Applied for ny unemployment in February, it's now July with no approval letter - normal?

5 months is wayyy too long. They're supposed to process claims within 2-3 weeks. Sounds like your application got lost in the system or something. You need to keep calling them every single day until you get someone helpful.

After waiting on hold for literally 4+ hours every day for a week, I finally found this service called Claimyr that calls for you and connects you with a live agent. It was the best money I've spent - got through to someone who fixed my claim immediately. Check it out at claimyr.com or watch this explainer video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

No, it's not normal, but it happens ALL THE TIME with NY unemployment. The system is completely broken and understaffed. I waited 4 months last year. You really need to find a way to talk to a real person who can look at your file. Otherwise, it'll just sit there forever.

This happened to me too! My application sat in limbo for almost 3 months. Turns out there was a "documentation issue" they never told me about. Have you checked your spam folder? Sometimes they email instead of sending letters.

The NYSDOL is actually required by law to make a determination within 30 days of your application. After 5 months, you have grounds to file a complaint with the Department of Labor. You can also contact your state representative's office - they often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues.

Here's what you need to do to get this resolved ASAP: First, document everything. Write down all the dates you've called, who you spoke with, and what they told you. Second, try multiple contact methods at once: - Keep calling the main unemployment line (use claimyr.com if you're tired of waiting on hold) - Email them through the contact form on the website - Contact your state representative and senator (they have staff who deal with this) - File a formal complaint with the US Department of Labor Third, check your online account for any alerts or requests for additional information that might be holding up your claim. Fourth, if you have any specific skills or circumstances that might qualify you for special programs, make sure to mention those when you finally speak to someone. Fifth, be persistent but polite. The staff are usually overwhelmed, but they're more likely to help someone who's respectful. Don't give up! The system is designed to wear you down, but that money is rightfully yours if you qualify.

I've worked in customer service for the state before (not unemployment). Here's a secret: send a fax. I know it sounds ridiculous in 2023, but state agencies still use fax machines and they're required to process all faxed documents. Include your claim ID, the date you applied, your contact info, and politely ask for status update. Worked for me!

Check if there's an ID verification issue. A lot of claims are getting held up because of identity verification. They use ID.me now and if that doesn't go through, your claim just sits there.

5 months??? no freakin way thats normal. they prolly lost ur application or something. call em and raise hell, seriously. the squeaky wheel gets the grease with these govt agencies. i had to call like 50 times before someone fixed my claim.

did u certify every week while waiting? if u didnt certify, u lose those weeks even if ur approved later

Have you tried their Twitter account? Sounds stupid but I tweeted at NY unemployment after months of waiting and they DMed me asking for my info. Got a call back the next day and fixed my issue.

There's a direct line for escalated claims: 888-209-8124. Press 1, then 3, then when it asks for your SSN enter 999999999. This sometimes gets you to a different queue. Don't tell anyone I told you this lol

Fun fact: NY unemployment system was built in the 1980s and runs on COBOL. They had to call retired programmers back during covid because nobody knows how to maintain it anymore. The whole system is literally held together with digital duct tape. 🤡

I was in your exact situation last year. Finally got through after using claimyr.com to reach an agent. Turns out there was a flag on my account because my former employer challenged my unemployment claim. The agent removed the hold and I got all my backpay two weeks later. Definitely worth trying!