I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Verified through ID.me on Monday and it's now Thursday with no payment yet. Reading everyone's experiences here is really reassuring though - sounds like 3-7 days is pretty normal depending on your bank and whether it's your first payment. I keep obsessively checking my account every few hours but I'm going to try to be patient until early next week. The stress of waiting when you have bills coming due is real though! At least we know the backpay will cover everything once it finally comes through. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines - this thread is way more helpful than the official NYSDOL website!

I went through this same anxiety last year! After my ID.me verification, it took exactly 4 business days for the payment to hit my account. Here's what I learned from the experience: 1. The "3-5 business days" timeline is pretty accurate for most people, but it doesn't include weekends or holidays 2. Your first payment often takes longer than subsequent weekly payments 3. Even if there's a delay, you'll get backpay for all the weeks you were eligible Since you verified on Tuesday, I'd expect to see something by Monday at the latest. In the meantime, make sure you keep certifying your weekly benefits even if you haven't received payment yet - that's super important to keep your claim active. One thing that helped my stress was setting up account alerts with my bank so I'd get a text when any deposit came through, rather than checking constantly. The money will come, I know it's nerve-wracking when rent is due but hang in there!

this is exactly why i hate when people act like unemployment is a handout. WE PAID FOR THIS through our work history and our employers contributions!!

Your neighbor really needs to understand that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. Just like how you pay car insurance premiums so you're covered if you get in an accident, employers pay unemployment insurance premiums so their workers are covered if they lose their job through no fault of their own. You didn't choose to be unemployed, and the money you're receiving was specifically set aside for situations like yours. It's not charity or welfare - it's an earned benefit that's part of our employment system.

did u get an actual monetary determination letter? that would tell u how much ur supposed to get each week. if u didnt get that yet then somethings definitely wrong

Hey Zara! I went through this exact same thing last month. That email basically means you're approved but there's usually still a processing delay before you actually see the money. A few things to check: 1) Make sure you're answering the weekly certification questions correctly - especially the "ready, willing and able to work" one (answer YES even if you had appointments or interviews during the week), 2) Double check your direct deposit info is correct in your account, and 3) Be patient - the first payment often takes 2-3 weeks after that approval email. If it's been longer than that or you think you answered a certification question wrong, you'll need to call them. The phone lines are brutal but keep trying right at 8am or consider using one of those callback services people mentioned. Hang in there!

Thank you everyone for the advice! To summarize what I'll do: I'll certify my final 4 days this Sunday, wait until I see the payment status change to "paid" in my account (probably Wednesday or Thursday), and then file a new claim online. I'll also prepare for a possible 1-2 week gap before the new payments start coming in. It's frustrating that there's a gap, but at least now I can plan for it.

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. The timeline everyone is giving you is spot on - wait until your final payment shows as "paid" before filing the new claim. One thing that helped me during the gap period was applying for emergency assistance programs through my county's social services office. Many people don't realize these exist, but they can sometimes provide temporary help with utilities or food while you're waiting for your new unemployment claim to process. Also, when you do get to the phone interview stage, have all your employment documentation ready - pay stubs, termination letter, etc. The representative will ask for specific dates and details, and being prepared can make the interview go much faster. Good luck! The process is stressful but you'll get through it.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, Onalee. This is definitely a stressful time. Since you've exhausted your regular NY unemployment benefits, you generally cannot file a new claim in Virginia while your current NY benefit year is still active (until 01/11/2026). However, you do have some options to explore: 1. **Extended Benefits (EB)**: Check if NY is currently offering Extended Benefits due to high unemployment rates in certain areas. This would extend your NY claim. 2. **PEUC or other federal programs**: Depending on current federal legislation, there may be additional weeks available through federal extension programs. 3. **Virginia options**: Once your NY benefit year ends in January 2026, you could potentially file a new claim in Virginia if you've worked there by then. 4. **Other assistance**: Look into Virginia's SNAP, TANF, and local assistance programs while you continue job searching. I'd recommend calling the NY DOL directly to ask about any available extensions or federal programs you might qualify for. Also contact Virginia's VEC to understand your options there. Don't give up - there may be assistance available that isn't immediately obvious!

Onalee, I understand how overwhelming this must be. In addition to what Chloe and Yara mentioned, here are a few more things to consider: **Immediate steps:** - Contact NY DOL at 1-888-209-8124 to verify if any federal extensions are currently available - Apply for Virginia SNAP benefits immediately - you don't need to wait for unemployment decisions - Check with 211 Virginia (dial 2-1-1) for local emergency assistance programs **Important timing note:** Since your benefit year doesn't end until January 2026, you typically can't file a new claim in Virginia until then. However, if you find work in Virginia before then (even briefly), it could potentially create eligibility for a Virginia claim later. **Documentation tip:** Keep records of your job search activities in Virginia - this shows you're genuinely seeking work in your new state, which could be helpful for future applications. The transition between states during unemployment is really challenging, but there are resources available. Don't hesitate to reach out to local churches, community organizations, and food banks in Virginia while you navigate the bureaucratic process. You're not alone in this!