After applying for unemployment how long does it take NYS Department of Labor to approve?
I submitted my initial unemployment application through my.ny.gov last Tuesday and I'm wondering what's normal for processing time. My account shows 'claim filed' but no status updates yet. I lost my job at a retail store two weeks ago due to store closure and really need to know when I might see my first payment. Has anyone applied recently and can tell me the typical timeline? I'm getting nervous about my rent payment coming up.
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Zane Gray
The initial processing usually takes 2-3 weeks from when you file. NYS Department of Labor has to verify your employment history and wage information with your previous employers. After approval, you'll need to start filing weekly claims to receive payments. Make sure you're checking your my.ny.gov account regularly for any requests for additional information.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Thanks! Should I be doing anything else while waiting or just sit tight? I haven't gotten any emails asking for more info yet.
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Maggie Martinez
mine took forever!! like 5 weeks before i even heard anything and then they wanted more documents. the whole process is so slow
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Alejandro Castro
•That's unusual - most claims get processed within 2-3 weeks unless there's an issue that triggers adjudication. If you had any complications like being fired or quitting, that can delay things significantly.
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Monique Byrd
I applied three weeks ago and I'm still waiting too. My claim status says 'under review' which is making me really anxious. I've tried calling the NYS Department of Labor phone number but can never get through - it just hangs up after being on hold. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?
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Jackie Martinez
•I had the same problem trying to reach them by phone until someone told me about claimyr.com - it's a service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. I was skeptical but tried it last week and actually got through to speak with someone about my claim status. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call myself.
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Lia Quinn
Just remember you need to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the initial determination. A lot of people don't realize this and then miss out on payments for those weeks. The weekly claim filing keeps your place in line basically.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Wait really? I can file weekly claims before my initial claim is approved? The system let me do that?
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Zane Gray
•Yes absolutely! You should be filing weekly claims starting the week after you become unemployed, even if your initial claim is still pending. This ensures you don't lose any eligible weeks of benefits.
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