NYS Department of Labor - is unemployment at an all time low affecting my claim processing?

The unemployment rate being low doesn't change how NYS Department of Labor processes individual claims. Adjudication delays are usually about verifying your work history, separation reason, or wage records. Two weeks is actually pretty normal for adjudication - it can take 4-6 weeks depending on the complexity. The low unemployment rate might mean there are fewer claims overall, but each claim still goes through the same verification process.

That's reassuring, thanks. I was worried they were being extra picky because the economy is doing well. Do you know if there's any way to check what specifically is holding up my claim?

i had the same worry last month when my claim was taking forever! turns out it had nothing to do with unemployment rates - they just needed to verify my last employer's info because the company name changed recently. took 3 weeks total but got approved with full backpay

Did you have to do anything special to get it moving or did it just eventually go through on its own?

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your adjudication status, I used a service called Claimyr recently that helped me reach an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was stuck in phone tree hell for weeks trying to get answers about my claim delay, but this got me through to someone who could actually explain what documents they needed.

How does that even work? Sounds too good to be true...

It basically handles the calling and waiting for you, then connects you when an agent picks up. I was skeptical too but it actually worked and saved me hours of redialing the NYS Department of Labor number.

The unemployment rate being at historic lows is actually good news for your job search prospects once your claim gets sorted out! More job openings means you'll have better luck finding something that meets the NYS Department of Labor job search requirements. Just make sure you're documenting your job search activities properly while you wait for benefits.

Good point, I should probably be more optimistic about the job market situation even if the claim process is stressful.

ugh the whole system is so slow regardless of what the unemployment numbers are doing. my cousin waited 5 weeks last year when unemployment was higher and i waited 4 weeks this year. its just bureaucracy being bureaucracy