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I'm in the exact same situation right now! Just got my first payment yesterday and the agent told me the same thing about waiting for DocuSign. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like anywhere from 7 days to 3 weeks is normal. I've already added ny.gov to my email whitelist and set up notifications on my phone so I don't miss it when it comes. The 48-hour expiration that @QuantumQueen mentioned is scary - I'll definitely complete it immediately. Really hoping mine comes through on the faster side since I'm also behind on bills after 2 months of waiting. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines, it helps to know what to expect!
Welcome to the waiting game! I'm actually in a similar boat - got my first payment scheduled for Monday but also only one week. It's so frustrating that they can't just release everything at once, but at least we're making progress. Good thinking on the email notifications - I'm going to do the same thing. The stories here are making me realize I need to be way more vigilant about checking my email than I normally am. Fingers crossed we both get our DocuSign emails sooner rather than later!
I just went through this exact process last month! Got my first payment on a Tuesday and the DocuSign email came exactly 9 days later (the following Thursday evening around 8pm). One thing I wish someone had told me - when you get the DocuSign, read through it carefully before signing. There are multiple sections and you need to scroll down to make sure you complete everything. I almost missed the identity verification part at the bottom and had to go back in. My back pay (5 weeks) came through as two separate deposits - 3 weeks on the first payment and 2 weeks three days later. Total time from DocuSign completion to getting all my money was about a week. Hang in there! I know the waiting is brutal but you're almost there. The fact that you got your first payment means your claim is approved and the rest should follow soon.
Wait are you talking about like the official unemployment rate or just more people filing claims? Because those are different things and I'm confused about what you're asking...
I went through a similar situation during the last recession and can share some insights. Yes, when unemployment spikes, processing times at NYS Department of Labor definitely get longer - sometimes significantly. But here's what many people don't realize: if you're currently working part-time, you might actually be eligible for partial unemployment benefits right now while you're employed. Since you mentioned your part-time job barely covers rent, you should look into filing a partial claim. The benefit amount gets reduced based on your part-time earnings, but it could help bridge the gap. Also, if you do end up needing to file again, having recent work history (even part-time) can actually help your case since it shows you're actively trying to work. Just make sure to report all your part-time wages correctly when filing.
@Ryan Vasquez Wait, I can file for partial benefits while working part-time? I had no idea that was even possible! My part-time job only gives me about 20 hours a week and I m'making way less than what I was getting on full unemployment before. Do you know if there s'a minimum number of hours I have to work to qualify for partial benefits, or is it just based on the wage amount? This could really help me right now while I m'looking for full-time work.
Just to add - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even after getting this determination. Sometimes people think they don't need to continue with their regular claim process but you absolutely do!
I've been through this exact situation and completely understand the confusion! "Not adversely affected" is definitely good news - it means whatever they reviewed about your claim didn't hurt your eligibility or benefits. I had the same panic when I first saw that language on my determination letter. Keep doing what you're doing with your weekly certifications and you should be all set. The Department of Labor really needs to use clearer language in these letters!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It really helps to hear from someone who went through the same thing. You're absolutely right about the language being confusing - they should just say "your claim is still valid" or something clear like that instead of using legal jargon that makes us panic. I feel so much better knowing this is normal and that I just need to keep certifying weekly.
The whole ny unemployment system is DESIGNED to be user-unfriendly. They make it so hard to reach humans that people just give up and don't collect benefits they're entitled to. It's infuriating but true.
I feel your pain! Made a similar mistake last year where I accidentally said I was available for part-time work only instead of full-time. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the main number (800-833-3000) at exactly 8:00am on a Tuesday and got through after about 90 minutes on hold. The key was calling RIGHT when they opened and being super persistent. Also, keep detailed notes of every call attempt - date, time, how long you waited, what happened. If you still can't get through after a week, contact your local state assembly member's office. They have staff specifically for helping with unemployment issues and can escalate your case. Don't panic about fraud accusations - they know their phone system causes these mistakes and as long as you're actively trying to fix it, you should be fine. Keep certifying your weekly benefits correctly while you work on fixing this!
Morgan Washington
Been through this process twice unfortunately. Your employer will get a notice from NYS Department of Labor about your claim and they have the opportunity to respond if they want to contest it. Since you were laid off due to lack of work, they probably won't contest it. That's considered involuntary separation and you should qualify for benefits.
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Angel Campbell
Nathan, since you were laid off due to lack of work rather than any performance issues, you should be in good shape for your unemployment claim. Keep all documentation from your layoff - any emails, letters, or notices about the reduction in workforce. This will help if there are any questions about your eligibility. Also, make sure to file your weekly certifications on time once your claim is approved. The NYS DOL is pretty backlogged, so be patient but persistent if you need to follow up on anything.
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