How long does NYS Department of Labor unemployment approval actually take in 2025?
I submitted my unemployment application through the NYS Department of Labor website about 10 days ago and I'm getting anxious about how long this whole process is supposed to take. My previous job ended January 3rd and I need to know what's realistic to expect. The my.ny.gov portal just shows my application is 'under review' but doesn't give any timeline. I've been doing my weekly claims like they told me to but still no payments. Has anyone gone through this recently? What should I expect for timing on getting approved and actually receiving money?
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Kayla Jacobson
It really depends on your specific situation. For straightforward claims with no complications, NYS Department of Labor typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks. However, if your claim requires adjudication (like if there are questions about your separation from work or eligibility), it can take 6-8 weeks or even longer. Keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting - if approved, you'll get backpay for those weeks.
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Hannah Flores
•Thanks! I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that's straightforward. Do you know if they contact former employers during this process?
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William Rivera
mine took forever!! like 7 weeks and that was without any issues. the system is just slow right now i think
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Grace Lee
If you're having trouble getting through to check on your claim status, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Was way easier than trying to call myself and getting hung up on constantly.
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Hannah Flores
•Interesting, never heard of that service. Is it legit? I'm getting desperate to talk to someone real about my claim.
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Grace Lee
•Yeah it's legitimate - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold forever. Worked for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue last year.
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Mia Roberts
The whole NYS Department of Labor system is a joke honestly. They make you jump through hoops with the job search requirements and weekly certifications but then take MONTHS to actually pay you anything. Meanwhile rent is due and bills keep coming. It's like they design it to be as frustrating as possible.
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The Boss
•I feel you on the frustration but complaining won't speed up the process. Focus on what you can control - make sure you're doing everything they require correctly.
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Evan Kalinowski
Keep in mind that even after your claim is approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before you start receiving payments. So if your claim gets approved at the 3-week mark, you'd still be waiting another week for your first payment. The waiting period is unpaid but serves as your first week of unemployment.
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Hannah Flores
•Wait, so even after approval there's ANOTHER week of waiting? That seems excessive when people need money to survive.
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William Rivera
just keep filing those weekly claims no matter what! i made the mistake of stopping when mine was taking forever and it messed everything up
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