How long does it take for unemployment claim to process with NYS Department of Labor?
I submitted my initial unemployment application through the NYS Department of Labor website last Tuesday and I'm getting anxious about when I'll hear back. My last job ended two weeks ago and I really need to know what to expect for timing. The website just says 'application received' but doesn't give any timeframe. Has anyone gone through this recently? How long did it take from when you first applied until you could start filing weekly claims and actually receive payments?
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Emma Davis
The initial processing time for new unemployment claims with NYS Department of Labor is typically 2-3 weeks, but it can vary depending on your specific situation. If there are no issues with your application (like questions about why you left your job or wage verification problems), you should hear back within that timeframe. Once approved, you'll be able to file your first weekly claim and payments usually start within a few days after that.
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Javier Torres
•That's reassuring, thank you! I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that won't cause any complications. Do I need to do anything while I wait or just sit tight?
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CosmicCaptain
mine took forever!!! like 5 weeks before i heard anything and then another week to get my first payment. the nys department of labor is so slow with everything
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Malik Johnson
•Five weeks is unusual unless there was an issue that required adjudication. Most straightforward claims are processed within 2-3 weeks. If yours took that long, there was probably a complication that needed to be reviewed by a claims examiner.
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Malik Johnson
While you're waiting, make sure you're keeping track of your job search activities. Even though you can't file weekly claims yet, you'll need to meet the work search requirements once your claim is approved. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week, so start documenting those now. Also, if you haven't heard anything after 3 weeks, you can try calling the claims center, though the wait times are pretty brutal.
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Isabella Ferreira
•Oh god the phone system is a nightmare. I spent literally hours on hold last month trying to get through to someone about my claim status. There's actually a service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent - they have this system that calls for you and gets you through the queue. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
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Javier Torres
•Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I need to call. Hopefully my claim goes through without any issues but good to know there are options if I get stuck in phone hell.
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Ravi Sharma
Just went through this myself a few months ago. Applied on a Monday, got my approval letter the following Friday (so about 11 days). But then it took another week to figure out how to actually file my weekly claim because the my.ny.gov website is confusing as hell. Make sure you understand the difference between your initial application and your weekly claims - you'll need to file those every week to keep getting paid.
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Freya Thomsen
•Yeah the weekly filing thing confused me too at first! You have to do it every single week even if nothing changes in your situation.
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