NY unemployment making me wait 3 weeks for benefit rate - anyone else just stuck at $182?

Same exact thing happened to me! I got laid off from my job at a restaurant in September, applied mid September and got stuck with the $182 for almost a month. Keep checking your payment history and messages, mine updated suddenly with backpay for the difference. The annoying part is they never actually told me when it would update. Hang in there!

I finally got through to someone after being stuck in the same situation. I used this service called claimyr.com that got me a callback with an actual agent. Talking to an agent got my benefits unlocked so fast. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent instead of those useless automated messages. Check them out: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The $182 is the minimum they give everyone while they verify your employment history. If you had W-2 employment, they should calculate your actual rate based on your highest earning quarter. They've been really backed up lately - took mine almost 4 weeks to update! If you don't see movement after another week, try calling right at 8:00am when they open - that's when I finally got through.

Im going thru this exact same bs right now with ny unemployment! Been at $182 for 18 days. Called yesterday and was on hold for THREE HOURS before getting disconnected. My sister said her boyfriend's rate updated automatically after 3 weeks so hopefully ours will too? This system is truly the 9th circle of hell.

Here's what ACTUALLY happens with the $182 minimum rate (I used to work as a temp for unemployment): The system automatically assigns the minimum rate of $182 when your claim is first processed. Then they have to manually verify your wages from previous employers, which determines your true benefit rate. This process is SUPPOSED to take 7-10 business days, but with staffing shortages it's been taking 3-6 weeks. What you need to do: 1. Continue certifying EVERY WEEK even at the minimum rate 2. Check your account daily for updates 3. If it goes beyond 4 weeks, you need to speak with an agent directly 4. The regular phone line is almost impossible to get through on - I recommend using claimyr.com which will wait on hold for you (this is what many of my former colleagues recommend) 5. Once your rate is adjusted, you'll receive backpay for the difference between $182 and your correct amount for all previous weeks The good news is that they WILL eventually fix it, and you'll get all money owed to you. But you have to stay on top of it and be persistent. Good luck!

if ur claiming online make sure u checked the box that says ur looking for work each week!!!!! I made that mistake and it delayed my payments for 2 months 💀

I had this happen to me and I just kept certifying at the $182. Randomly one day I got a direct deposit for like $1400 which was the back pay for the difference between the minimum rate and what I was actually supposed to get each week. Just make sure you're certifying every single week even if it's at the lower rate.

If you were making decent money before, your weekly benefit should be way higher than $182. The max in NY is like $504/week. Something is definitely wrong if they're keeping you at the minimum for this long. Try contacting your state assembly person's office - they can sometimes cut through the red tape faster than you can on your own.

sometimes the online message system actually works if u keep trying. I messaged them 4 times with the exact same message before someone actually responded with something helpful lol. just be super specific about ur situation and put URGENT in the subject line.

omg the EXACT same thing happened to me just last month!! I used claimyr.com after being stuck on $182 for almost 4 weeks. Got a callback the same day and the agent adjusted my rate on the spot - jumped to $440! Then about 3 days later I got all my backpay. talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast - best decision ever.

Have you tried faxing them? I know it sounds ridiculous in 2023 but I was having the same issue and someone told me to fax my pay stubs to them. I did and my rate was adjusted within 48 hours. Worth a shot.

This is actually by design - they underpay thousands of people hoping many won't notice or bother to follow up. The state saves millions this way. ALWAYS check your benefit rate and fight for what you deserve.

Contact ur previous employer and make sure they've responded to the DOL's request for wage verification. My former job was dragging their feet on this and that's what caused my delay.

The entire ny unemployment system is a joke. Your best bet is finding someone on the inside - do you know anyone who works for the state? They usually know the secret numbers or can put you in touch with someone who can actually help.

I filed in October and I'm still waiting for them to adjust mine 🙃 I've given up and started delivering for DoorDash just to make ends meet. Good luck man, hope yours gets fixed faster than mine.

u know whats crazy? i was also getting $182 and then one day it just randomly jumped to $405 with no notification. check ur payment history every morning - sometimes they update it without telling u!