just keep filing your weekly claims no matter what, you'll get backpay for all the weeks once it goes through

Two weeks is pretty normal for initial processing, especially in NY where they have high volume. I went through the same thing last year - filed my claim, did my weekly certifications religiously, and felt like nothing was happening. Then suddenly in week 3, all my backpay showed up at once. The key is to keep doing those weekly certifications even though it feels pointless. Also, try logging in at different times of day - sometimes the portal updates overnight and you might see status changes you missed. If you hit the 4 week mark with no updates, that's when I'd start trying to call them directly.

Just an update - mine finally went through after 3 weeks and I got back pay for all the weeks I certified. Hang in there!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago after getting laid off from my job in Rochester. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're watching bills pile up. What helped me was setting up automatic payments or payment plans with my utilities and landlord while waiting - most companies are understanding if you explain you're waiting on unemployment. Also make sure you're documenting everything - screenshot your weekly certifications and keep records of when you filed. That 2-3 week timeframe seems to be the norm unfortunately, but like Connor said, you should get backpay for all the weeks you've been certifying once it goes through.

Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims even while it's pending. If there was a delay in processing, you'll still get paid for those weeks once it's approved. Also double-check that you answered all the questions correctly on your initial application - sometimes a wrong answer can trigger a review.

Five weeks is definitely on the longer side, but unfortunately not unheard of during busy periods. I went through something similar last winter - my claim took about 6 weeks to process because there was a discrepancy with my employer's wage reporting that required manual review. The good news is once it gets approved, you should receive all your back payments for the weeks you've been certifying. In the meantime, try reaching out to your local career center - sometimes they have direct contacts at the Department of Labor who can help expedite stuck claims. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs while you're waiting. Hang in there!

For the original poster - if this drags on past 10 business days, definitely escalate. Sometimes pending payments get stuck in the system due to random flags or if there was any employer response to your separation that needs review. The key is getting to speak with someone who can look at your specific case rather than getting generic responses.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - filed my weekly claim on Sunday and it's been pending for 4 days. This is my first time experiencing a delay like this since I started collecting benefits 2 months ago. Reading through these responses, it sounds like anywhere from a week to 10+ days isn't unusual. Really hoping it resolves soon because I have rent due next week. The uncertainty is almost worse than the actual delay.

@Elijah Brown - 10 days is still within the normal range, so try not to worry too much! I went through this same process last year after a plant closure in Buffalo. What really helped me was logging into my.ny.gov every few days to check for any messages or document requests they might have sent. Sometimes they need additional verification and if you miss those requests it can delay everything. Also make sure your contact info is up to date in case they need to reach you by phone. Keep filing those weekly claims like you're doing - that's super important for getting your full backpay once approved.

@Elijah Brown hang in there! I'm currently going through the same thing - filed my claim 12 days ago after getting laid off from my job in Syracuse and still showing "under review" too. From what I've read on the NYS DOL website, they're dealing with higher than normal claim volumes right now which is causing some delays. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was calling the automated phone line (1-888-209-8124) which at least confirmed my claim was in the system and being processed. Also seconding what others said about keeping up with those weekly certifications - I set a phone reminder every Sunday so I don't forget. We'll get through this!