Multiple unemployment questions about NYS Department of Labor claim process - need guidance
I'm completely overwhelmed with my unemployment claim and have so many questions I don't even know where to start. Filed my initial claim 2 weeks ago and it's showing pending but I'm confused about literally everything. Do I need to certify weekly even if my claim isn't approved yet? What happens if I miss the job search requirement deadline? Also getting conflicting info about whether I can work part-time while collecting benefits. My friend said you can't work at all but that doesn't sound right? And what's this adjudication thing that everyone keeps mentioning - is that something I should be worried about? Really just need someone to explain the basics because the NYS Department of Labor website is so confusing and I can't get through on the phone.
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Nina Fitzgerald
Yes, you absolutely need to keep filing your weekly certifications even while your claim is pending! This is super important because if you miss weeks, you can lose those benefits permanently. For job search requirements, you need to complete 3 work search activities per week and keep detailed records. You CAN work part-time while collecting unemployment - you just need to report all earnings on your weekly certification. As for adjudication, that's when NYS Department of Labor needs to investigate something about your claim before approving it. Common reasons include job separation circumstances or wage verification issues.
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Kylo Ren
•Thank you so much! That makes me feel better about the weekly certifications. Should I be worried that my claim has been pending for 2 weeks though? Is that normal timing?
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Jason Brewer
2 weeks pending is pretty normal actually, especially if they need to verify anything with your previous employer. Mine took almost 3 weeks before it got approved. Just keep doing your weekly claims and job searches like the other person said.
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Kiara Fisherman
•MINE TOOK 6 WEEKS!!! The whole system is completely broken. They make you jump through hoops and then take forever to process anything. Don't get your hopes up for quick approval.
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Liam Cortez
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) that shows how it works. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get answers until I used their service to finally talk to someone who could explain what was holding up my claim.
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Kylo Ren
•Interesting, I'll check that out. The phone situation is definitely frustrating - either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting forever.
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Savannah Vin
•Never heard of that service but honestly anything is better than trying to call normally. I've probably tried calling 50 times this month.
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Mason Stone
Just wanted to say hang in there! I remember being just as confused when I first filed. The system is complicated but once you get into the routine of weekly certifications and job searches it becomes second nature. The key is staying consistent with everything even when your claim is pending.
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