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NY unemployment debit card mailed Monday - how long until it arrives?

Hey everyone, I just got a notification that my NY unemployment debit card was sent out Monday this week. Anyone know approximately when I should expect it to arrive? I'm in Brooklyn and this is my first time getting benefits. Getting a little anxious since rent is coming up soon and I really need this money. The website just says 'card mailed' but doesn't give an estimated delivery date.

Jade Lopez

Mine took about 5-7 business days to arrive back in January this year. The NYSDOL uses regular mail for the debit cards, so it's not like they're sent priority or anything. If it was sent Monday, I'd expect it by next Monday or Tuesday at the latest, assuming there aren't any mail delays or holidays.

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Arjun Patel

Thanks, that's helpful. I was hoping it might come sooner, but good to have a realistic timeframe. Do they notify you when it's about to arrive or is it just a surprise in the mailbox?

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Tony Brooks

Wait for 7-10 business days before you worry. The Key Bank cards they use don't come with tracking numbers which is SO FRUSTRATING. Make sure you're checking your actual mailbox daily (not just your email) because they don't send any additional notifications when it's delivered. The envelope is pretty plain too, so it might look like junk mail. Don't throw anything away without checking carefully!

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Arjun Patel

Oh that's good to know about the plain envelope - I'll be super careful checking my mail. Really don't want to accidentally throw it out!

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Ella rollingthunder87

took liek 2 weeks for mine to show up… system is a joke tbh

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Yara Campbell

Same. And when I called to check status they just said 'it's in the mail' and wouldn't give any more info. So helpful 🙄

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Isaac Wright

It typically takes 7-10 business days for NY unemployment debit cards to arrive after they've been mailed. However, I'd recommend calling NYSDOL if it doesn't arrive by day 10 as they can place a trace on it or reissue if necessary. Important tips once you get it: 1. Activate it immediately by calling the number on the sticker 2. Create your online account to track transactions 3. Change the PIN they assign you to something more secure 4. Set up direct deposit to your bank account to avoid card fees in the future Hope this helps!

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Arjun Patel

Thanks for these tips! Didn't realize I could set up direct deposit from the card to my bank account - that would be much better. Do I set that up through the Key Bank website or through the NYSDOL portal?

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Maya Diaz

After trying to get someone on the phone for THREE DAYS to check on my card status when it was late, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a live agent in 20 minutes. They confirmed my card was returned to them because of a typo in my address! Saved me weeks of waiting for nothing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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Tami Morgan

I had NO IDEA this was an option!!! I spent literally 6 hours last month trying to get through to NYSDOL about my card issues. Calling and calling and calling. Is this service legit? Has anyone else used it?

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Arjun Patel

Thanks for the tip. Hopefully I won't need it and my card will arrive normally, but good to know there's an option if I need to actually talk to someone. The wait times are crazy right now.

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Tony Brooks

You can set up direct deposit through your NYSDOL account under 'Payment Options.' It's much better than using the card - no fees and the money usually hits your account 1-2 days faster than it would load onto the card. Plus you don't have to worry about losing the card or it getting stolen.

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Arjun Patel

Thanks! I'll definitely do this as soon as I get the card. Would rather have the money go straight to my regular bank account.

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Yara Campbell

my card never showed up and i had to request a new one. took another 2 weeks. check your address is correct in the system NOW before waiting too long

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Arjun Patel

Just double-checked and my address looks correct in the system. Thanks for the warning though - that sounds like a nightmare!

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Jade Lopez

Just FYI - if you really need the money right away, once the card is issued you CAN call Key Bank directly (not NYSDOL) and pay for expedited shipping of a replacement card. It costs like $15 but you'll get it in 2 business days. They take the fee out of your balance. Only worth it if you're desperate though.

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Arjun Patel

That's really good to know! If it doesn't come by next Wednesday I might do this since rent is due Friday. Thanks for the tip!

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Ella rollingthunder87

dont forget once u get it u still gotta activate it and that can take 24hrs sometimes to actually work

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Tami Morgan

Has anyone else noticed mail delivery is SUPER slow lately? My neighbor's card took almost 2 weeks even though we're in Manhattan. I swear the post office is falling apart! Probably won't help with your anxiety but just wanted to prepare you that it might take longer than the 'official' timeline.

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Isaac Wright

This is accurate. USPS has been experiencing delays across NYC. If your card doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact NYSDOL directly at 1-888-209-8124. If you can't get through, that's when services like Claimyr can be useful to bypass the phone wait.

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Tony Brooks

Good news is that once you set up direct deposit for future payments, you'll never have to worry about the card or mail delays again. All my subsequent payments went straight to my checking account with no issues.

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Arjun Patel

That's a relief! I'll definitely be setting up direct deposit as soon as possible. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

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