just keep filing ur weekly claims even if ur initial claim isnt approved yet thats what they told me to do

Hey PrinceJoe, I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I lost my job at a hotel in Manhattan. 10 days is still within the normal range, though I totally understand the anxiety. My claim took about 16 days to get approved. The key thing is to make sure you're logging into your NY.gov account every day to check for any messages or requests for additional documentation. Sometimes they'll ask for proof of employment or other documents and if you miss that notification, it can add weeks to your processing time. Also, definitely start filing your weekly claims now even though your initial claim is still pending - that's what the system expects you to do.

wait so if i got fired in august but never filed can i still get unemployment now??? i thought i missed my chance completely

Just wanted to add that when you file online at labor.ny.gov, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and employment history for the past 18 months ready. You'll also need your employer's information including their address and phone number. The online system is usually the fastest way to file, and you can do it 24/7. If you worked multiple jobs in the past year, you'll need info for all of them since they determine your benefit amount based on wages from multiple employers. Good luck with your claim!

Thanks for mentioning Claimyr @profile2, I just watched their demo video and it looks legit. Definitely going to try that tomorrow because I can't keep spending my whole day trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor on my own.

I went through this exact same situation about 3 months ago. The "outstanding issues" message is so vague and unhelpful. In my case, it turned out to be a simple verification issue - they needed me to confirm my identity with additional documents. What finally worked for me was sending a secure message through the my.ny.gov portal asking specifically what documentation was needed to resolve the outstanding issues. It took about 5 business days to get a response, but at least I got a clear answer about what they wanted. Also try checking if there's a "Required Actions" or "To Do" section in your account that might have more specific information. The waiting is definitely stressful when bills are due, but hang in there!

I had the exact same issue last month! It's so frustrating when you know you're entering the right information but the system keeps rejecting it. What finally worked for me was a combination of a few things: 1. First, I tried entering the maiden name exactly as it appears on old documents (birth certificate, etc.) - sometimes there are subtle spelling differences we don't remember 2. I also cleared my browser cache and cookies completely before trying again 3. Most importantly, I called the technical support line (not the regular claims line) and they were able to see that there was actually a glitch in my account that was causing the security questions to not update properly The tech support number is different from the main line and usually has shorter wait times. They were able to reset something on their end and I was able to get back in. Don't give up - this is definitely fixable! 💪

Oh my gosh, I'm dealing with this EXACT same issue right now! 😤 It's so maddening when you KNOW you're entering the right information but the system keeps telling you it's wrong. I've been locked out twice already and I'm terrified to try again. @Nasira Ibanez your comment about the tech support line is a game changer - I had no idea that existed! And the tip about checking old documents is brilliant. My mom got married in the 70s and I'm wondering if there might be some variation in how her maiden name was recorded back then vs what I remember. @Amina Diop the IT perspective is super helpful too. These old government systems are probably held together with digital duct tape at this point 😅 Has anyone else had success with the "all caps, no spaces" approach? I'm willing to try anything at this point before I attempt calling again. This whole situation is just adding so much stress to an already stressful unemployment situation!

Just want to add that you'll also need to register for work search activities after you file. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to look for work and document your job search efforts. They'll explain all this after you complete your initial claim but it's good to know upfront.

Just to add some practical tips from someone who recently went through this process - when you're filling out the application on labor.ny.gov, make sure you're on a stable internet connection because the system can be glitchy. Also, write down your confirmation number after you submit and take screenshots of important pages. You'll need to certify for benefits every week after your initial claim, so bookmark the site. The first payment usually takes 2-3 weeks after filing, so try to have some emergency funds if possible. Good luck with your application!