The system is literally designed to make u give up istg

Just went through this exact situation last month! Had to file in both states initially to figure out which one I qualified for. Turns out NY had higher benefits for me even though my last job was in NJ. The trick is calling NJ first thing in the morning (like 8am sharp) and having all your documentation ready. Also keep a log of every call you make - dates, times, who you spoke with. That saved me when there was confusion later. Don't give up, it's worth the hassle once you get it sorted! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My payments were released on 1/20 and I'm still waiting for the card to arrive. This thread has been incredibly helpful - it's reassuring to know that 2-3 weeks seems to be the norm even though KeyBank's website is misleading about delivery times. I'm going to try calling them tomorrow using that phone number someone shared to at least confirm it was sent to the right address. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, especially the tip about the bank transfer feature once you get the card. Will definitely set that up immediately when mine finally arrives!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now - my payments were released to KeyBank on 1/22 and still nothing in my mailbox! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and concerning. It sounds like 2-3 weeks is unfortunately normal despite what their website says. I'm going to call that 866-295-2955 number tomorrow to at least verify they have the right address. This whole KeyBank card system is such a pain compared to just getting direct deposit to our own banks. Really hoping mine shows up soon because I desperately need these funds! Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and tips - it helps to know we're not alone in this frustrating wait.

Also make sure to keep detailed payroll records from day one! NYS Department of Labor will require quarterly wage reports that include each employee's name, social security number, and total wages paid. I learned this the hard way when I had to scramble to organize my records for my first quarterly filing. Setting up a good payroll system early will save you headaches later when you need to file your UI-3 quarterly reports.

For a small construction company, I'd recommend QuickBooks Payroll or Paychex Flex - both handle NYS requirements well and can automatically generate the reports you'll need for unemployment insurance filings. QuickBooks integrates nicely if you're already using their accounting software. Just make sure whatever system you choose can track prevailing wage rates if you plan to do any public works projects in NYC - that's a whole other compliance requirement for construction companies. The key is picking something that can grow with your business and handle both regular payroll and the specific reporting NYS Department of Labor requires.

Ok so this is gonna sound weird but you need to call at EXACTLY 8:02am (not 8:00, not 8:05) using the SECOND phone number on the website (not the main one). They have some weird call routing system and this specific time on that line has way less traffic. Worked for me after trying EVERYTHING else.

This is absolutely infuriating but you're not alone. I'm dealing with something similar - been pending for 8 weeks now and it's driving me crazy. The system is completely broken. From reading all these comments, it sounds like there are a few options that actually work: 1) Contact your state assembly person/senator (they apparently have direct contacts at DOL), 2) Try that claimyr service that multiple people here vouched for, or 3) Keep trying the phone at exactly 8:02am like someone mentioned. I'm going to try contacting my state rep first since that's free, then maybe the claimyr thing if that doesn't work. Hang in there - sounds like once you actually reach a human they can fix these issues pretty quickly. The hard part is just getting through to someone!

I remember when I was on unemployment back in 2019, I had to document every job I applied for and why I didn't take certain positions. The whole process was so stressful but at least now with the online system it's easier to track everything. Just make sure you're honest about your job search efforts!

Based on my experience, the 80% rule mentioned earlier is generally accurate for the first 13 weeks of benefits. After that, NYS Department of Labor becomes more flexible with what they consider "suitable work." I'd recommend documenting everything - save job postings, note why you declined offers, and keep records of salary ranges you're seeing. Also, "suitable work" considers factors beyond just salary - commute distance, work schedule, and whether it matches your skills/experience. If you're unsure about a specific job offer, it's better to call and ask rather than guess wrong and risk your benefits.