NY unemployment claim pending for 6 weeks - when will I get paid?

Unfortunately, this is pretty normal for 2025. The system is totally overloaded right now because of all the tech layoffs hitting NY. I filed in December and waited 7 weeks before my claim was processed. Just keep certifying every week - when they finally approve your claim, they'll pay you retroactively for all weeks you certified.

did u make sure to answer all the questions right on the weekly certification? if u say something wrong like that ur looking for work but didnt do enough job searches they put u on hold

This is definitely longer than normal, even with the current backlog. A few things you should check: 1. Look for any messages in your online account inbox - sometimes they request additional information but don't notify you by email or text. 2. Check if there's an identity verification hold. Many claims are getting held up in ID verification even when people submitted all documents correctly. 3. If you worked in multiple states in your base period, that can cause delays as NY has to verify wages with other states. 4. If you had any severance pay or PTO payout, make sure you reported it correctly, as incorrect reporting can cause holds. Most importantly, you need to speak with an actual claims specialist. Regular call center workers can't help with pending claims.

I went through this EXACT same situation last month! Calling the regular number was completely useless - I spent days trying to get through. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. Cost me some money but it was worth every penny because the agent was able to see my claim had an identity verification flag that was never sent to me! They fixed it on the spot and my payments started the next week. Check out their demo video if you're interested: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Anyone saying that 6-7 weeks is normal is WRONG!!! The NYSDOL website clearly states that claims should be processed within 2-3 weeks. This is absolutely ridiculous and they're VIOLATING THEIR OWN POLICIES!! I had to contact my state assembly person's office to get my claim unstuck. Call your local rep - they have special contacts at unemployment that can push claims through faster. DON'T just sit around waiting!!!

i had to wait 5 weeks so ur not alone. btw make sure ur putting in ur direct deposit info right, my friend had a typo in his acct number and that caused a huge delay

my cousin works at nysdol she says they r super backed up rn. january is always the worst month 4 unemployment plus the system crashed for 3 days in feb

Since you mentioned working in Connecticut, that's likely a significant factor in your delay. Interstate claims (where NYSDOL needs to verify wages from other states) are currently taking 1-2 weeks longer than standard claims. You definitely need to speak with a claims specialist who handles interstate claims specifically. Call the Interstate Claims Unit directly at 1-888-209-8124, then press 2, then 8 for interstate claims. Their direct line is much less busy than the main number. Be prepared with your CT employer information. If that doesn't work, the state representative suggestion above is excellent - their offices can escalate claims effectively.

Just a quick update check - were you able to get through to anyone? Did any of the suggestions help? The interstate claims idea sounds most promising given your situation.

Just wanted to follow up - any luck? The interstate claims issue definitely sounds like what's happening. When I used Claimyr, the agent told me interstate claims are taking forever right now because some states are slow to verify employment.