Received NY unemployment KeyBank card but no funds yet - am I approved?

Hi there! Getting the KeyBank card is a good sign, but it doesn't necessarily mean money has been loaded onto it yet. When I got mine in 2025, I received the card about a week before any funds were deposited. You'll need to continue certifying weekly to receive payments. Have you checked your payment history on the NY.gov unemployment portal? That's the best way to see if funds have been approved and when they'll be deposited.

ya i got my card like 2 weeks b4 any $ showed up on it lol. they send the cards out automatically when u apply but approval takes longer sometimes

The KeyBank card is sent automatically when you first apply for NY unemployment benefits, but receiving it doesn't confirm approval. It's just part of the process so they can deposit funds quickly once you're approved. You should: 1. Check your claim status through your NY.gov account 2. Continue certifying weekly (very important) 3. Check for any messages or action items in your account 4. Look for a determination letter (either mail or electronic) If your claim status has been pending for more than 3 weeks, you might want to try calling them. The standard wait time for approval is typically 2-3 weeks in 2025, but can be longer if there are issues with your application.

I waited FOREVER trying to get through to NY unemployment about my claim status!! The online system showed 'pending' for weeks with no updates. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in under 30 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent told me they needed additional documentation that I had no idea about - that's why my claim was stuck. Got it resolved that same day. Worth checking out if your claim stays pending too long.

I'm going through this exact same thing right now!!! Got my card last week and have been checking it every few hours hoping money will magically appear 😩 My application has been pending for almost 3 weeks now. So stressful not knowing if we're approved or when money might come. Did anyone get an actual email or notification when they were approved or did the money just show up?

They just mail those cards out to everyone who applies! I got mine in January and my claim was DENIED a week later for some BS reason. Had to appeal which took another 6 weeks before I got a dime. The system is designed to make you give up!!! Just because you got the card doesnt mean ANYTHING!!!

The KeyBank card delivery and claim approval are two separate processes in the NY unemployment system. The card is prepared and sent automatically when you first file, while your claim goes through review separately. Here's what typically happens in 2025: - KeyBank card arrives within 7-10 days of initial application - Claim determination takes 2-4 weeks on average - If approved, funds are deposited to the card 1-2 days after weekly certification - You'll receive an official determination notice in your NY.gov account and possibly by mail As mentioned above, you must continue certifying each week even while waiting for the initial determination. If you don't certify, you won't receive benefits for those weeks even if eventually approved.

Just wanted to follow up - have you seen any movement on your claim yet? Did you receive any determination letter or funds on your KeyBank card?

UPDATE: For anyone who finds this thread in the future - my claim was approved after exactly 18 days from when I first applied. I received a text notification and an email directing me to check my account. The funds were on my KeyBank card the next day after approval. I did have to keep certifying weekly while waiting for approval.