How long does it take to get unemployment approved through NYS Department of Labor?

The NYS Department of Labor typically processes standard unemployment claims within 2-3 weeks from the date you file. However, if your claim requires adjudication (which happens when there are questions about your separation from employment), it can take 4-6 weeks or longer. Since you mentioned you lost your job, they may be verifying the circumstances with your former employer.

The initial processing usually takes 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. NYS Department of Labor has to verify your employment history and eligibility. You should keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending - if approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks.

mine took almost 4 weeks but that was because they had to verify my wages from my previous employer. depends on ur situation

mine took forever!!! like 6 weeks and then they wanted more documentation. the whole system is so slow

Make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is pending. If you don't file weekly, you could lose benefits for those weeks even after your claim gets approved. Log into your my.ny.gov account every Sunday to certify for benefits. Also check that your employer information is correct in your application.

If your claim goes into adjudication, it can take much longer - sometimes 6-8 weeks. This happens when there are questions about why you left your job or eligibility issues. You can check your claim status on the NYS Department of Labor website.

I've been waiting 3 weeks and still nothing! Called the NYS Department of Labor like 50 times and can never get through. This is ridiculous - how are people supposed to survive while waiting?

The whole system is broken. I waited 6 weeks last year just to find out they needed one more piece of paperwork. Meanwhile bills don't stop coming.

Most people get approved within 2-3 weeks like the first person said. Just keep filing your weekly claims and checking your my.ny.gov account for any messages or requests for additional info.

I'm in week 3 of waiting and getting really anxious about this. My savings are almost gone and I don't know what I'll do if this drags on much longer. Has anyone had luck calling the NYS Department of Labor to check on their claim status? Every time I try the phone lines are busy.

Just wanted to share that my claim got approved yesterday after exactly 18 days. I was also worried when it hit the 2 week mark with no updates, but it came through. Hang in there!

The timing really depends on your specific situation. If you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily, expect delays while they investigate. Layoffs usually process faster since there's less to verify. My brother got his approved in 12 days but my cousin who got fired is still waiting after a month because they're doing interviews with witnesses and stuff.