just keep filing every week and eventually it will go through, took mine like a month to get approved but I got all the back pay

@Paolo Conti - I went through the exact same thing last year! The key points everyone mentioned are spot on: 1) Keep filing your weekly claims even while pending - this is crucial! 2) NY has no waiting period, so you're eligible from week 1 if approved 3) The pending status is normal while they verify everything. One thing that helped me was checking my online account regularly for any requests for additional documents - sometimes they ask for pay stubs or separation paperwork and if you miss those requests it delays everything even more. Also make sure you're documenting your job search activities because they can ask for that info during the review process. Hang in there, it's stressful but once it gets approved you should get all the back pay for the weeks you've been filing!

The NYS Department of Labor system is such a nightmare. I've been fighting with them for months over an overpayment notice that makes no sense. They want me to pay back money I never even received! Good luck getting any straight answers from them.

Hey @AstroAdventurer, I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my bartending job in Manhattan. The benefit calculation can be tricky but here's what I learned: NYC location doesn't change the benefit amount - it's all based on NYS rates. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of all my reported tips since those count toward your base period wages. Also, don't stress too much about the exact amount until you get your monetary determination letter - mine was actually higher than I calculated because I forgot about some overtime pay from busy holiday shifts. The key is to file ASAP since there's a waiting period, and make sure you're doing your weekly certifications on time. The job search requirement is real but there are tons of restaurant jobs in NYC right now so you should be able to find something. Good luck!

OMG this is so stressful! I've been dealing with the same exact issue all morning. The website keeps timing out right after I enter my login info. I'm a single mom and really can't afford to miss this week's payment. Has anyone tried using a VPN to see if that helps? Sometimes switching your location can get around server issues. Also wondering if anyone knows what time the system usually gets fixed when this happens? I have to work tonight so I'm hoping it's back up soon 😰

I'm having the exact same problem! Been trying since 7am and the site just keeps spinning after login. This is my first time dealing with a system outage like this and I'm honestly panicking a bit. I work part-time retail and every week of benefits really matters for my budget. Reading through all these comments is both reassuring (that it's not just me) and terrifying (that this happens regularly). Going to try the phone line at 1-888-581-5812 that people mentioned. Really hoping this gets fixed soon because the stress of not knowing when I'll be able to certify is making me sick to my stomach. Why can't they at least post updates on their website when these outages happen so we know what's going on?? 😤

just applied for both when i lost my job in december. got approved for medicaid within like 2 weeks and it backdated to when i applied. unemployment took longer to kick in but having the health coverage was such a relief

Just wanted to add that when you apply for medicaid while on unemployment, make sure to have your award letter from DOL handy - they'll want to see proof of your weekly benefit amount. Also, if your unemployment runs out and you're still looking for work, you can update your medicaid application to reflect the income change, which might make you eligible for even more coverage. The income limits change every year so it's worth checking even if you think you make too much!

TBH you're better off focusing on finding a job that doesn't require heavy lifting than wasting time on unemployment applications you won't qualify for. There's lots of WFH jobs these days that don't require any physical labor. That's your best bet with back problems.

I'm in a somewhat similar boat - limited work history due to health issues. One thing I'd suggest is looking into your state's vocational rehabilitation services. They can help with job training, placement assistance, and even provide accommodations for your back problems. It might be a better long-term solution than just relying on benefits. They often work with people who have physical limitations to find sustainable employment options. Worth checking out while you're exploring the SSI route.