NY unemployment claim stuck in pending status since July - sent to 'high priority unit'

Unfortunately, the "high priority unit" thing is pretty common right now. I had my claim sent there in August and waited another 3 weeks before anything happened. Keep certifying weekly like they said - when your claim is finally approved, you'll get all the backpay for those weeks. Have you checked your message inbox on the portal? Sometimes they send requests for additional documentation without calling you.

same thing happend to me back in may... took forever!! they never called me from any special number tho, just the regular DOL one when they finally fixed it. keep certifying!!

The "high priority unit" is COMPLETE BS!!! They told me the EXACT same thing 3 months ago when my claim was stuck. It's just what they say to get you off the phone. I never got a call, never got any update, and had to call back EIGHT TIMES before I finally got someone who actually fixed my claim. The system is broken and they know it. Don't just sit around waiting - you need to keep calling!!

I work with unemployment claims regularly, and here's what I recommend: 1. Continue certifying weekly as instructed. This establishes your ongoing eligibility. 2. The "high priority unit" is real, but they're severely backlogged. Claims that require special handling (identity verification issues, employer disputes, wage investigations) get sent there. 3. When they review your claim, they'll either call from the number mentioned or send a secure message to your account. 4. After 8 weeks with no movement, you have options: - Contact your state assembly member or senator's office. They have liaisons who can expedite claims. - Request a supervisor when you call NYSDOL (though this can be difficult to get through). - Check if your claim has an "effective date" in your online account. If it does, the claim exists but is pending review. The current average resolution time for claims in the high priority unit is approximately 9-11 weeks, unfortunately.

I was in the exact same situation last month - pending for 8 weeks with no movement after being told about the "high priority unit." I was getting desperate and couldn't get through on the phone lines. A friend recommended I try Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. I was skeptical but tried it - they got me connected to a DOL agent in about 25 minutes when I had been unable to get through for weeks. The agent I spoke to was able to see my claim was stuck because of an employer response issue and fixed it on the spot. Got my first payment 3 days later with all back pay. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - might be worth trying if you're in a financial bind.

Im in a simular situation filed in August and still pending!!! so frustrating!!!! have you tried calling really early in the morning? like right when they open at 8am? thats how i finally got thru once but they still didnt help me just said to wait. this system is the WORST!!!!

Just to follow up on what others are saying - the 'high priority unit' isn't a myth, but it is overwhelmed. While you're waiting, make sure you're documenting your job search activities thoroughly. The DOL has been increasing their post-payment audits in 2025, and you don't want to deal with that headache later. Keep a spreadsheet with dates, company names, position titles, application methods, and any responses you receive. This will protect you if they question your eligibility later. Also, check your spam folder daily - some DOL emails get filtered there despite coming from official addresses.

Have you tried asking for a monetary determination letter? Sometimes requesting that specific document can trigger a review of your claim. My sister's claim was stuck for weeks until she specifically requested this document.

One more thing to check - log into your NY.gov ID account (not just the unemployment portal) and make sure your identity verification is fully completed. The new system implemented in April 2025 requires additional verification steps that weren't needed before. Some claims get stuck in pending because there's an identity verification issue that wasn't clearly communicated to the claimant. Look for any alerts or incomplete sections in your NY.gov ID profile.

This might sound strange, but try calling and saying you need to update your direct deposit information (even if you don't). That sometimes gets you to a different department that can actually see what's happening with your claim. When you get that person, then mention the real issue. Worked for me back in June when my claim was stuck.