This is why I hate ny unemployment. Everything takes 100x longer than it should. And if theres any kind of problem with your account good luck getting anyone on the phone to help.

I feel your frustration! I'm new to the NY unemployment system and ran into the same confusion when I certified on Thursday last week. Had to learn the hard way that weekends are basically dead zones for processing. What really helped me was setting up text alerts through my bank app so I get notified the moment any deposit hits - at least then I'm not constantly checking my balance wondering if today's the day. Also discovered that some banks will let you see pending ACH transfers a day or two before they actually post, which gives you a heads up that the payment is coming. Hang in there, the waiting game sucks but once you get the timing down it becomes more predictable!

Just make sure you stop filing your weekly claims once you start working! I made the mistake of filing one more week after I started my new job and it caused a whole mess with overpayment notices.

Congratulations on landing the new job! As others mentioned, those unused weeks don't roll over to a savings account or anything like that. However, I'd recommend keeping documentation of your original claim details (benefit year dates, weekly amount, etc.) just in case you need to reference them later. Also, when you stop filing, you might want to call or check online to confirm your claim is properly closed to avoid any potential issues down the road. Good luck with the new position!

i remember when i first got unemployment in 2022 they were still sending paper checks lol. the keybank card is way better than that mess!

Just wanted to add that you can also track your card shipment! Once KeyBank processes your card (usually within 2-3 business days after you select the debit card option), they'll send you an email with tracking information. Check your spam folder too - mine ended up there. The tracking really helped ease my anxiety about when it would arrive. Also, if you're really in a pinch financially while waiting, you might want to look into local food banks or emergency assistance programs in your area to help bridge the gap until your card arrives with those back payments.

Try calling right at 8am when they open or during lunch hours around 1pm. Those seem to be the best times to actually get through. Also make sure you have your confirmation number ready from when you first filed

I feel your pain - the waiting is absolutely brutal when you're trying to keep up with bills. One thing that helped me was documenting everything in a spreadsheet: dates I called, reference numbers, what representatives told me (if I got through), etc. This documentation became really useful when I finally reached someone who could actually help. Also, if you haven't already, try sending a secure message through the my.ny.gov portal explaining your situation and how long you've been waiting. Sometimes the written requests get routed to different people than the phone calls. Hang in there - I know it feels hopeless but eventually it does get resolved.

Just wanted to add - make sure you keep your work authorization current while collecting benefits. If your DACA expires during your claim period, it could complicate things. But as long as you maintain work authorization, you're good to go.

Don't let fear stop you from applying! I was in your exact situation two years ago - DACA recipient, warehouse job, laid off. I was terrified to apply thinking it might jeopardize my status somehow. But I talked to an immigration lawyer who confirmed that unemployment benefits are completely separate from immigration matters. It's an earned benefit based on your work history and tax contributions. I applied through my.ny.gov and received benefits for several months while job searching. Zero impact on my DACA renewal process. You've paid into the system - you deserve these benefits!