How many waiting weeks for unemployment benefits in NYS Department of Labor system?
I just filed my initial unemployment claim yesterday and I'm trying to figure out the timeline. I keep seeing conflicting information online about waiting weeks. Some sites say there's a one week waiting period, others say benefits start immediately. Can someone clarify how many waiting weeks NYS Department of Labor actually requires? I really need to know when I can expect my first payment because rent is due soon and I'm getting stressed about the timing.
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CosmicCommander
New York eliminated the waiting week requirement several years ago, so you should be eligible for benefits starting with your first week of unemployment if your claim is approved. You'll still need to complete your weekly certification each week though. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims on time - the system is pretty strict about deadlines.
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Amara Okafor
•That's a relief! So if I filed yesterday, when should I expect to see money? I'm assuming there's still processing time even without a waiting week?
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Giovanni Colombo
Yeah no waiting week in NY anymore but don't expect money right away. Your claim still has to be processed first and that can take 2-3 weeks depending on if they need to verify anything with your employer. Plus you have to do the weekly certifications starting the week after you file.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•This is accurate. Even though there's no waiting week, initial claim processing is the real delay. I had to wait almost a month for my first payment because they needed employment verification.
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Dylan Cooper
ugh the whole system is so confusing! I thought I read somewhere that you still had to wait but maybe that was old info?? Why can't they just make this stuff clearer on their website
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CosmicCommander
•The NYS Department of Labor website does mention it, but it's buried in the FAQ section. Look for 'when will I receive my first payment' - it explains the no waiting week policy there.
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Sofia Ramirez
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your claim status, I had luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get connected to an actual agent without sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when my claim was stuck in processing.
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Amara Okafor
•Interesting, I've never heard of that. Is it legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything if it means I can actually talk to someone.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Yeah it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up.
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Dmitry Volkov
Just went through this myself last month. No waiting week but took exactly 18 days from filing to first payment hitting my account. Make sure you have direct deposit set up or it takes even longer with the debit card they mail out.
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Amara Okafor
•Good tip about direct deposit! I'll double check that's set up correctly in my account.
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