While you're waiting for adjudication, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet. If you miss filing weeks, you could lose those benefits permanently even after your issues are resolved. Also, document every attempt you make to contact NYS Department of Labor - dates, times, how long you waited on hold. This information can be helpful if you need to file an appeal later or if there are any questions about your job search efforts during this period.

Have you tried contacting your local assembly member or state senator's office? Their constituent services departments often have direct lines to NYS Department of Labor and can help escalate stuck cases. I had a similar situation last year where my claim was pending for 5 weeks, and after my assembly member's office made one call, I got a determination within 3 days. They don't charge anything for this service and it's part of what they do for constituents. You can find your representatives at nysenate.gov and assembly.state.ny.us by entering your zip code. Worth a shot while you're also trying the other suggestions people have given.

The immigration stuff is separate from unemployment but yeah you need to be careful. Keep documenting your job search efforts for NYS Department of Labor and also for immigration purposes. Some visa types require you to maintain status and prolonged unemployment could affect that.

I went through something similar on an H-1B visa. The 90-day thing your lawyer mentioned is likely about maintaining lawful status - some visa types have grace periods or requirements about actively seeking work. NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits themselves don't have a 90-day cutoff for visa holders, but your immigration status could be affected. I'd recommend getting specific guidance from your immigration attorney about your visa type and also maybe reaching out to NYS Department of Labor directly to confirm there aren't any special reporting requirements for your situation. Better to be proactive than find out later there was something you should have done differently.

You raise valid points about job quality. NYS Department of Labor is actually working on this through their economic development partnerships. They're focusing on attracting tech companies, green energy projects, and advanced manufacturing. These create higher-paying jobs that require the kind of training programs they're expanding. It's a long-term strategy but the pieces are connecting.

I think one major issue is that the current system focuses too much on quantity of job applications rather than quality. The weekly job search requirements push people to apply for anything just to meet the quota, which wastes everyone's time - both job seekers and employers. NYS Department of Labor could improve by offering more personalized career coaching and helping people target jobs that actually match their skills and salary needs. Also, they should streamline the communication process - if people can't even get through to discuss available programs, how can the system work effectively?

Quick tip: check your message inbox on the portal everyday. sometimes they need additional docs but dont email you about it smh

Been through this nightmare myself - took 3 weeks exactly after ID.me verification. The key thing is making sure your paystubs match EXACTLY what you put on your initial claim (dates, employer name, everything). One tiny discrepancy and they'll hold it up for weeks without telling you. Also double check that your ID.me name matches your unemployment account name perfectly. If there's even a middle initial difference, it can cause delays. Keep certifying weekly no matter what - don't let that lapse or you'll have to start over!

I'm in a similar situation with only a few weeks left. Does anyone know if the part-time work I did during unemployment affects my wage base for a new claim? I reported everything correctly but I'm worried it might not be enough to qualify for a new benefit year.

@Carmen Lopez I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago - had about 24 weeks used up and was panicking about what came next. Andre is right that it's 26 weeks max for regular benefits. The key thing is whether you'll qualify for a new claim when your benefit year ends. You need to have earned enough wages in your new base period (which includes any part-time work you did while on unemployment). I'd strongly recommend trying to get through to NYS DOL to check your wage history and see if you'll qualify for a new claim. Also keep detailed records of all your job search activities - they may ask for proof when you file the new claim.