NY unemployment claim pending since October with no determination - feeling defeated

You're definitely not alone in this situation. NY unemployment is severely backlogged right now. A few things that might help: 1. Keep certifying every week even without payment - this ensures you'll get backpay when approved 2. Try calling right when they open at 8am, or in the last hour before they close 3. Email your claim information to both your state senator AND assembly member (try both) 4. Double-check your online account for any pending questionnaires or documents they need Also, if your claim says 'pending,' that usually means they're still making a determination. If it says something like 'held' or shows an issue date, you might have a specific problem that needs addressing.

Same thing happend to me!! Its been like 2 months for me and I call everyday but always the stupid robot voice. I think they WANT us to give up honestly, makes them have to pay out less $$$. Keep trying tho maybe you'll get lucky and get thru eventually.

I was in almost the exact same situation (filed in December, waited until March with no determination). What FINALLY worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at NYSDOL. They have this service that basically waits on hold for you and calls you when an agent is about to answer. Totally worth it because the agent I spoke with was able to see that my claim had a simple identity verification flag that wasn't showing up on my online account. They fixed it on the spot and my payments started processing the next day including all backpay. Check out their demo video if you're curious: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Honestly, speaking to a real person at NY unemployment was the only thing that solved my pending claim issue.

hang in there buddy, the system is totally broken. my sister waited 4 months last year before getting approved. make sure ur checking ur email spam folder too, sometimes they send important stuff there and then blame u for not responding!!

The EXACT SAME THING happened to me and I was LIVID!!! I waited 11 weeks with ZERO communication from NYSDOL!!! I finally got through after calling 67 TIMES IN ONE DAY (not exaggerating) and the agent told me my claim had been sitting in a queue for someone to review because my former employer contested it. BUT THEY NEVER TOLD ME THIS!!! The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and they don't care about us AT ALL!!! The only thing that works is being absolutely PERSISTENT with calling until you get a human who can actually help!!

Update: I took the advice about trying Claimyr to reach an agent, and I FINALLY got through to someone yesterday! Turns out there was an issue with my identity verification that was holding up my claim. The agent was able to resolve it right there on the phone. She said my payments should start processing within 3 business days and include all the backpay for the weeks I've been certifying. Such a relief! I'll update again once the money actually hits my account, but wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions.

When I had problems with my claim last winter, I actually went down to the local DOL office in person. Had to wait for 3 hours but at least I got to speak to someone face to face who could look at my file. Sometimes the physical offices can help when the phone lines are impossible. Not sure if this is an option for you but thought I'd mention it.

For anyone else facing extended delays with NY unemployment claims, here's a systematic approach that often works: 1. Document everything: Keep a log of all your calls, emails, and communication attempts 2. Continue weekly certifications without fail 3. Check your message center AND email daily (including spam folders) 4. Submit a message through your NY.gov account specifically mentioning the length of your wait 5. Contact both your Assembly member AND State Senator (as mentioned earlier) 6. If possible, try to determine if your claim is pending due to a specific issue (employer contest, identity verification, etc.) 7. As a last resort, consider filing a complaint with the NY Department of Labor's Office of Special Investigations The current average processing time for complex claims is approximately 6-8 weeks, though some can take longer if additional verification is required.

did u ever get any letters in the mail from them? sometimes they send important stuff thru regular mail but not online for some weird reason

Final update: The money came through! All 11 weeks of backpay hit my account this morning. Such a massive relief. For anyone else stuck in pending status for months, don't give up. Finding a way to actually speak with a real person was the key for me. Thanks again to everyone for your advice and support!