How long work to get unemployment benefits approved by NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my restaurant job last month and filed for unemployment right away. My claim is still showing pending and I'm getting worried about how much longer this will take. I worked there for about 8 months full time before they had to cut staff. Does anyone know how long the NYS Department of Labor usually takes to approve claims? I really need to know when I can expect my first payment because my rent is due next week.
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Zara Khan
The NYS Department of Labor typically processes straightforward claims within 2-3 weeks from the date you filed. Since you worked 8 months full-time, you should meet the work history requirements easily. Check your online account for any outstanding issues that might be holding up your claim - sometimes they need additional verification documents.
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Sean Fitzgerald
•I checked my account yesterday and don't see any requests for documents. It just says 'claim under review' still. Should I be worried?
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MoonlightSonata
mine took forever too!! like 4 weeks and then they randomly approved it. the nys dept of labor is so slow right now
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Mateo Gonzalez
If your claim is taking longer than usual, you might want to try calling them directly. I know their phone lines are always busy, but I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Sean Fitzgerald
•Really? I've been trying to call for days but can never get through. I'll check that out, thanks!
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Nia Williams
The system is completely broken right now. I've been waiting 5 weeks for my claim to move from adjudication. FIVE WEEKS! Meanwhile bills keep coming and the NYS Department of Labor just keeps saying 'be patient' when you finally reach someone.
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Zara Khan
•Adjudication can take longer if there are specific issues with your separation or work history that need investigation. Have you received any correspondence about what they're reviewing?
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Luca Ricci
Just wanted to add that once your claim is approved, you'll start receiving payments pretty quickly. The waiting is definitely the hardest part. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending - that's really important.
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Aisha Mohammed
Wait, I'm confused - do I need to file weekly claims before my initial claim is even approved? I thought I was supposed to wait until they told me I was eligible first??
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Zara Khan
•Yes, you absolutely need to keep filing weekly claims from the start. If you don't, you could lose benefits for those weeks even after approval. It's one of the most important requirements.
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