How long does it take to get first unemployment check from NYS Department of Labor?
I just filed my unemployment claim last Tuesday and I'm wondering when I can expect my first payment. I completed the initial application on my.ny.gov and they said it was received successfully. I've been doing my weekly claims but haven't seen any money yet. My savings are running out fast and I need to know how long this process usually takes. Has anyone gotten their first check recently and can tell me the timeline?
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Aisha Ali
It typically takes 2-4 weeks for your first payment after filing, assuming there are no issues with your claim. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if you haven't been paid yet, because you won't get paid for weeks you don't file. Check your online account to see if your claim shows 'approved' or if it's in adjudication.
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Mateo Gonzalez
•Thanks! My account just says 'claim filed' but doesn't show approved or anything like that. Should I be worried?
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Ethan Moore
mine took almost 3 weeks but that was because they needed to verify my employment history with my last job
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Yuki Nakamura
The NYS Department of Labor processes claims in the order they receive them. If your claim requires adjudication for any reason - like if there's a question about why you left your job or if your employer contests it - it can take 4-6 weeks or longer. You should receive a determination letter explaining your benefit amount and any issues that need to be resolved.
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StarSurfer
•This is exactly what happened to me! My employer contested and it took 2 months to get sorted out. I had to submit documentation proving I was laid off and not fired.
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Carmen Reyes
I've been waiting 5 weeks now and still nothing! Called probably 50 times and can never get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor. This system is broken and they don't care about people who actually need help. Meanwhile my rent is due and I'm eating ramen every day.
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Aisha Ali
•I had trouble getting through too, but I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to NYS Department of Labor agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to check on my adjudication status.
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Carmen Reyes
•Is that legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.
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Aisha Ali
•Yeah it's real, they just help you get through the phone queue. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.
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Andre Moreau
Just want to add that even after your claim is approved, the first payment can still take a few extra days to hit your account depending on your payment method. Direct deposit is faster than the debit card.
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Noah Torres
I just got my first payment this week after filing 3 weeks ago, so the 2-4 week timeline mentioned above seems accurate. One thing that helped me was setting up direct deposit right away instead of waiting for the debit card - it definitely speeds things up. Also, make sure you're checking your online account regularly for any messages or requests for additional documentation. Sometimes they need proof of your previous income or employment verification and if you miss those requests it can delay everything. Hang in there, the waiting is stressful but the payments do come through eventually!
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