I'm in a similar situation - my card was supposedly mailed last Friday and I'm also stressed about rent! From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like it's completely random. Some people get it in 3-4 days, others wait weeks. The informed delivery suggestion is smart - just signed up for that too. If it doesn't show by early next week, I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that multiple people mentioned. Hang in there, we'll get through this! 🤞

Mine took exactly 8 business days to arrive in Manhattan last month. The key thing is to NOT panic if it doesn't show up by the 7-10 day estimate - NYC mail delivery has been super inconsistent lately. I'd recommend calling the debit card company directly (the number should be on your unemployment account) to confirm it was actually sent and get a tracking number if possible. Also, make sure to check with your building's mailroom or super if you have one - sometimes they hold mail. The waiting is the worst part but most people do eventually get their cards!

yeah this is why i always tell people to have savings. you never know when something like this will happen and the government programs dont really help when you need them most

I went through something similar when I had surgery last year. The key thing is timing - you can't collect unemployment while you're medically unable to work, but once you're cleared and if you get terminated, you can file immediately. Don't wait! I made the mistake of waiting a few extra weeks thinking I needed to be "fully" recovered, but as long as your doctor clears you for some type of work, you meet the "able and available" requirement. Also, keep all your medical documentation organized because NYS Department of Labor will definitely want to see proof of when you became able to work again. The whole process was stressful but it worked out in the end.

Just to add some specific numbers to help clarify - in New York, the maximum weekly benefit is currently $504, and you can collect for up to 26 weeks in most cases. So if you're approved for the full amount, that's about $13,104 total that would be paid out from the state's unemployment insurance fund (not directly from your employer's pocket). Your employer has been contributing to this fund through their quarterly UI taxes, which are calculated as a percentage of each employee's wages up to a certain wage base. The system is designed to be sustainable over time, with all employers contributing so that benefits are available when workers need them.

@Gabriel Graham - you absolutely should not feel guilty about filing for unemployment benefits. As others have mentioned, this is insurance that you and your employer have both been paying into. Think of it like car insurance - you pay premiums hoping you'll never need it, but when you do need it, you shouldn't feel bad about using what you've paid for. Your supervisor's comment was inappropriate and unfair to you. The unemployment system exists specifically for situations like yours - when you lose your job through no fault of your own. File your claim as soon as possible since there can be a waiting period, and don't let anyone make you feel bad for accessing benefits you've earned.

I know everyone says "call DOL" but good luck actually reaching someone lmaooo 💀 I spent 2 weeks trying before I gave up and emailed my state senator's office for help.

I'm going through something similar right now - my base period wages are showing about $15,000 less than what I actually earned! From what I've learned lurking here, the key is getting your employer's quarterly wage reports (form NYS-45) to see exactly what they submitted to the state. You can request these directly from DOL or ask your former employer for copies. If there's a mismatch with your pay stubs, that's your smoking gun for the appeal. Also heard that calling right at 8am on Tuesday/Wednesday gives you the best shot at getting through to someone who can actually help. Don't give up - wage reporting errors are super common and fixable once you get the right person on the phone!

Same boat here! Filed 10 days ago and still showing 'under review' with no benefit amount. Getting really anxious about when I'll actually see some money.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim about a week and a half ago and still waiting to see my benefit amount. From what I've gathered reading through everyone's responses, it sounds like the waiting period is pretty normal but still nerve-wracking when you're counting on that income. @Zara, have you tried calling them directly or are you just waiting it out? I'm debating whether it's worth the hassle of trying to get through on the phone or if I should just be patient for the monetary determination letter.