Frustration with NY unemployment processing delays - filed in September but no update

This is super common with NYSDOL in 2025 - their system is completely overwhelmed with the new seasonal layoffs. I was in the same boat last month and was pulling my hair out. What finally worked was using Claimyr.com - it's this service that gets you through to an actual agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE It was the only way I managed to speak to someone who could actually look at my claim and tell me there was a "pending identity verification" that was holding everything up. Once I talked to the rep, my claim was processed within 48 hours.

u probably didnt answer a question right on ur application. happens all the time. sister prolly had all her info correct the first time. just keep claiming and wait it out... theyll contact u eventually

Based on your timeline, it sounds like you may be caught in what's called an "adjudication review." This happens when there's something in your application that needs manual verification by a claims examiner. The fact that you received the additional information packet right away is actually a good sign - it means your initial claim was registered correctly in the system. The current backlog for adjudication reviews is approximately 3-4 weeks according to NYSDOL's latest reports. Here are some things you can do: 1. Check your NY.gov account message center (not just emails/texts) 2. Verify that your mailing address is correct in the system 3. Continue certifying weekly without fail 4. Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when their phone lines open 5. If you submitted the additional forms via mail, send them again via fax or the online document upload system (redundancy sometimes helps) The difference between your experience and your sister's likely has to do with claim complexity. If her employment situation was straightforward (laid off from a single W-2 employer who verified her claim quickly), her claim wouldn't require adjudication review.

Same thing happened to my cousin two months ago! She was so mad because they kept saying "pending review" with no explanation. Turns out her previous employer contested the claim saying she quit instead of being laid off (which wasn't true). Do you know if your employer might be challenging your claim?

Let me clarify some things about the current process. When you sent back that packet of additional information, you entered what's called the "information gathering phase." The NYSDOL is currently experiencing a 21-day average processing time for these supplemental documents. The most common reasons for delays right now are: 1. Employment verification issues - one of your employers from the base period hasn't responded to NYSDOL's request for information 2. Identity verification flags - especially if you've moved or changed banks recently 3. Eligibility questions related to your separation reason 4. Technical processing backlogs due to high volume Unfortunately, there's no way around the phone system if you need status updates. The most effective strategy is to call 888-209-8124 exactly at 7:59 AM and be ready to press options as soon as the system answers. Alternatively, you could try the callback feature if you qualify for it (not everyone does). Keep certifying weekly without fail while you wait. Your benefits will be backdated to when you became eligible once approved.

I HATE the unemployment system!!! Been through this 3 TIMES in the last year! Every single time it's a different problem and ZERO communication. Then when they finally approve you they act like they're doing you a favor giving you YOUR OWN MONEY that YOU and YOUR EMPLOYER paid into the system!!! The whole thing is designed to make people give up. KEEP CALLING. That's the ONLY way to get anything done. And document EVERYTHING.

I went through something similar back in July. What worked for me was reaching out to my state representative's office. Many have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues. I emailed my assembly member's office with all my claim details, and they were able to get NYSDOL to look at my claim within 48 hours. Not saying it will definitely work, but worth a try if you're desperate! In the meantime, definitely keep certifying weekly. When my claim was finally processed, I got all my backdated payments at once.

Just wanted to follow up - did you try contacting your state rep or getting through on the phone? Any progress?

That's great progress! The "pending employer verification" issue is quite common, especially with larger companies that have centralized HR departments. Now that the agent has flagged it for urgent follow-up, the system will move your claim forward even if your employer doesn't respond within the new timeframe (they're only required to make two good-faith attempts to contact the employer). Make sure you keep certifying weekly while you wait. And just a tip - take notes of any conversations with NYSDOL including the agent's ID number if they provided one. This helps if you need to reference the conversation in any future communications.