New York Unemployment: No response after filing, no payments for 2 months - how are you surviving?

Been there friend. I had to max out my credit cards and borrow money from family. The waiting period is brutal. Try calling 211 for emergency resources, they helped me find a food bank and rental assistance program.

I finally got through to someone using claimyr.com - it costs $20 but they dial and wait on hold, then connect you to an agent. Worth every penny cause I got my claim sorted in one call. Here's a video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Listen up because this is what worked for me. You need to be super persistent with NY unemployment right now. Here's what you should do: First, document everything. Keep screenshots of your claims, confirmation numbers, and any correspondence. Email them through the secure message system AND try calling. The best times to call are right when they open or an hour before closing. Use claimyr.com if you keep getting busy signals - yes it costs money but it's worth it to actually get someone on the phone. While waiting, apply for SNAP benefits and check local charities. Catholic Charities and Salvation Army often have emergency assistance funds. Also contact your state representative - their office can sometimes speed things up. Most importantly, appeal if you don't hear back within 4 weeks. Don't wait like I did thinking they'll eventually get to it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in this system.

took me 3 months to get approved but they backpaid everything. hang in there bestie 😭

I started doordash and uber eats while waiting. its not much but helps with groceries atleast

bruh the system is actually garbage rn. been waiting since june and still nothing. cant even get through on the phone 🤮