Finally heard from NY unemployment specialist about 14 weeks of backpay - will it really come in 3 days?

congrats! i been waiting on 9 weeks myself. how did u even get through to a specialist? i cant even get past the stupid phone tree

I wouldn't count on that 3 day timeline, unfortunately. I was told the same thing in November 2024 about my 8 weeks of backpay, and it took 3 WEEKS, not 3 days. The system is incredibly backlogged right now. That said, you're on the right track by getting a specialist to actually note your file - that's what eventually made mine go through.

Dont get ur hopes up TOO high. My neighbor was told he'd get his backpay in 3-5 days and its been 3 MONTHS and still nothing!!! The whole system is broken. I swear the "specialists" just tell u what u want to hear to get u off the phone.

After waiting 6 weeks for backpay with no luck getting through on phones, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a NY unemployment rep in about 20 minutes! Totally worth it. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through, then call you when they have an agent. My backpay was processed two days after talking to the specialist. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The backpay timing really depends on what was causing the delay in the first place. If it was a simple administrative hold, 3 days is possible. If there was an identity verification issue or employer dispute, it could take 2-3 weeks even after a specialist approves it. Make sure you got the specialist's name and ID number - this is crucial if you need to follow up. Also, check your payment history page daily rather than waiting for an email notification, as the online system updates faster than notifications go out.

I'm in the EXACT same situation!!! 13 weeks of backpay for me. A specialist told me 3-5 business days last Thursday. Today is day 4 and nothing yet. I'm literally checking my account every hour. This whole process has been a NIGHTMARE!!! The stress is making me physically ill. Did you get yours yet? Please update!!!

What time of day did you call to get through? I've been trying mornings with no luck. And which number exactly? There are so many different ones on the NY unemployment website and none of them seem to connect to actual humans. I'm going on 7 weeks of backpay issues and getting desperate.

Quick update for anyone following this thread - I noticed the OP hasn't responded in a few days. I just want to clarify something important about backpay: If you're waiting on a large amount (10+ weeks), they sometimes release it in 2-3 separate payments over a 7-10 day period rather than all at once. This is normal and doesn't mean you won't get all of it. If you see a partial payment, don't panic - the rest is likely coming in a separate transaction.

UPDATE: It's been 5 days and nothing yet. Called again today and waited 1.5 hours to speak to someone. They said my backpay was "in process" and that I should see it "soon" but wouldn't give me an exact timeline. Frustrating, but at least it's supposedly moving forward. Will keep updating.

FINAL UPDATE: Just wanted to close the loop on this. My backpay finally came through today - 9 days after speaking with the specialist (not the 3 days promised). It came as two separate deposits a few hours apart. So for anyone still waiting - it does eventually happen, but be prepared for longer timeframes than what they tell you. Don't give up!