NY unemployment stuck for 6 weeks after returning documents - anyone actually hear back?

This is unfortunately pretty common with NY unemployment right now. Document review backlogs are terrible in 2025, especially if you've done temp work which makes your claim more complex. The most reliable way to get movement is to speak with a Tier 2 agent who can actually process your documents and release payments. In my experience working with claimants, you need to: 1. Call first thing when phone lines open (7:30am) 2. If the agent isn't helpful, politely end the call and try again 3. Specifically request document review and payment release 4. Have your 1099s or W2s from temp work ready to verify Keep a log of who you spoke with and when. Sometimes mentioning your previous calls creates urgency.

same thing happend to me last month!! waited 5 weeks after sending docs and nothing, then suddenly all payments came at once no explanation. system is totally broken imo

I was in a similar situation back in March - 8 weeks unpaid after submitting verification docs for my temp work history. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent when regular calling failed for weeks. They got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying unsuccessfully for days. The agent reviewed my documents while I was on the phone and released 6 of the 8 weeks immediately - the other 2 needed supervisor review but were released 2 days later. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE It was honestly worth it after wasting days trying to get through the regular way. The temp work verification always seems to trigger these holds.

I work as an unemployment advocate, and I'm seeing a significant increase in document review delays, especially for claimants with mixed income sources like temp work. Here's what's happening: The NY DOL implemented a new verification system in January 2025 that's creating major backlogs for claims with multiple employers or income sources. When you have temp work, each position needs separate verification, which multiplies the review time. The document review department currently has a 4-6 week backlog, but there are ways to expedite your case: 1. If you're experiencing financial hardship (rent/utilities at risk), request a hardship escalation 2. Ensure all documents submitted include your claim ID number on every page 3. If you submitted via the online portal, also fax copies to their document processing center 4. When calling, use the specific phrase "document review for release of held payments" - this routes you differently One lesser-known option: Your local state representative's office can submit an agency inquiry which typically gets a response within 5 business days.

NOBODY at DOL cares about us!!! I returned MY docs FIVE MONTHS AGO and still haven't gotten any resolution!!! Called at least 30 times and either get disconnected or talk to someone who knows NOTHING!!! The whole system is designed to DENY us what we're owed by making it impossible to actually reach someone who can help!!! I've given up on ever seeing that money. Temps always get screwed over the most in this system because we have "complicated claims" or whatever excuse they're using now. Good luck but don't hold your breath!!!

I'm worried about something similar happening to me. I just started a temp job but might need to file again when it ends next month. Did you have to provide any special documentation because of the temp work? I've heard temp agencies sometimes don't report wages correctly and it causes all kinds of problems with unemployment claims. I'm trying to prepare ahead of time so I don't end up in the same situation.

has anyone gotten the message that says "we are processing your claim" but then nothing changes for weeks? just wondering if thats the same thing

UPDATE: Finally got through this morning! After trying the Claimyr service that was recommended, I got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to see exactly what the hold was - turns out they were missing ONE document from my temp agency (even though I submitted everything they asked for). The agent actually called my temp agency while I was on the phone with her and got them to email the missing form directly. She said my payments should be processed within 2-3 business days! For anyone else dealing with this: be VERY specific about what documentation you need when submitting. And if you're stuck in pending status for weeks, definitely try to get a live person on the phone who can actually see what's missing.