NY unemployment claim stuck in limbo for months - veteran fiancé still waiting for approval

Unfortunately this is pretty common with NYSDOL right now. The system is completely backlogged from what I've heard. A couple things you can try:\n\n1. Ask to speak with a tier 2 agent when you call (though getting through at all is hard)\n2. Contact the Veterans Affairs office - your fiancé might have additional resources available as a veteran\n3. Try calling right when they open at 8:00am - the queue fills up within minutes\n4. Make sure he's answering all certification questions correctly each week\n\nI was in a similar situation in January and it took almost 8 weeks to get approved. The most important thing is to keep certifying weekly even without approval. If he misses a week, it can delay things even more.

Thank you so much for the reply! He's definitely been certifying every single week without fail. I didn't know about asking for a tier 2 agent - we'll try that. The problem is he can barely even get through to anyone on the phone! It's always busy or disconnects after waiting.

I WAS STUCK IN THE SAME BOAT FOR 11 WEEKS!!! The regular phone number is USELESS. They just read from scripts and tell you to \

is that service legit tho? seems sketchy to pay just to talk to unemployment. the govt should make this easier!!

It's definitely legit. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after trying for 7+ weeks. They just help you bypass the phone system. The actual claim processing is still done by the regular unemployment agents. It was worth it for me since I got all my backpay ($3900) that was just sitting there because of a stupid verification flag.

have u tried going to the actual office?? sometimes u gotta show up in person. my cousin waited 2 months on the phone and got nowhere but walked in and got it fixed same day. just bring all his documents and stuff

I didn't realize you could just walk in! Do you know which office your cousin went to? We're in Buffalo area. It might be worth the trip if we could actually talk to someone face to face.

i think he went to the one in syracuse. but call first to make sure theyre taking walk-ins cuz some offices still doing appointment only after covid

I had a similar problem last year when I got laid off. Waited 3 months with no word and then suddenly got approved with backpay. While you're waiting, make sure your fiancé is completing job search requirements. They might ask for proof later, and if he can't provide it, they could deny the claim. Also, check that his account has his DD-214 uploaded for veteran status. That sometimes helps prioritize claims.

That's really good to know about the DD-214! I'll make sure he uploads that today. He's been keeping track of his job applications but I'll make sure he's documenting everything properly.

Your situation is frustrating but unfortunately not uncommon. The key issue here is getting through to a claims specialist who can actually see what's happening with the claim. Regular call center staff often have limited access to resolve complex issues.\n\nAs a veteran, your fiancé should absolutely contact the Veterans Career Center at NYSDOL. They have specialized resources for veterans and can sometimes expedite claims. The number is 1-888-469-7365.\n\nAlso, while continuing to certify weekly, check for any messages or requests for additional information in his online account. Often claims are delayed because they're waiting for documentation that was requested through the messaging system, not by phone.\n\nIf his claim has been pending for more than 6 weeks without determination, he can file for a hearing with the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board. This sometimes prompts action on the claim before the hearing date.\n\nKeep detailed records of all calls, including date, time, and who you spoke with. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate further.

This is incredibly helpful information, thank you! I had no idea about the Veterans Career Center - we'll definitely call them tomorrow. And you're right about checking messages - I just had him log in and there was actually a message from 3 weeks ago asking for his last paystub that we completely missed! Maybe that's what's been holding things up this whole time. I feel so relieved to potentially have found the issue.

I'm going through something similar right now!!! Filed back in March and still showing as \

I don't think his employer contested it - it was a pretty straightforward layoff due to budget cuts. But you're right that there might be some small discrepancy in dates or something that's causing the issue. It's so frustrating that there's no way to just find out what the problem is!

Exactly!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to get simple answers. I hope your fiancé gets his benefits soon. This whole system is designed to make people give up. DON'T GIVE UP!!! Keep certifying and keep fighting!

Just wanted to add that I saw your comment about being in the Buffalo area. The NYSDOL Career Center at 284 Main Street in Buffalo sometimes has unemployment specialists available. You might want to try going there in person - bring all documentation (ID, layoff notice, last paystub, SS card, etc).\n\nAlso, missing that message about the paystub might definitely be the holdup. Once he uploads that document, I recommend calling again and specifically mentioning that he just responded to the request for additional documentation. That might help get things moving.

Thank you for the Buffalo location! We'll definitely try going there if the online document upload doesn't resolve things quickly. Really appreciate everyone's help here - feeling much more hopeful that we can get this resolved!

my brother had his claim stuck for like 2 months and then he found out it was because he answered one of the weekly questions wrong. something about being ready and available for work. make sure ur fiance is answering all those questions right!

Something similar happened to my husband last year where his claim was stuck

UPDATE: Thank you all SO MUCH for your help! My fiancé checked his online account and found that message requesting his final paystub. We uploaded it right away and also managed to get through to someone on the phone using the advice here. The agent confirmed that was exactly what was holding up the claim and said it should be processed within 72 hours now! I'm so relieved and grateful for all your suggestions and support.

That's excellent news! This is exactly why it's crucial to regularly check the online messaging system. I'm glad you were able to identify and resolve the issue. Once the claim is approved, he should receive all backpay for the weeks he's been certifying since February. Make sure to continue certifying weekly while waiting for final approval.

So glad to hear this! It's amazing how often the solution is something relatively simple that just wasn't communicated well. Hoping you get that backpay soon!