Different rules for seasonal workers with NY unemployment? My payments are delayed

Yes, there is a difference for seasonal employment! When you file for NY unemployment, you need to indicate if your work was seasonal. The system needs this information because it affects your benefit calculation and eligibility period. Seasonal workers can absolutely qualify for benefits, but the NYSDOL looks at your base period earnings differently. They want to make sure your unemployment isn't just part of your normal off-season. If you worked at other jobs during the year too, make sure all those wages are included in your claim. As for your payment delay, three weeks is definitely longer than normal. Most initial payments should process within 7-10 days after your first certification. This sounds like your claim might be flagged for review or there's some issue that needs addressing.

Having the same issue!! My payments have been stuck on pending for almost a month now. I worked at a Christmas tree lot from November-December and applied in January. The system is SO BROKEN!!!

I work construction (seasonal in NY) and deal with this every winter. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, you should have indicated seasonal employment on your application. It doesn't necessarily reduce your benefits, but the DOL reviews these claims more carefully to make sure you're not someone who only works summers by choice. 2. Your payment delay is likely due to a review flag. When the system detects something that needs verification (like seasonal work patterns), your claim gets put in a queue for manual review. 3. You NEED to talk to a representative to resolve this. Unfortunately the phone system is completely overwhelmed right now. I tried calling 32 times yesterday and never got through.

After WEEKS of getting nowhere with the phone system, I finally got through to NYSDOL using Claimyr.com. It connected me to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Turns out my claim was flagged because I had worked seasonal jobs for two different employers and they needed to verify something. Once I actually talked to someone, they fixed it in minutes and released all my back payments the next day.

Yes, it absolutely worked for me. I was skeptical too but I was getting desperate after not being able to reach anyone for almost 3 weeks. The service connected me with an actual NYSDOL agent who had the authority to fix my claim. Just be ready with all your information when you call - your claim number, employer details, and the exact weeks you've certified for.

Hey just fyi to everyone - my neighbor files for seasonal work at the apple orchards every fall and she says the rules changed for 2025. Something about needing more work quarters to qualify if your job is designated as "regularly seasonal" vs just temporary. Might want to check on that.

Update: I finally got through to someone at NYSDOL yesterday! Turns out my claim was flagged because I hadn't properly indicated the seasonal nature of my work AND because my employer hadn't responded to their verification request. The agent was able to manually review my case and process my payments. They said I should receive all three weeks of backpay within 2-3 business days. For anyone else dealing with this: definitely make sure you specify if your work is seasonal when you file. And if your payments are delayed, keeping trying to reach someone because it probably won't resolve itself automatically.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Felt weird paying to get through to unemployment but I was desperate and it actually worked. Got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days. Worth it to get my claim unstuck.

For anyone dealing with seasonal work claims, here's a checklist to avoid delays: 1. Mark your employment as seasonal if that's accurate 2. List ALL employers from the last 18 months, not just your seasonal job 3. Be ready to explain why you're available for full-time, year-round work now 4. Make sure your contact info is current so they can reach you if there are questions 5. Answer all fact-finding questionnaires promptly In my experience, seasonal claims almost always get extra scrutiny. The DOL is checking that you're not someone who voluntarily only works part of the year.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's dealt with seasonal unemployment claims in NY for several years. I work at a ski resort and file every spring when the season ends. One thing I've learned is that timing matters a lot. If you file your claim right at the end of your seasonal work period (like October for summer jobs or April for winter jobs), the system flags it more often because it looks like a predictable pattern. Sometimes waiting a week or two can help avoid some of the extra scrutiny. Also, if you have ANY other work experience during your base period - even part-time retail during the holidays or gig work - make sure to include it. The DOL wants to see that you're not just someone who only works seasonally by choice. Having diverse work history really helps your case. The phone system is definitely broken right now. I've had better luck calling right when they open at 8 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - seems like there are fewer people trying then.

I work at a summer camp and deal with seasonal unemployment every fall. One thing that helped me avoid delays was getting a letter from my employer before they laid me off stating that the position was seasonal and temporary due to the nature of the business. When I included this with my application, it seemed to speed up the review process. Also, pro tip for anyone still trying to get through on the phone - I've had success using the callback feature on the NYSDOL website. You have to check it obsessively because slots open up randomly, but when you get one it actually works. Got a call back within 2 hours last time I used it versus never getting through on the regular phone line. The key thing to remember is that being seasonal doesn't disqualify you from benefits - they just want to make sure you're genuinely looking for work and not just planning to wait until next season starts.

I've been working seasonal jobs in NY for about 4 years now (landscaping in summer, snow removal in winter) and I've learned a few things that might help others avoid the payment delays. First, when you file your claim, there's actually a specific question about whether your separation was due to "seasonal work patterns" - it's easy to miss because it's buried in the work separation details section. If you answer this correctly, it flags your claim as seasonal from the start rather than having them figure it out later during review. Second, keep detailed records of your work search activities even during your off-season. I know it seems pointless when you're planning to return to seasonal work, but the DOL can ask for proof that you were genuinely available for other employment. I keep a simple spreadsheet with places I applied, dates, and responses. One more thing - if you've worked the same seasonal pattern for multiple years, consider filing a "transitional claim" in December or January instead of right after your season ends. This shows you're actively seeking year-round work rather than just filling the gap between seasons. It's helped me avoid those long review periods. The system definitely isn't perfect, but understanding how they categorize seasonal work can save you weeks of waiting for payments.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 5 weeks for my seasonal landscaping unemployment to process. What's really frustrating is that I've been doing seasonal work for 3 years and never had these kinds of delays before. Something definitely changed with their system this year. Has anyone had luck with the online chat feature? I noticed they added it recently but every time I try to use it, it says "all agents are busy" and never connects me to anyone. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get my claim moving. Also wanted to mention for anyone filing in the future - make sure you have your employer's federal tax ID number ready. I didn't have mine when I first applied and had to call my old boss to get it, which probably contributed to my delays. They use it to verify your work history automatically instead of having to wait for employer responses.

I'm going through something similar right now - worked at a waterfront restaurant that closed for the winter season in November, and I've been waiting almost 4 weeks for my first payment. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening about the seasonal work complications. I think I made the same mistake as Ethan - I probably didn't clearly mark my work as seasonal when I filed, and I definitely didn't know about that buried "seasonal work patterns" question that Jean Claude mentioned. That would explain why my claim is stuck in review limbo. The advice about getting a letter from your employer beforehand is brilliant - wish I had thought of that. And the tip about having the federal tax ID ready is something I'll definitely remember. I had to email my old manager to get employment verification info, which probably added to my delays. At this point I'm seriously considering trying that Claimyr service. It's frustrating that we have to pay extra just to access benefits we're entitled to, but if it actually works and gets me connected to someone who can resolve this, it might be worth it. The regular phone system is completely impossible - I've tried calling probably 20+ times and never gotten through to a human. Has anyone else noticed if certain times of day work better for getting through? I've been trying mostly afternoons but maybe I should try those early morning slots that Amara suggested.