Two weeks isn't even that long honestly. I've seen people wait 3+ months during busy periods. The system is completely broken and they don't care about people struggling to pay bills while they take their sweet time 'reviewing' obvious cases.

I'm going through something similar right now - my claim has been pending for about 3 weeks after I was laid off from my job in February. The waiting is incredibly stressful when you're trying to make ends meet. From what I've read on various forums, retail separations sometimes get flagged for review more often, possibly because they want to verify it wasn't a quit situation. I'd definitely recommend continuing to file your weekly claims like others mentioned - that seems to be crucial for getting back pay later. Have you tried reaching out to your local career center? Sometimes they can provide guidance or at least give you a better sense of typical wait times in your area. Hang in there!

Check with 211 by dialing 2-1-1 for local emergency assistance programs. Many areas have rapid rehousing programs specifically for people experiencing unemployment-related housing crises. Some programs can provide temporary rental assistance while you wait for your NYS Department of Labor benefits to start. Also contact local homeless prevention services - they often have emergency funds for situations exactly like yours.

same boat here, been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get approved and behind on everything. landlord is threatening eviction too. this whole thing is a nightmare

Just want to add that timing is really important here. If you know layoffs are coming at your company, you might want to talk to HR about the sequence of events. Sometimes it's better to wait and see if you get laid off first, then you could potentially use unemployment while also having FMLA job protection for intermittent family care. But definitely get proper advice for your specific situation.

I went through something similar when my father was going through chemotherapy. The timing coordination is crucial - you really need to think strategically about when to use each benefit. In my case, I used intermittent FMLA first (unpaid leave for medical appointments) while still working, then when our company downsized and I was laid off, I was able to file for unemployment. The key is that you can't be actively receiving PFL payments and UI payments simultaneously. If your mom's care needs are ongoing, you might also want to look into whether your employer offers any flexible work arrangements that could help you manage both situations without having to choose between benefits.

anyone else's anxiety go 📈📈📈 when trying to explain your situation in 30 seconds before they hang up?

I feel your pain! Been in the same boat for weeks. What finally worked for me was calling the technical support line (518-457-9000) instead of the main claims line. They can sometimes transfer you directly to a claims specialist without the usual wait. Also try calling right before lunch (11:30am) - found the hold times are shorter then. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪

Thank you everyone for all this advice. I've made a to-do list from your suggestions: 1. Contact DOL about extensions (using Claimyr to get through) 2. Visit the career center for training options 3. Call 211 for food resources 4. Check out community fridges and that Too Good To Go app 5. Look into part-time retail/grocery work 6. Expand my job search to include lower positions 7. Research rent assistance programs Feel a little less hopeless now knowing there are options I haven't tried yet. Will update if I have any luck.

I went through this exact situation last year and I know how scary it feels. One thing that really helped me was applying to temporary staffing agencies - companies like Kelly Services, Manpower, and Robert Half. They often have immediate placements and some temp jobs can turn permanent. The pay isn't always great but it's income while you keep looking for something better. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're signed up for job alerts on Indeed, LinkedIn, and your state's job board. Set them to email you daily so you can apply to new postings as soon as they go up. The early applicants often get the most attention. For food, check if your area has a Sikh temple (Gurdwara) - they serve free meals to anyone regardless of religion or background. It's called langar and it's an amazing community resource that not many people know about. Hang in there - this job market is brutal but you will get through it. The fact that you're getting interviews means your resume is working, so something will click soon.