What happens after you file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor - timeline?
Just submitted my initial unemployment claim through the ny.gov website yesterday after getting laid off from my retail job. The confirmation page said my claim was received but didn't give much detail about what comes next. I'm trying to figure out what happens after you file for unemployment and how long each step takes. Do I need to do anything else right now or just wait? Also when should I expect to hear back from NYS Department of Labor about whether my claim is approved?
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CosmosCaptain
After you file your initial claim, NYS Department of Labor will review your application which usually takes 1-2 weeks. During this time they verify your employment history and earnings. You should receive a monetary determination letter showing your weekly benefit amount if approved. Most importantly, start filing your weekly claims immediately - you can do this online even while your initial claim is still being processed. Don't wait for approval to start your weekly certifications or you'll lose those weeks.
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Ravi Choudhury
•Thank you! I was wondering about the weekly claims. Should I file one this week even though I just applied yesterday?
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Freya Johansen
Yes definitely file your weekly claim this week! I made the mistake of waiting for my determination letter and lost 3 weeks of benefits. The weekly certification asks about job search activities so make sure you're applying for jobs and keeping records. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week and you need to log them in the system.
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Omar Fawzi
•Wait I thought it was 2 job contacts per week? Or did they change it recently?
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Freya Johansen
•It's been 3 job contacts per week for regular UI claims. You might be thinking of a different program or older requirements.
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Chloe Wilson
the whole process is such a pain honestly... after filing my claim it took FOREVER to get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions. their phone lines are always busy and the online messaging system barely works. just be prepared for lots of waiting around
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Diego Mendoza
•I had the same problem with getting through by phone! If you really need to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get connected to agents. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.
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Anastasia Romanov
Here's what typically happens after filing: 1) You'll get a confirmation with your claim number 2) NYS Department of Labor reviews your work history (1-2 weeks) 3) You receive monetary determination letter if approved 4) Start receiving weekly payments if you keep filing weekly claims 5) Continue job search and report activities. Some claims go into adjudication if there are issues with your separation from work - that can add several more weeks to the process.
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Ravi Choudhury
•What kind of issues cause adjudication? I was laid off due to store closing so hopefully that's straightforward.
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Anastasia Romanov
•Store closing should be fine - that's clearly not your fault. Adjudication usually happens with job separations involving misconduct, quitting, or unclear circumstances. Your situation sounds like it should process normally.
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StellarSurfer
oh this brings back memories lol... when I filed last year after my restaurant closed it was actually pretty smooth. got my determination letter in about 10 days and payments started the week after. just make sure you do those weekly claims religiously even if you're not sure about something
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GalacticGuardian
I just went through this process a few months ago and wanted to add that you should also check your mail regularly - NYS Department of Labor sends important documents by regular mail even though you filed online. I almost missed my monetary determination letter because it got mixed in with other mail. Also, if you have direct deposit set up it can take an extra few days for the first payment to hit your account even after you start getting approved weekly claims. The whole timeline from filing to first payment was about 3 weeks for me, but that weekly certification step is absolutely crucial - don't skip any weeks!
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Marcus Patterson
•That's really helpful about checking the mail - I wouldn't have thought they'd still send physical letters when everything else is online! Good point about direct deposit too. Did you have any issues with the job search requirements during those first few weeks while waiting for approval?
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Ava Harris
One thing I wish someone had told me when I first filed - keep detailed records of everything! Save screenshots of your weekly certifications, write down confirmation numbers, and keep copies of any correspondence from NYS Department of Labor. I learned this the hard way when there was a discrepancy with one of my weekly claims and I had to prove I had submitted it correctly. Also, if you're using their mobile app, it can be glitchy sometimes, so I'd recommend filing your weekly claims on a computer when possible. The desktop version of the website seems more reliable in my experience.
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