhere with phone calls. What finally worked for me was a combination of what Morgan and Lucas suggested - contacting my assembly member AND filing a complaint with the Inspector General. But here's the key thing that made the difference: I also submitted a written request for a "supervisory review" through the online portal. There's actually a form buried in the system specifically for cases that have been pending over 90 days without action. The magic happened when all three things converged - suddenly I had three different offices asking NYSDOL about my case at the same time, and within 48 hours someone actually looked at my file and found the issue (a computer glitch that had incorrectly flagged me as having an open claim from 2019 that was already resolved). Also, when you call your assembly member, mention the specific timeline - 9 months is actually grounds for them to escalate this as an emergency constituent services case. Most reps' offices have seen enough of these NYSDOL disasters that they know exactly how to handle them. You're so close to getting this resolved. Don't give up now!

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! 💪

Just want to emphasize what others have said - definitely file with NYS Department of Labor since you've been working from Buffalo. I went through this exact situation a few months ago (remote work for an out-of-state company) and NYS processed my claim without any issues. One tip: when you file online, make sure to clearly indicate that you were working remotely from New York in the work location section. It helps avoid any confusion during the review process. The whole application took me about 45 minutes to complete, and I started receiving benefits within 2 weeks.

Another thing to keep in mind - when you file with NYS Department of Labor, they might ask for verification that you were actually working from New York. I'd recommend gathering some documentation like utility bills, lease agreement, or other proof showing you were physically residing and working in Buffalo during your employment period. Also, if your California employer has any questions about the unemployment claim, they'll be dealing with NY state rather than their home state system, which sometimes causes minor delays in their response to benefit verification requests. But this shouldn't affect your eligibility at all since you clearly meet NY's requirements.

This is SO frustrating and unfortunately way too common with NY unemployment right now. I had a similar issue a few months back where my claims would show as "submitted" but then just disappear into the void with no payment processing. What ended up working for me was a combination of things: I kept detailed records of every certification (screenshots, confirmation numbers, dates), sent messages through the online portal every few days with updates, and eventually got through by calling right at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. The rep told me there was some kind of "processing error" that required manual intervention - basically my account got stuck in limbo and needed a human to push it through. The key things that helped: - Document EVERYTHING with screenshots - Keep certifying weekly no matter what (this is super important) - Try calling right when they open at 8 AM - Send messages through your online account portal - Don't give up - your money is there, it's just stuck in their broken system It took about 3 weeks total to resolve but I got all my back payments at once. Hang in there, you're definitely not alone in this nightmare! The system is beyond broken but your benefits are still there waiting for you.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago and it shows as "certified" in the system but absolutely zero trace of it in payment history. It's like it just vanished. I've been calling nonstop but can't get through to anyone. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful - sounds like this is a widespread system glitch that requires talking to an actual person to fix. Going to try the early morning calling strategy and maybe look into that Claimyr service if I get desperate enough. It's so frustrating that they can't even send a simple notification when there's an issue with your claim! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least now I know I'm not going crazy and this isn't just happening to me.