NYS Department of Labor claim shows 'awaiting processing' - what does this status mean?
Filed my unemployment claim two days ago and when I check my account on ny.gov it just says 'awaiting processing' with no other details. This is my first time filing for UI benefits and I have no idea what this means or how long it takes. Should I be worried? I got laid off from my warehouse job last week and really need to know when I can expect payments to start. Has anyone else seen this status before?
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Derek Olson
Awaiting processing is normal for new claims. NYS Department of Labor has to verify your employment history and wages before they can determine your benefit amount. Usually takes 2-3 weeks for initial processing, sometimes longer if they need additional documentation from your employer. You should receive a monetary determination letter once it's processed.
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Rachel Tao
•Thanks! Do I need to do anything while I wait or just sit tight? Should I be filing weekly claims already?
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Danielle Mays
mine said awaiting processing for like 3 weeks then randomly switched to approved, dont stress about it too much
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Roger Romero
You should start filing your weekly claims even while it says awaiting processing. The system will hold those claims until your initial determination is complete, then backdate payments if you're approved. Log into your account every Sunday to file your weekly certification - this is crucial for getting paid for those weeks.
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Anna Kerber
•Wait really? I thought you couldn't file weekly claims until after the initial claim was approved. Are you sure about this?
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Roger Romero
•Yes, absolutely sure. NYS Department of Labor requires you to file weekly claims starting the week after you become unemployed, regardless of your claim status. If you don't file those weekly certifications, you lose those weeks permanently.
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Niko Ramsey
I had major issues getting through to NYS Department of Labor when my claim was stuck in processing. Spent hours on hold every day for two weeks. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim and got it resolved within a few days.
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Seraphina Delan
•How much does that service cost? Seems sketchy to pay someone to make phone calls for you.
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Niko Ramsey
•It's not sketchy at all - they just help you get through the phone queue. Way better than spending all day hitting redial. Worth it when you need answers about your claim status.
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Jabari-Jo
UGH the whole system is so frustrating!!! My claim has been awaiting processing for FOUR WEEKS now and every time I call they just say 'wait for a letter' but no letter ever comes. NYS Department of Labor is completely broken.
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Rachel Tao
•Four weeks?? That's terrible. Did they ever tell you what specifically they're waiting for?
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Joshua Hellan
The "awaiting processing" status is totally normal for new claims, so don't panic! NYS Department of Labor has to verify your employment history, wages, and reason for separation before they can approve your claim. Since you were laid off from your warehouse job, that should be straightforward - layoffs are typically approved faster than other separation reasons. Make sure you have your employer's information handy in case they need to contact them for verification. The process usually takes 2-3 weeks, but can be longer during busy periods. Keep checking your account regularly for any updates or requests for additional information.
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