Just got my NY unemployment hold removed - how soon will I see my benefits?
After fighting with the system for almost 4 months, I finally managed to get the block removed from my unemployment account yesterday! I had been receiving benefits normally since February, then suddenly everything stopped in mid-May with no explanation. My account just showed "pending" for weeks. I called probably 30+ times and either couldn't get through or got disconnected. Finally got through to someone last week who said there was a random security review flag on my account (even though I've been verified already). They said the hold was removed but I'm still not seeing any payments in my account. Has anyone dealt with this before? How long does it typically take for payments to start flowing again after a hold is lifted? I've got bills piling up and need to know when I can expect to see that money.
37 comments


Anastasia Smirnova
Yep, been there. It took like 3-4 business days for my payments to start coming in after they removed the hold. But that was back in March, so things might be different now. The agent should have given you a timeframe tho. Did they say anything about backpay for the weeks that were held up?
0 coins
Diego Chavez
•The agent I talked to was super vague, just said "it should be processed soon" when I asked about timing. And yeah, she mentioned I'll get all the backpay for the weeks I certified during the hold period.
0 coins
Sean O'Brien
•" soon with ny unemployment could mean tomorrow or next month lol. their definition of soon is whack😂
0 coins
Anastasia Smirnova
•Classic NYSDOL response - "soon" 🙄 At least they confirmed you'll get the backpay, that's the important part!
0 coins
Zara Shah
I was in exactly the same situation last month. After they removed the block, it took exactly 5 business days before the money hit my account. But here's what helped me get results faster - I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual human agent when I needed follow-up. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast after waiting for weeks. Check out how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
0 coins
Luca Bianchi
•Is this some kind of scam? Sounds too good to be true tbh
0 coins
GalacticGuardian
•yeah right, another 'miracle solution'... what's the catch? 🙄
0 coins
Zara Shah
•Not a scam at all! They just stay on hold for you and call you when they get a rep on the line. After waiting 3+ hours myself multiple times, it was totally worth it to not waste my whole day on hold.
0 coins
Nia Harris
•wait does this actually work? I've been trying to get through for over a week now
0 coins
Zara Shah
•Worked for me! The whole point is they just handle the waiting on hold part. Then they connect you directly when a real person picks up. You still talk to the same unemployment agents yourself.
0 coins
Mateo Gonzalez
The system is such garbage. I waited 2 weeks after my hold was lifted to see any money, then suddenly all the backpay hit at once. No rhyme or reason to it. Just keep certifying every week like normal and eventually it should come through.
0 coins
Aisha Ali
For me it was literally the next day, but my friend waited almost 3 weeks after her hold was removed. The unemployment office is totally inconsistent. If you don't see anything by next week, definitely call them back. Their systems are a mess 🤡
0 coins
Ethan Moore
•truth. feels like every agent has different access or training or something because some can fix it on the spot and others are like "sorry can't help u".
0 coins
Diego Chavez
•That inconsistency is what worries me. I'm hoping it's on the shorter end but preparing for the longer wait. Thanks for sharing your experience.
0 coins
Yuki Nakamura
Make sure you check your payment history and not just your bank account. Sometimes the payment will show as released in the system before it hits your bank. Also double check that your payment method (direct deposit or debit card) info is correct in the system, sometimes they randomly change that during reviews.
0 coins
Diego Chavez
•Good tip! Just checked and nothing in payment history yet, still shows pending. And my direct deposit info is still correct thankfully.
0 coins
StarSurfer
I had exactly this happen and I was about to lose my apartment. Here's what I learned dealing with NY unemployment blocks and holds: First, the timeline varies HUGELY depending on what type of hold was on your account. Security reviews usually clear faster (3-5 business days) than identity verification issues (can take weeks). Second, don't just wait - be proactive. If you don't see movement in 3 business days: 1. Call them back (I know it's a nightmare to get through - I ended up using claimyr.com after wasting days trying to get through myself) 2. Check your message inbox on the portal daily - sometimes they need additional info but don't tell you directly 3. Make sure your banking info hasn't changed in their system 4. Keep certifying weekly no matter what 5. Ask specifically about the "release code" for your payments when you talk to them. If they've entered it, the money should come soon. If not, they need to do that additional step. The backlog is still pretty bad right now. Some agents can expedite but not all have that ability. The whole system is broken, but staying on them persistently is the only way to get results. Good luck!
0 coins
Carmen Reyes
•This right here is the real advice. That release code thing is key - if they don't enter it even after removing the hold, you'll still be waiting.
0 coins
Diego Chavez
•Thank you SO MUCH for this detailed breakdown. I'm going to call back tomorrow and specifically ask about the release code. Didn't even know that was a thing!
0 coins
Andre Moreau
•how do you know all this inside info? do you work for them or something?
0 coins
StarSurfer
•Nope, just spent over 2 months fighting with them daily to get my benefits back. You learn all the tricks when you're desperate enough 😅
0 coins
Zoe Christodoulou
anybody else think its RIDICULOUS we even need to ask these questions?? other states unemployment actually works but NY system is straight trash 👎
0 coins
Jamal Thompson
•For real! My cousin in Pennsylvania had an issue and it was fixed in like 48 hours. Meanwhile in NY we're all begging for months just to get what we're entitled to.
0 coins
Mei Chen
•the whole dol needs to be rebuilt from scratch, it's embarrassing how bad it is
0 coins
CosmicCadet
it depends on ur bank too. if u have like chase or bofa it can be next day, i have a credit union and it always takes 2-3 extra days after unemployment releases the payment.
0 coins
Liam O'Connor
Watch out - sometimes when they remove the hold, it creates another random hold in the system. I'd call back in a few days if you don't see movement. The entire NYSDOL is running on technology from the stone age I swear.
0 coins
Diego Chavez
•Oh great, that's all I need - another hold 😭 Will definitely follow up if I don't see anything by Friday.
0 coins
Amara Adeyemi
•Their computer system was programmed on punch cards by dinosaurs, I'm convinced of it 💀
0 coins
Giovanni Gallo
last time this happened to me they told me 24-48 hours and it took 9 DAYS!!!! the NY unemployment system is a joke.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Mazrouei
I waited and waited after they told me the hold was removed and nothing happened. Finally called back (took forever to get through) and they told me "Oh someone forgot to hit the final approval button." Suddenly money was in my account next day. Always follow up!
0 coins
Dylan Wright
•THIS!!! They always "forget" that final step. The system is designed to make us give up.
0 coins
NebulaKnight
i would check with them again on friday if you dont see anything by then. my experience is it usually takes 2-3 biz days but i've seen it take up to a week. hang in there man
0 coins
Kara Yoshida
Same thing happened to me back in August! After they removed my hold, it took exactly 4 business days before I saw the money hit my account. The frustrating part is they don't give you any kind of confirmation or tracking number when they lift it - you just have to wait and hope. One thing that helped me was screenshotting my account status right after they said it was removed, so I had proof of the date in case I needed to call back. Also make sure to keep certifying your weekly claims even while you're waiting - I almost missed a week thinking the system was still broken. The backpay should all come through at once when it finally processes. In my case I got like 6 weeks worth deposited on the same day. Fingers crossed yours comes through soon! 🤞
0 coins
Laila Prince
•That's really smart about taking the screenshot! I wish I had thought of that. Definitely going to keep certifying weekly - almost made the same mistake of thinking I should wait. Thanks for sharing your timeline, gives me hope that I'm looking at just a few more days hopefully! 🙏
0 coins
Sebastián Stevens
I went through the exact same nightmare earlier this year! After my hold was lifted, it took 6 business days before I saw any money. What really helped me was calling back after 3 days to confirm they had actually processed the "release" on their end - turns out the first agent only removed the hold but didn't trigger the payment release (there are apparently two separate steps). Also, check your online account daily because sometimes they'll put the payments in "pending" status for a day or two before they actually send them out. Don't panic if you see that - it just means the money is working its way through their ancient system. Keep documenting everything and definitely keep certifying weekly like normal. The backpay hit all at once for me too. Hang in there, you're so close to getting this resolved! 💪
0 coins
Luca Greco
•This is super helpful info about the two separate steps! I had no idea there was a difference between removing the hold and actually releasing the payments. Definitely going to call back in a couple days to make sure they did both parts. Thanks for breaking that down - explains why some people get their money right away and others wait weeks even after the "hold is removed." Really appreciate you sharing your experience! 🙏
0 coins
Adaline Wong
I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! My hold was removed on Monday and I'm still waiting to see any payments come through. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like it could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The inconsistency is what's driving me crazy. Like some of you mentioned, it seems totally random whether you get an agent who can actually help or one who just gives you the runaround. I'm going to take the advice about calling back to ask specifically about the "release code" and whether they've actually triggered the payment release (not just removed the hold). Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and tips - it helps to know I'm not alone in this mess. Will update this thread when my payments finally come through in case it helps anyone else! 🤞
0 coins