How long to get approved for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just submitted my unemployment application through the NYS Department of Labor website last Thursday and I'm wondering what the typical timeline is for getting approved? I lost my job due to company downsizing and have never filed for unemployment before. My former employer said they wouldn't contest it but I'm still nervous about how long this whole process takes. I need to start receiving benefits as soon as possible to cover my rent and bills. Does anyone know the average wait time for approval?
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Caleb Stark
The NYS Department of Labor typically processes initial claims within 2-3 weeks if there are no issues that require adjudication. Since your employer won't contest and it was a layoff, you should be on the faster side. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the initial determination - you can backdate payments once approved.
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Harper Thompson
•Thanks! I wasn't sure if I should file weekly claims before getting approved. The my.ny.gov website is a bit confusing to navigate.
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Jade O'Malley
took me almost 5 weeks last year but that was because they had to verify my work history with multiple employers. if you only had one job recently it should be faster
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Hunter Edmunds
Keep checking your account daily for any requests for additional information. The NYS Department of Labor will send notices if they need employment verification, wage records, or clarification about your separation reason. Responding quickly to these requests prevents delays in your claim processing.
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Ella Lewis
•This is so important! I missed a document request notification and it delayed my claim by 3 weeks. Check both your online account AND your email regularly.
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Andrew Pinnock
Been trying to reach NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my pending claim status and can never get through on the phone. The hold times are ridiculous and half the time they just hang up on you. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Finally got answers about my adjudication delay after using their service.
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Harper Thompson
•Never heard of that before but might be worth trying if I run into issues. The phone system does seem pretty overwhelming.
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Brianna Schmidt
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! They make you jump through hoops for benefits you've already paid into through payroll taxes. I've been waiting 6 weeks and still stuck in adjudication hell with no explanation. Meanwhile bills keep piling up and they act like we're asking for charity instead of our own money!
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Alexis Renard
•I feel your frustration but staying on top of the process really helps. Document everything and keep following up.
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Jade O'Malley
also make sure you're doing the work search requirements right from the start. they changed the rules and now you need 3 job contacts per week logged in the system
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