OMG thank you for posting this! 🙏 I'm literally in the exact same boat - filed in April 2024 and still showing $0.00 with that same "we are continuing to work on your application" message. It's been 10 months now and I was starting to lose hope. Reading through everyone's advice here is so helpful! Definitely gonna try: - Calling at 7:45am before they officially open - Uploading ALL my separation docs during off-peak hours (under 5MB, PDF format) - Keeping a detailed log of everything like @Carmen Diaz suggested - Maybe trying that claimyr service if I can't get through The most frustrating part is they keep asking for more paperwork even though I've already submitted everything multiple times. But seeing that people are eventually getting their back pay (some $6k+) gives me hope to keep pushing through this broken system. Thanks for creating this thread - honestly thought I was going crazy dealing with this alone! We got this! 💪

Just wanted to jump in here because I'm going through literally the same exact situation! Filed my claim back in July 2024 and have been stuck at $0.00 ever since. Got that same "we are continuing to work on your application" message for months now and they just asked for discharge paperwork last week. This thread is honestly a lifesaver - I was starting to think I was the only one dealing with this endless bureaucratic nightmare! 😭 All the advice here is gold, especially: - The early morning calling strategy (gonna try 7:45am tomorrow) - Uploading docs during off-peak hours in PDF under 5MB - Keeping detailed logs of everything - That claimyr service sounds legit based on people's experiences The most frustrating part is I was laid off due to company downsizing so it's not like there should be any question about eligibility. But apparently they need to verify every single detail multiple times before releasing any payments. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and timelines - gives me hope that eventually this will get resolved and I'll see that back pay! The system is absolutely broken but at least we're not suffering through it alone. Thanks for posting this OP! 🙏

Just wanted to add another option that helped me when I was in the same situation a few weeks ago - try using the NY.gov website's secure messaging feature if you haven't already. While it's not as immediate as phone contact, I submitted a detailed message through my online account explaining my pending claim issue and got a response within 5 business days with specific steps to resolve it. You have to log into your NY.gov account, go to the unemployment section, and look for "Contact Us" or "Send Secure Message." Make sure to include your claim number, Social Security number, and a detailed description of the issue. It's not a quick fix, but it's another avenue that might help while you're still trying the phone strategies everyone else has mentioned. The response I got was actually from a real person who could access my file, not just an automated reply.

I've been following this thread closely because I'm in the exact same nightmare - claim pending for over 3 weeks with zero success getting through the main line. Reading all these different strategies gives me hope though! I'm going to try a multi-pronged approach: 1) Contact my assemblyperson's office first thing Monday morning, 2) Set up the secure messaging through NY.gov like Rebecca mentioned, and 3) Start tracking my call attempts like Daniel suggested to find the best time windows. Has anyone tried combining the assemblyperson route WITH the specific menu sequence that Javier shared? I'm wondering if having that political office contact might give me a better pathway through the phone system too. This thread has been more helpful than anything I've found elsewhere - thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and actual solutions instead of just complaining!

The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible for people to collect what they're owed. 26 weeks sounds good until you realize how hard it is to find decent paying work these days. And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - it's just busy work to make people jump through hoops.

wait so if I worked part time for most of last year will I still get the full 26 weeks? or does it depend on how much I made?

To follow up on the documentation question: When you call about the 599 program, have these items ready: 1. Your NY.gov ID and unemployment information 2. Details about the training program (institution name, course information, start/end dates) 3. Information about the occupation you're training for 4. Explanation of how this training will improve your employment prospects After your initial call, you'll need to complete the TA599 application. The school or training provider will need to fill out part of this form as well. Submit everything as early as possible, as retroactive approvals are rarely granted. Also, while the 599 program is the main extension option, don't forget to explore other support programs like SNAP benefits or the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) if you need additional help during this transition period.

my cousins husband just went thru this. he said the trick is applying for the 599 training AT LEAST 3 weeks b4 ur benefits end. if u wait til the last minute they wont approve it in time and ull have a gap with no money coming in. good luck!!

HUGE DETAILED INFO ON MEETINGS: These meetings are part of NY unemployment's reemployment services. Here's what you need to know: What to Bring: - All job search records - Photo ID - Copy of your unemployment paperwork - Resume if you have one What They Cover: - Job search requirements - Available training programs - Local job market info - Resume help - Interview tips If you need to reschedule, use claimyr.com to get through to an agent quickly. The regular phone lines are always jammed. Don't stress - just be prepared and professional. They're mostly trying to help people get back to work, not looking to cut benefits 💯

Just went through one of these last month! The meeting itself wasn't bad at all - mostly informational. They had us fill out a form about our job search activities and then went over resources like job training programs and career centers. The staff was actually pretty helpful and not intimidating like I expected. Main thing is just keep good records of where you've applied and when. Bring a notepad too because they give you info about local job fairs and stuff you might want to write down.