How far behind is NYS Department of Labor unemployment processing right now?
I'm trying to figure out how far behind NYS Department of Labor is with processing claims right now. I filed my initial claim 3 weeks ago and it's still showing pending with no updates. My friend filed around the same time and hers got approved last week, so I'm wondering if there's some kind of backlog or if something's wrong with mine specifically. Has anyone else noticed delays lately? I keep seeing different timelines online but nothing recent about current processing times.
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Paloma Clark
From what I've seen, they're running about 2-4 weeks behind on initial claims depending on complexity. If your claim needs adjudication for any reason (like separation issues or wage verification), it can take 6-8 weeks. The good news is that once approved, you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks.
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Evelyn Kelly
•That's somewhat reassuring. I don't think mine needs adjudication but who knows. The waiting is just stressful when bills are piling up.
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Heather Tyson
i filed 5 weeks ago and STILL waiting... called like 20 times and can never get through to a real person. this is ridiculous
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Raul Neal
•I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone. Someone on here recommended trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that basically waits on hold for you and connects you directly to an agent. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) and tried it. Actually got through to someone at NYS Department of Labor in about 30 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hour wait times.
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Jenna Sloan
The backlog seems to be getting worse lately. I work at a local workforce center and we're hearing 4-6 weeks for straightforward claims, longer if there are any complications. The system is just overwhelmed right now. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for approval!
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Evelyn Kelly
•Yes I've been doing my weekly claims religiously. Good to know even the workforce centers are seeing these delays - makes me feel less like it's something I did wrong.
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Christian Burns
honestly the whole system is a mess right now... my cousin waited 7 weeks and then they said she owed them money from 2 years ago??? like how does that even happen
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Paloma Clark
•That sounds like an overpayment issue from a previous claim. Those can definitely hold up new claims until resolved. Did she appeal it?
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Sasha Reese
Same boat here - filed 4 weeks ago and nothing. At least I know I'm not alone in this. The uncertainty is the worst part.
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Liam Mendez
I'm going through the same thing right now - filed my initial claim about 3.5 weeks ago and still showing as pending. It's frustrating because you hear such different timelines from everyone. I've been trying to stay patient but it's hard when you're not sure if it's normal delays or if there's an actual issue with your claim. Thanks for posting this question, it helps to see I'm not the only one dealing with this right now.
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