How long it takes for unemployment benefits to start in NY - my timeline so far
I'm trying to figure out how long it takes for unemployment benefits to actually start coming through after you file your initial claim with NYS Department of Labor. I submitted my application online about 10 days ago and I'm getting anxious because I haven't heard anything yet except the confirmation email. My claim status just says 'under review' when I check my.ny.gov. I lost my job at a restaurant in Queens and I really need to know when I can expect my first payment. Can anyone share their recent experience with how long the whole process took from filing to getting paid?
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Riya Sharma
The typical timeline for NYS Department of Labor unemployment claims is usually 2-3 weeks from filing to first payment, but it can vary depending on your situation. Since you filed 10 days ago, you're probably getting close. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being processed - that's really important. You should also check if there are any outstanding issues that need verification on your account.
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Thanks! I have been doing the weekly claims but I'm worried I messed something up. Should I see more than just 'under review' by now?
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Santiago Diaz
Mine took exactly 16 days last month. Filed on a Tuesday, got my first payment on a Thursday two weeks later. The waiting is the worst part but it does come through eventually.
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Millie Long
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to check on your claim status, you might want to try Claimyr. I found out about it at claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Basically they help you get connected to an actual agent instead of sitting on hold forever. I used it when my claim was stuck in adjudication and finally got answers about what was holding things up.
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KaiEsmeralda
•Is that service legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at this point but I don't want to get scammed.
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Millie Long
•Yeah it's real, they just help you navigate the phone system more efficiently. Worth trying if you can't get through the normal way.
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Debra Bai
the whole system is SO SLOW right now!! I've been waiting 3 weeks and still nothing. called like 50 times and either get hung up on or told to wait. this is ridiculous when people need money for rent
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Gabriel Freeman
Just wanted to add that sometimes there can be delays if they need to verify your employment history or if there's any question about why you became unemployed. Restaurant workers sometimes have issues if there are questions about tips or if the employer contests the claim. Hopefully that's not your situation but just something to be aware of.
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Oh no, now I'm worried. My manager was pretty angry when they had to let people go. Could they really contest my claim?
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Laura Lopez
Usually takes 2-3 weeks total if everything goes smoothly
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