NY unemployment approval taking forever - filed Sept 2025 still waiting!

This is pretty normal for NY unemployment right now. Those initial letters are automated, but final approval can take 2-3 weeks after filing. The fact that you got the monetary determination letter (the one with your benefit amount) is actually a good sign. The system is just backed up like crazy since they implemented the new verification system in August. Keep certifying weekly even while waiting for final approval - if approved, you'll get backpay for those weeks.

OMG I'm in the EXACT same boat!!! Filed Sept 18 and got those same letters within days but then NOTHING!! It's like they send you just enough info to get your hopes up and then ghost you. This is my first time on unemployment and I'm freaking out because my rent is due next week. Has ANYONE actually gotten through to a real person on their phone lines?? I've tried calling like 50 times!

after u get those letters just keep claiming every week. took me almost a month b4 i saw any $$$. they don't tell u when ur approved, just check ur payment history and one day it'll show up

I used to work as a claims specialist (not in NY, but the process is similar). Here's what's happening: The monetary determination letter means your wage records qualify you for benefits. The waiting week is required by NY law - it's essentially a non-paid week that serves as a processing period. After that, you need to pass the non-monetary determination, which verifies your reason for separation from employment. This is where delays typically happen. My advice: 1) Continue certifying weekly without fail, 2) Check your payment history page daily, and 3) Look for any messages in your online inbox that might request additional information. Many claims get held up because they're waiting for employer verification or additional documentation.

I went through this back in June. The system is completely broken! I waited 6 weeks after getting those same letters before seeing a penny. Every time I called, I'd get disconnected or put on hold for hours. I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this system that basically waits on hold for you and connects you directly to an agent when one becomes available. Totally worth it for me because I found out my claim had been flagged for a simple ID verification issue that took 2 minutes to fix once I actually spoke to someone. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

My neighbor had the same thing happen last month. She got approved after 3 weeks but never got any notification about it. She just kept certifying and suddenly the money appeared in her account one day. I think this is just how NY does it now, unfortunately.

This whole system is DESIGNED to be frustrating so people give up. I had to wait 5 weeks last year while somehow paying bills with no income. They want you to struggle! And the ridiculous part is they backdated my payments once approved, but what good does that do when your landlord is threatening eviction NOW? The politicians should be forced to live on unemployment for a month and see how they like waiting weeks with no communication!!!

One thing nobody mentioned yet - check your spam/junk email folders regularly. Sometimes the approval notifications end up there instead of your inbox. Also, make sure your contact information is up to date in the system. If they need additional information and can't reach you, that will definitely delay your claim processing.

u should just keep certifying. i know someone who got random message saying they needed more info but never got email notification. they only saw it by logging in. check ur messages on the account every day too

Update on my earlier comment - I just checked the NYSDOL website and they're reporting higher than normal processing times due to a system upgrade that started September 15. They're estimating 3-4 weeks for new claims right now, up from their usual 1-2 weeks. So your timeline is unfortunately right in line with current expectations.