The system is so slow these days. Back when I first filed in 2019 it was much faster but now with all the changes since covid everything takes forever. Just be patient and keep doing your weekly certifications. The money will come eventually, they're just backed up processing everything.

I just went through this process a few months ago and wanted to share what helped me. Besides keeping up with weekly certifications, make sure your direct deposit info is set up correctly in your online account - that was actually what delayed my first payment by almost a week. Also, if you haven't already, download the NY.gov ID app and verify your identity through that system. NYS Department of Labor has been requiring additional identity verification for many new claims, and getting ahead of that can speed things up. Hang in there - the first payment is always the longest wait, but once it starts flowing it's usually pretty consistent.

I went through this same waiting period anxiety when I got laid off from my office job earlier this year. The one-week waiting period is definitely real, but what helped me was understanding that it's just the first week that goes unpaid - after that, payments should be regular if your claim is approved. Since you filed last week and were clearly laid off due to downsizing (not fired for cause), you should be in good shape. I'd suggest calling the automated phone line to check your claim status if you're worried - sometimes there are delays if they need to verify employment info with your former employer, but that usually resolves within a few days. The most important thing is to keep filing those weekly certifications on time. I know the rent stress is real, but most people I know got their first payment within 2-3 weeks of filing. You're doing everything right by staying on top of the weekly filings!

Hey Everett! I totally feel your stress about the waiting period - I went through this exact same thing when I got laid off from my construction job about 6 months ago. Everyone's right about the one-week waiting period being standard in NY, but here's what really helped me get through it: I created a simple calendar to track my weekly filing dates so I wouldn't miss any, and I also reached out to local food banks and my electric company to explain the situation. Many utilities have hardship programs that can give you extra time if you show them your unemployment claim documentation. Since you were clearly laid off due to downsizing (not misconduct), your claim should process smoothly. I got my first payment exactly 2 weeks after filing once that waiting week was over. The anxiety is totally normal but you're doing everything right by keeping up with those weekly certs. Also, if you haven't already, screenshot your weekly filing confirmations - it's probably overkill but gives you proof if any issues come up later. You got this!

same thing happening to me right now... filed 2 weeks ago and still showing under review. this is so stressful when you need the money

I went through something similar a few months ago. NYS DOL will contact your employer if they need clarification about your separation, but it's not guaranteed they will. In your case, since you mentioned they cut your hours drastically, that could actually work in your favor - "constructive dismissal" where they essentially forced you out by making the job unviable. Make sure you have any documentation about the hour cuts (pay stubs, schedules, emails) because that can really help your case if they do investigate. The "under review" status is normal and can last anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on their workload.

I completely understand your concerns - I was in almost the exact same situation about 2 months ago! I received a job offer for a cashier position paying $11/hour when I had been working as an accountant making $24/hour. The anxiety about potentially losing my benefits was overwhelming, but after reading through the NYS Department of Labor guidelines on suitable work, I realized I had solid grounds to refuse. The job was completely outside my field and paid less than 50% of my previous wage, which definitely doesn't meet their suitability criteria. I documented everything carefully - saved the job posting, took screenshots of the offer email, and wrote detailed notes explaining why it wasn't suitable work (wrong field, massive pay cut, no use of my accounting skills and education). I never heard anything from NYS Department of Labor about it. Your situation sounds very similar - retail work when you're an accountant, and only 60% of your previous pay is clearly not suitable work. Just make sure you keep up with your weekly certifications, continue actively searching for accounting positions, and document this offer thoroughly in case they ever ask. Don't let fear push you into taking a job that would actually hurt your career progression - the suitable work protections exist for exactly these situations!

I've been through this exact situation and completely understand your stress! About 7 months ago I was offered a job in food service paying $13/hour when I had been making $26/hour as a tax preparer. The anxiety about refusing and potentially losing benefits was intense, but I'm so glad I stuck to my guns. The job was completely unrelated to my accounting background and paid exactly half of what I was making - clearly not suitable work under NYS Department of Labor guidelines. I documented everything thoroughly - saved the job posting, screenshots of the offer email, and wrote detailed notes about why it wasn't suitable (wrong field, 50% pay cut, no use of my tax and accounting expertise). I never heard a single word from NYS Department of Labor about it. Your retail vs accounting situation at only 60% of previous pay definitely qualifies as unsuitable work. The key thing that helped me was realizing that these protections exist specifically to prevent people from being forced into jobs that would damage their career trajectory. Keep focusing your search on accounting positions, document everything about this offer, and don't let anyone pressure you into taking work that's genuinely wrong for your professional background. You've got legitimate grounds to refuse and the system is designed to support you finding appropriate employment, not just any job!

I'm facing this exact situation in about a month and this thread has been incredibly helpful - way more useful than anything I could find on the official DOL website. One resource I discovered that hasn't been mentioned yet is the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) website. They have a "myBenefits" screening tool that can help you figure out what programs you might qualify for all in one place, including SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid, and temporary assistance. It takes about 10 minutes and gives you a personalized list of programs to apply for. Also, I called my local Workforce Development office yesterday and learned they offer something called "supportive services" that can include things like transportation assistance to job interviews, work clothes vouchers, and even help with licensing fees if you need certifications for certain jobs. The counselor said a lot of people don't know these services exist beyond just basic job search help. For anyone dealing with this right now - I know it's overwhelming but you're not alone in this. The system definitely isn't designed to be user-friendly, but seeing everyone share their experiences and solutions here gives me hope that there are ways to get through this difficult transition. Thanks to everyone who's taken the time to share what they've learned!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - my benefits ran out about 10 days ago and I've been trying to figure out what to do next. This thread has been incredibly helpful because like others have mentioned, the DOL website really doesn't explain what happens after exhaustion very clearly. Based on everything I've read here, I'm creating my own action plan: 1. Apply for SNAP benefits immediately (seems like this is the fastest assistance available) 2. Call 211 to get a comprehensive list of local programs 3. Use that OTDA myBenefits screening tool that Ava mentioned 4. Look into emergency rental assistance through my county 5. Contact local Workforce Development for supportive services 6. Check out temp agencies for tax season work I also wanted to add something I discovered - if you have any outstanding medical bills or are worried about losing health insurance, you can often get retroactive Medicaid coverage. I called the Medicaid office and they said if I'm approved, it can cover medical expenses from up to 3 months before my application date. Might be worth looking into if anyone has healthcare costs they're worried about. The whole experience has been really stressful and overwhelming, but seeing everyone share practical advice and support each other makes it feel less isolating. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in navigating all these different systems when we're already dealing with job loss and financial stress, but at least we're helping each other figure it out. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this is the kind of real-world guidance you just can't get anywhere else!