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While you're waiting, make sure you're keeping track of your job search activities. Even though you can't file weekly claims yet, you'll need to meet the work search requirements once your claim is approved. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week, so start documenting those now. Also, if you haven't heard anything after 3 weeks, you can try calling the claims center, though the wait times are pretty brutal.
Oh god the phone system is a nightmare. I spent literally hours on hold last month trying to get through to someone about my claim status. There's actually a service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent - they have this system that calls for you and gets you through the queue. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
Just went through this myself a few months ago. Applied on a Monday, got my approval letter the following Friday (so about 11 days). But then it took another week to figure out how to actually file my weekly claim because the my.ny.gov website is confusing as hell. Make sure you understand the difference between your initial application and your weekly claims - you'll need to file those every week to keep getting paid.
wait so if i get fired for performance issues does my employer still have to pay unemployment?? i thought only layoffs qualified
Being fired for performance usually still qualifies for unemployment unless it was for misconduct. NYS Department of Labor looks at whether you were fired for reasons within your control. Poor performance due to lack of skills or ability typically doesn't disqualify you, but things like theft, violence, or repeatedly violating company policy would.
The whole system is set up to make it as difficult as possible to get benefits. Even when you qualify they drag out the adjudication process for weeks and make you jump through hoops. Then they act like they're doing you a favor by giving you a fraction of what you used to earn. Meanwhile the employers who laid you off are probably getting tax breaks.
Had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when I needed help with my application errors. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in like 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I got stuck on the wage verification part.
The NYS Department of Labor system is honestly terrible compared to other states. Half the time it's down for maintenance and when it does work the interface is confusing. Just keep clicking through each section even if you're not 100% sure - you can always call and correct things later if needed. The important thing is getting your claim date established.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor agents to explain the system differences to your mom, there's actually a service called Claimyr that can help get you connected to speak with someone directly. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Sometimes talking to an actual person is the best way to get these kinds of historical questions answered, especially when you're trying to help someone understand the changes.
Sophia Long
honestly the whole system is broken... took me 6 weeks to get my first payment and that was for a simple layoff. just keep filing weekly and eventually something will happen but dont hold your breath
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Angelica Smith
•While the system can be slow, 6 weeks is unusually long. Most claims without complications process within 3-4 weeks. If there are delays beyond that, it's usually due to missing documentation or the need for additional verification.
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Logan Greenburg
I'm in the same boat! Filed 10 days ago and nothing yet. This is so stressful when you have bills to pay. Did your employer contest the claim or anything like that? Sometimes that can slow things down.
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