Finally got my NY unemployment backpay after 7 weeks - DOL specialist actually called me!

congrats!! im on week 5 waiting and getting desperate lol did they say why it was held up for so long?

This is actually pretty standard. NY DOL has been taking 6-8 weeks to process claims with any kind of issues or employer disputes in 2025. The system automatically flags certain responses during certification, and then a human specialist has to review it. The good news is once they resolve it, the backpay comes in a lump sum. Always make sure your phone number is up to date in your account so they can reach you!

Okay so I've been waiting for FIVE MONTHS!!! Why did you get a call after just 7 weeks? I've called 27 times (yes I counted) and nobody ever picks up. I'm about to be evicted and I can't even get someone to tell me why my claim is stuck!!! This system is BROKEN!!!!

I was in the exact same situation last month! 8 weeks of pending payments and no way to reach anyone. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual human at NY unemployment in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. The agent I spoke with released all my payments on the spot. Sometimes you just need to actually talk to someone to get things moving.

Just to add some actual information here - if your claim is pending for more than 4 weeks, you should request an official determination through your online account messaging center. Specifically say you are "requesting a determination on my pending claim under Section 590.11 of the NY Labor Law" which requires them to issue a decision. This won't guarantee approval, but it forces them to review your case and either pay you or formally deny you (which you can then appeal).

7 weeks is nothing lol. My brother in law waited 13 weeks last year and then got all his money at once. Its actually kind of nice getting a big payment instead of weekly ones. Forced savings haha

Did anyone else have the problem where a specialist called but then nothing happened afterward? I got a call two weeks ago, the woman said she fixed everything and I'd get paid in 3 days. Still nothing showing up in my payment history! I've been trying to call back but just get the stupid automated system every time. I'm worried she didn't actually do whatever she was supposed to do in the system.

For anyone reading this thread later: if you're waiting on pending payments, here's what the current process looks like in 2025: 1. Regular claims without issues typically process in 3-5 business days 2. Claims with minor verification issues: 3-6 weeks for specialist review 3. Claims with employer disputes: 6-10 weeks for adjudication 4. Claims with identity verification issues: 4-8 weeks for resolution The NY DOL prioritizes based on filing date and issue type, not by how many times you call (though getting through to someone can sometimes help identify the specific problem).

did they give u a direct number to call them back if theres any problems with ur payment? im thinking of leaving a note on my door so i dont miss their call lol

MY ACCOUNT SAYS THE EXACT SAME THING! Pending for no reason since January and my landlord is threatening eviction. I can't even get through the phone system to talk to a real person. I've sent 12 messages through the online portal and gotten zero responses. Did they tell you why yours was held up for so long? Was there something specific you did that finally got them to call you?