NY Department of Labor approved my UI claim - what's next with certification and the waiting period?

Just got an email from unemployment saying my claim can be paid now. The email started with "Thank you for your patience. We have determined that your unemployment insurance (UI) claim can now be paid." They mentioned that they previously mailed a determination letter with information about my weekly benefit rate right after I applied. The email explained that if I provided bank account information when applying, benefits will be deposited directly into that account. Otherwise, I'll receive a Conduent Way2Go debit card by mail within three weeks. They emphasized that I need to continue certifying every week between Sunday and Saturday to claim benefits. I can certify either: - Online at labor.ny.gov/signin by clicking "Unemployment Services" button, then "Certify to Claim Your Weekly Benefits Here" - Or through the automated phone service by calling 888-581-5812 They mentioned something about a waiting period and 26 weeks of benefits. Specifically, the email stated "UI benefits are currently available for 26 weeks, or 104 effective days. Before receiving benefits on a new UI claim, you must serve an unpaid waiting period that equals one full week (four days) of benefits. The waiting period extends into the next week if you work during the week you filed your claim for or if you do not serve an entire waiting period." Not sure what to do next. Do I need to wait for anything or can I start certifying right away? Also confused about the tax withholding part - the email mentioned something about reviewing my records and adjusting tax withholdings if necessary. This is from the NY Department of Labor. Has anyone gone through this process recently? What should I expect next?

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20 comments

Yuki Ito

•10M

Listen up because this is important. Your claim is approved and here's what you need to know: 1. Certify EVERY week starting this Sunday. Use labor.ny.gov/signin or call 888-581-5812 2. First week is unpaid (waiting week) 3. You get 26 weeks total 4. Set up direct deposit ASAP unless you want the debit card 5. Consider tax withholding - they take 10% federal, 2.5% state If you need help reaching someone, try claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and connect you to an agent. Saved me hours of frustration. Don't miss any weeks certifying or you'll have problems. Good luck! 💯

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Amina Diallo

•5M

Just went through this same process last month! Few things to add that helped me: 1. Download the NY Labor app if you haven't - makes certifying way easier than the website 2. Keep screenshots of your certifications just in case there are issues later 3. If you're getting the debit card, activate it immediately when it arrives - mine got locked because I waited too long 4. The waiting week thing confused me too but basically you certify for week 1 but don't get paid, then week 2 you get paid for both weeks Also heads up - sometimes the certification system goes down Sunday mornings so try certifying later in the day if you have issues. The phone system is usually more reliable than the website. Good luck! 🍀

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Mateo Martinez

•2M

Congrats on getting approved! 🎉 Just went through this exact same thing a few weeks ago. Here's what I wish someone had told me: The approval email means you're good to go - start certifying this Sunday! Don't wait for anything else. The system opens up Sunday morning but like others mentioned, it can be glitchy early on so maybe try around noon. About the waiting week - you'll certify for it but won't get paid. Then week 2 you'll get a double payment (waiting week + current week). After that it's just your regular weekly amount. Pro tip: Set up text/email alerts for your certification reminders. I almost missed a week because I forgot and that would've messed everything up. Also double check your bank info in the system if you want direct deposit. The debit card route takes forever and has fees like crazy. You can update payment info in the "Payments" section of your online account. The tax withholding thing - they automatically take out federal and state taxes unless you opt out. I'd recommend keeping it unless you want a big tax bill next year. You got this! The hard part (getting approved) is done 💪

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