How long before unemployment kicks in after filing with NYS Department of Labor?
Filed my unemployment claim with NYS Department of Labor last Tuesday after getting laid off from my warehouse job. Still haven't seen any payments and my claim status just says 'pending'. How long before unemployment kicks in and I actually start receiving benefits? I'm getting stressed about rent next week and don't know what to expect for timing.
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Malik Thomas
Usually takes about 2-3 weeks from when you file before your first payment kicks in. NYS Department of Labor has to process your claim, verify your employment history, and make sure you're eligible. During this time make sure you're filing your weekly claims even if you haven't been paid yet - those weeks can be lost if you don't claim them.
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Emma Wilson
•Thanks! I've been doing the weekly claims but wasn't sure if that mattered before getting approved. Good to know I need to keep doing them.
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NeonNebula
mine took forever to kick in, like 5 weeks because they had to verify something with my previous employer. the waiting is the worst part especially when bills are due
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Emma Wilson
•5 weeks?? That's terrifying. Did they at least backpay you for all those weeks once it finally went through?
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NeonNebula
•yes they paid me for all the weeks I claimed, but those 5 weeks of not knowing were brutal
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Isabella Costa
The timing depends on whether your claim goes into adjudication. If NYS Department of Labor needs to investigate something about your separation from work, it can take 4-6 weeks before benefits kick in. Otherwise, standard processing is 2-3 weeks. You should get a determination letter explaining your benefit amount and start date once it's processed.
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Emma Wilson
•How do I know if it's in adjudication? My my.ny.gov account doesn't show anything like that.
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Isabella Costa
•Check your claim status - it would specifically say 'adjudication in progress' if there's an issue being investigated. If it just says pending, you're probably in normal processing.
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Ravi Malhotra
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim was delayed. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used claimyr.com which actually got me through to an agent who could check my status. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Worth it when you need answers about when your benefits will kick in.
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Freya Christensen
•Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you to get through?
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Ravi Malhotra
•Yeah there's a fee but honestly it was worth it to finally talk to someone who could tell me exactly what was holding up my claim. Saved me weeks of wondering.
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Omar Farouk
The whole system is so frustrating! I remember when I filed it took 3 weeks just to get my determination letter, then another week before the money actually showed up in my account. Make sure your direct deposit info is correct or add even more time for a debit card to arrive in the mail.
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Jason Brewer
I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 10 days ago and still waiting. What helped me was calling the automated phone line (888-209-8124) which at least confirmed my claim was received and being processed. The recording mentions that first-time filers should expect 2-3 weeks before seeing payments. Also double-check that you've completed all the required steps in your online account - sometimes there are additional forms or identity verification that can hold things up. Hang in there, the waiting is definitely the hardest part!
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Emily Sanjay
•Thanks for the phone number! I tried calling earlier but didn't know there was an automated line that could at least confirm receipt. Going to try that now. Did you have to do any identity verification or was it pretty straightforward after filing?
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