How long after I file a claim for unemployment benefits does NYS Department of Labor take to process?
I just submitted my initial unemployment claim through the NYS Department of Labor website yesterday and I'm wondering what to expect for timing. I lost my job at a warehouse last week due to layoffs and really need to know when I might see my first payment. The online portal just says my claim is being reviewed but doesn't give any timeframe. My bills are piling up and I'm getting stressed about how long this whole process takes. Has anyone recently filed and can tell me realistically how long it took from filing to getting your first check?
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Clay blendedgen
The typical processing time for NYS Department of Labor unemployment claims is usually 2-4 weeks from the date you file, assuming there are no issues with your application. Your first payment should come about a week after your claim is approved. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed - this is crucial or you'll lose benefits for those weeks.
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Mary Bates
•Thanks! I didn't know about filing weekly claims right away. Where do I do that on the NYS Department of Labor site?
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Ayla Kumar
mine took forever last year, like 6 weeks because they had to verify my employment history or something. just keep checking your account and dont panic if it takes longer than expected
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Lorenzo McCormick
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to check your status, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an agent when the lines were always busy. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. It was really helpful when I needed to resolve an issue with my claim that was taking too long.
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Carmella Popescu
•Interesting, never heard of that. Did it actually work for getting through to a real person at NYS Department of Labor?
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Lorenzo McCormick
•Yeah it did! I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone. This service got me connected to an agent who explained what documents I needed to submit to move my claim forward.
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Kai Santiago
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS! I filed in December and it took 8 WEEKS because they kept asking for more paperwork. NYS Department of Labor is completely overwhelmed and understaffed. Don't expect anything quick from them!!
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Lim Wong
oh wow i need to file soon too, my last day is next friday. good to know it might take a while. do you have to wait until after your last day to file or can you do it before?
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Clay blendedgen
•You should file your unemployment claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. Don't file before your employment actually ends, but don't wait longer than necessary after it ends either - benefits don't get backdated to cover delays in filing.
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Dylan Wright
I filed my claim about 3 weeks ago and just got my first payment last week, so it was right around that 2-4 week timeframe that Clay mentioned. One thing that helped speed up my process was making sure I had all my employment documentation ready - like pay stubs and your separation notice from your employer. Also definitely set up direct deposit if you haven't already, it's faster than waiting for a check in the mail. Hang in there, I know the waiting is stressful but it does come through eventually!
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