How long does it take to collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off last week and I'm trying to figure out the timeline for unemployment benefits. I filed my claim online but I'm not sure how long this whole process takes. When should I expect my first payment? Also, how long can I actually collect benefits for? I've never been through this before and I'm really stressed about paying my bills next month.
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AaliyahAli
The NYS Department of Labor usually takes about 2-3 weeks to process your initial claim if there are no issues. You'll have a one-week waiting period before benefits start, then payments come weekly after that. You can collect for up to 26 weeks in NY, but you have to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements.
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Theodore Nelson
•Thanks! Do I need to do anything special during that waiting period or just file my weekly claims?
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Ellie Simpson
took me almost 5 weeks to get my first payment because they had to verify my employment history. if your claim goes into adjudication it can take even longer
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Arjun Kurti
•Adjudication happens when there are questions about your separation from work or eligibility. Common reasons include voluntary quit vs. layoff, or if your employer contests the claim. During this time, you should keep filing weekly claims even though payments are on hold.
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Raúl Mora
I had the worst time trying to reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor when my claim was stuck. Called hundreds of times and just got busy signals or hung up on. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me weeks of frustration honestly.
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Theodore Nelson
•That sounds helpful but is it legitimate? I don't want to get scammed when I'm already stressed about money.
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Raúl Mora
•Yeah it's totally legit, they just help you navigate the phone system to reach a real person. No personal info required, just helps with the actual calling process.
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Margot Quinn
OMG I'm in the exact same situation! Filed two weeks ago and still nothing. This is so scary, I have rent due soon and no idea when money will come in. The NYS Department of Labor website is confusing too.
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AaliyahAli
•Don't panic yet - two weeks is still within the normal processing time. Log into your ny.gov account and check if your claim shows any issues that need to be resolved. If everything looks clear, you should see payments soon.
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Evelyn Kim
The whole system is a joke honestly. They make you jump through hoops for benefits you already paid into through payroll taxes. And don't get me started on the job search requirements - you have to apply to 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records or they'll cut you off.
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Diego Fisher
•yeah but at least we get something, better than nothing right?
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Arjun Kurti
Just to clarify the timeline: Week 1 is your waiting period (no payment), then if approved you'll receive benefits starting week 2. Maximum benefit period is 26 weeks. Your weekly benefit amount depends on your previous earnings, with a maximum of $504 per week in 2025. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every Sunday and documenting your job search activities.
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