Can I contact my previous employer about NY unemployment pending due to their non-response?

Yes, you can absolutely contact your former employers! I had the exact same situation in February 2025. My claim was pending for 3 weeks because my previous employer hadn't responded to NYSDOL's request for information. I contacted my old HR department directly, and they submitted the required info within 2 days. My benefits were released the following week. Just be professional when you reach out - explain that your unemployment benefits are pending because NYSDOL is waiting for their response. Most employers understand this is important and will try to help, even if you didn't leave on the best terms.

DO NOT contact them!!!! I did this last year and it totally BACKFIRED on me! My ex-boss got all weird about it and then filed some kind of dispute with unemployment saying I was fired for misconduct (which was NOT true). It delayed my benefits for another 6 WEEKS while they investigated!!! Just let the system work, the NYSDOL will keep contacting them.

The thing is, these companies have like 10 business days to respond to unemployment requests. A lot of times HR departments are just slow or the paperwork gets lost in someone's inbox. I don't think there's anything wrong with a gentle reminder. Just be nice about it!

I work in HR and can give you some perspective from the employer side. We receive these requests constantly and sometimes they do slip through the cracks, especially in larger companies where they might receive dozens weekly. If you do reach out, contact the HR department rather than your direct manager. Be courteous and simply explain that you were informed by NYSDOL that they're waiting for information to process your claim. Mention the approximate date when NYSDOL sent the request if the agent told you. Most companies have a legal obligation to respond to these requests in a timely manner. If they're significantly overdue, you could also ask the NYSDOL agent if they can send a follow-up request.

I'm dealing with literally the exact same issue right now too! Been waiting for 3 weeks and called yesterday to find out my former company hasn't responded. So annoying because I'm basically just sitting here broke waiting for someone to click a button somewhere. Let me know what works for you!

Have you tried calling NYSDOL again to see if they can do anything on their end? Sometimes they can send an urgent follow-up or even make a determination without the employer's response if enough time has passed. I was in a similar situation last month and was getting nowhere with the regular NYSDOL phone line. I finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. The agent was able to see exactly what was holding up my claim and sent an expedited request to my former employer. Got my benefits within a week after that. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

lol the unemployment system is such a joke. they make us jump through all these hoops and then hold our money hostage waiting for employers who don't care. i say call your old work AND keep bugging unemployment until someone helps you

One more thing to consider - check your NY.gov account and messages. Sometimes employers do respond, but NYSDOL needs additional information from you before processing. I've seen cases where people were waiting for employers when actually there was another issue or document needed. Just log in and check if there are any action items or messages you might have missed.

so what happened?? did u contact them? im in the same boat now and need to know if it worked!