How long does it take unemployment to kick in after filing with NYS Department of Labor?
I just filed my initial unemployment claim through the my.ny.gov website about a week ago and I'm wondering how long it typically takes for benefits to actually start coming through? I lost my job at a restaurant in Queens and really need to know when I can expect the first payment. My claim status just says 'pending' and I've been doing my weekly certifications but haven't seen any money yet. Is this normal timing or should I be worried something's wrong with my application?
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Luca Romano
The standard processing time for new NYS Department of Labor claims is typically 2-3 weeks from when you first file, assuming there are no issues that require adjudication. Since you're only at one week, you're still within normal timeframes. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending - you can't get paid for weeks you don't certify for. The 'pending' status usually means they're verifying your employment history with your former employer.
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Zara Rashid
•Thanks that's reassuring! I was starting to panic. I'll keep doing the weekly certifications. Do they backpay for the weeks it was pending?
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Nia Jackson
mine took almost 4 weeks to get the first payment but once it started everything came through including the back weeks i had certified for. just keep filing those weekly claims like the other person said
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Mateo Hernandez
If you're having trouble getting through to check on your claim status, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks and this got me through to someone who could explain exactly where my claim stood in the process.
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CosmicCruiser
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already not getting paid so I can't afford to spend money on getting my unemployment processed.
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Mateo Hernandez
•I understand the concern about costs when you're not getting income. From what I experienced, the value was worth it compared to the weeks I spent trying to get through on my own, but everyone's situation is different.
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Aisha Khan
UGH the NYS Department of Labor system is SO SLOW. I've been waiting 3 weeks and my claim is STILL in adjudication because my former employer is disputing something. They make it impossible to reach anyone and then act like it's your fault when you can't pay rent!!!
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Ethan Taylor
•That's so frustrating! Adjudication can definitely add extra time to the process, especially if there's an employer dispute involved.
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Yuki Ito
I remember when I first filed it felt like forever but looking back it was only like 2.5 weeks total. The waiting is the worst part especially when you have bills piling up. Hang in there!
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