How long after certifying for NY unemployment should I expect my first payment?

It took me about 2-3 weeks after my first certification to get any money. I think they have some kind of waiting period built in. Check your payment history section on the website - sometimes it'll show pending payments before they actually hit your account.

After struggling with the endless phone loops and getting nowhere for weeks, I tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got me connected to a real person at unemployment. Talking to an agent got my payments released within days - it was the only way I could talk to a live agent. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

First payment usually takes longer cuz they gotta verify everything. Mine took almost 4 weeks back in August. Their systems are ancient and everything moves at a snails pace. If you need $ now you might wanna look into some emergency assistance programs while you wait.

Did you set up direct deposit? Check that you entered your account info correctly. I had a friend who waited forever only to realize she'd typed her account number wrong. Also make sure your address is correct if you're getting a debit card instead.

Three different timeframes all based on personal experience with NY unemployment over the last few years: 1) Normal processing time WITH NO ISSUES: 2-3 weeks for first payment 2) If there are minor verification issues: 3-6 weeks 3) If there are major issues (employment verification problems, identity questions): 6+ weeks If you're approaching the 4 week mark with no payment and no specific messages about issues with your claim, you absolutely need to speak with a representative. The online system won't tell you what's wrong. Your best bet is to use claimyr.com to get through to an agent quickly instead of spending hours/days on hold. Their system holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. It was literally the difference between getting paid and not getting paid for me. Also, document EVERYTHING - dates you certified, confirmation numbers, names of any agents you speak with. The system is notoriously difficult to navigate and having detailed records has saved countless people when problems arise.

The actual answer nobody wants to hear: IT DEPENDS. There's no consistent timeframe anymore. Some ppl get paid in 2 weeks, others wait 2 months with the exact same situation. The system is completely broken and understaffed.

If you're not getting payments and can't reach anyone, contact your state assemblyperson or senator! They can sometimes escalate your case. Worked for me when I was stuck in limbo for over a month.

You should have received an email with the subject "Your Unemployment Insurance Payment" if they processed anything. Check your spam folder?

Pro tip: certify first thing Sunday morning when the system updates. I swear it processes faster than if you wait till later in the week. And make sure you're answering all the certification questions correctly - one wrong answer can delay everything.

have u tried calling them? i know its a pain but sometimes theres a random hold on ur acct they dont tell u about. took me 47 calls but when i finally got thru they removed some random flag on my claim and the money came like 2 days later

Check if theres a hold on ur account!!! When I first filed they put me on a 2 week hold bc they needed to 'verify my identity' but never actually told me 🤬 I only found out when I finally got thru to someone on the phone

Did you get a letter in the mail confirming your benefit amount? That usually comes before any payments start processing. If you havent even gotten that yet, something might be wrong with your claim.

I waited 5 weeks for my first payment. Then suddenly got 5 weeks worth all at once. Keep certifying every week even if you're not seeing payments yet!