What does claim process mean unemployment - NYS Department of Labor confused me
I'm totally lost with all this unemployment terminology. I filed my claim 2 weeks ago and when I check my NY.gov account it just says 'claim process pending' but I have no idea what that actually means. Is this the same thing as adjudication? Am I supposed to do something or just wait? The NYS Department of Labor website doesn't really explain what 'claim process' means in simple terms. Has anyone else been confused by this?
10 comments


Emma Davis
The claim process refers to all the steps NYS Department of Labor takes to review and approve your unemployment application. This includes verifying your employment history, checking your reason for separation, and making sure you meet all eligibility requirements. When it says 'claim process pending' it usually means they're still reviewing your information - this is different from adjudication which happens when there's a specific issue that needs investigation.
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Javier Morales
•Thank you! So I don't need to panic yet? How long does the normal claim process usually take?
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GalaxyGlider
mine took like 3 weeks before it went from claim process to approved, just had to wait it out
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Malik Robinson
The claim process basically covers everything from when you first file until you get your first payment. For most people it's pretty straightforward - NYS Department of Labor verifies your wages with your employer, checks that you're eligible, and sets up your benefit amount. The confusing part is they use different status messages that don't always make sense. If you haven't heard anything after 3 weeks or if it switches to 'adjudication' then you might want to call them.
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Isabella Silva
•Good luck calling them though, I've been trying for days and can't get through. The phone system is terrible.
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Ravi Choudhury
•I had the same problem with calling NYS Department of Labor until someone told me about claimyr.com. They actually got me through to an agent in like 15 minutes. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Freya Andersen
UGH the NYS Department of Labor makes everything so complicated with their confusing language! 'Claim process' could mean literally anything. Why can't they just say 'we're reviewing your application' like normal people?? And don't even get me started on how long everything takes.
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Omar Farouk
•I feel you on the confusing language! But at least claim process usually means things are moving forward, unlike when it gets stuck in adjudication hell.
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GalaxyGlider
Just keep filing your weekly claims even while it says claim process pending, that's what they told me to do
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Yara Nassar
I went through the same confusion! "Claim process pending" basically means NYS Department of Labor is doing their background checks - verifying your work history, wages, and eligibility. It's their standard review process before approving benefits. The key thing is to keep certifying weekly even while it's pending, because once approved, you'll get backpay for those weeks. Most people see it switch to "approved" within 2-4 weeks unless there's an issue that needs investigation. The waiting is nerve-wracking but it's totally normal!
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