What is adjudication determination for unemployment - NYS Department of Labor process explained?
Can someone explain what adjudication determination means for unemployment claims? I filed my initial claim with NYS Department of Labor two weeks ago and it's been stuck showing 'adjudication in progress' this whole time. I keep checking my account on the website but there's no clear explanation of what they're actually determining or how long this takes. My friend said her claim got approved right away but mine seems to be taking forever. Is this normal? What exactly are they reviewing during adjudication and should I be worried that it's taking so long?
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CosmicCrusader
Adjudication is when NYS Department of Labor reviews your claim to determine if you're eligible for benefits. They look at things like why you left your job, if you're able and available to work, and whether you meet all the requirements. Common reasons for adjudication include job separation issues, wage discrepancies, or if they need to verify information with your former employer. The process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on complexity.
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Omar Zaki
•Thanks for explaining! I left my job because my hours were cut to almost nothing. Do you think that could be causing the delay?
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Chloe Robinson
I went through adjudication last year and it took about 3 weeks. They had to contact my previous employer to verify the reason I was laid off. During this time you should keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet - once the determination is made, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you were eligible. Don't stop filing or you'll lose those weeks!
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Diego Flores
•Wait really?? I stopped filing because I thought there was no point since I wasn't getting paid. How do I fix this now?
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Chloe Robinson
•You need to call NYS Department of Labor immediately to explain the gap. They might let you file late claims but there's usually a penalty. The phone lines are always busy though - took me like 50 tries to get through.
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Anastasia Kozlov
If you're having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor about your adjudication status, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month. They helped me get through to an actual agent who could check on my case. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was stuck in adjudication for a month and couldn't get answers, but once I talked to someone they explained exactly what documents they needed from me.
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Sean Flanagan
•Never heard of that service before but honestly might try it. I've been calling for weeks and either get disconnected or sit on hold for hours.
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Zara Mirza
adjudication is just their fancy way of saying they're gonna take forever to decide if you deserve benefits or not. been waiting 4 weeks myself and still nothing. meanwhile bills keep coming. this whole system is broken
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CosmicCrusader
•I understand the frustration, but the process exists to prevent fraud and ensure only eligible people receive benefits. Complex cases just take longer to review properly.
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NebulaNinja
Same boat here! Mine has been in adjudication for 3 weeks and I'm starting to panic about rent. Did anyone get a determination letter or does it just update online?
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CosmicCrusader
•You'll get both - a determination letter in the mail and your online account will update. The letter explains their decision and your appeal rights if you disagree with the determination.
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Liam Fitzgerald
I'm going through the same thing right now - filed 3 weeks ago and still showing "adjudication in progress." From what I've learned lurking in these forums, it seems like reduced hours/constructive dismissal cases often take longer because they have to verify with your employer that the hour reduction was significant enough to qualify you for benefits. The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you're counting on that income. I've been keeping detailed records of my reduced schedule and any communication with my former employer just in case they need additional documentation. Hang in there!
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Liam O'Sullivan
•That's really helpful to know about reduced hours cases taking longer! I'm in a similar situation where my hours got cut from 40 to about 15 per week before I had to leave. Did you end up qualifying for benefits? I'm wondering if I should also start gathering documentation of my schedule changes - I have some old pay stubs that show the difference but wasn't sure if that would be useful for the adjudication process.
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Carmen Ortiz
I'm currently dealing with adjudication too - going on week 4 now. What I've learned from calling multiple times is that they're likely verifying your employment details and the circumstances around your hour reduction with your former employer. The DOL has to confirm that the reduction was substantial enough (usually needs to be a reduction of more than 20% of your normal hours) and that it wasn't your fault. They also check if you made reasonable efforts to get more hours before leaving. The frustrating part is they don't give you updates during the process - you just have to wait for the determination letter. Keep filing your weekly claims though, because if approved you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks during adjudication.
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Chloe Taylor
•This is super helpful information! I didn't realize about the 20% reduction requirement - that makes me feel more confident since my hours dropped by about 60%. Quick question though - when you say "reasonable efforts to get more hours," what exactly does that mean? Did you have to document conversations with your manager or HR about trying to get back to full time? I'm worried they might think I didn't try hard enough before leaving, but honestly there just weren't any additional hours available in my department.
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