When can I get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor - timeline questions
I'm trying to figure out when I'll actually start receiving unemployment benefits after filing my claim with NYS Department of Labor. I submitted my initial application about a week ago and have been doing my weekly claims, but my payment history still shows $0. My claim status says 'pending' but doesn't give me any timeline. I lost my job due to company downsizing last month and really need to know when I can expect my first payment. Does anyone know how long the process typically takes? I'm getting stressed about my bills piling up.
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Jamal Carter
The timeline varies depending on your situation, but typically if there are no issues with your claim, you should see your first payment within 2-3 weeks after filing. Since you're already doing weekly claims, that's good - keep doing those even while it's pending. NYS Department of Labor processes claims in the order received, and if they need to verify employment or wages, it can add time. Check your online account for any outstanding issues that need attention.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Thanks! I checked and don't see any issues listed. Just says pending. Should I be worried that it's been a week already?
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AstroAdventurer
One week is nothing to worry about yet. I had to wait almost 3 weeks for my first payment last year when I got laid off. The key thing is making sure you keep filing your weekly claims on time - you can backdate them but it's easier if you just stay current. Also make sure your job search activities are logged properly because they'll ask for that eventually.
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Mei Liu
•Wait what job search activities? I thought you didn't have to do job searches right away?
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AstroAdventurer
•You need to start job search activities immediately unless you're on temporary layoff. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job contacts per week and you need to keep records.
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Liam O'Sullivan
ugh the waiting is the worst part! i've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for days to check on my claim status but can never get through. their phone system is impossible. has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?
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Amara Chukwu
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents when the phones are busy. I used it last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication and finally got answers. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Giovanni Conti
Just wanted to say I'm in the same boat. Filed 10 days ago and still waiting. At least we're not alone in this!
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
The system is so slow these days. Back when I first filed in 2019 it was much faster but now with all the changes since covid everything takes forever. Just be patient and keep doing your weekly certifications. The money will come eventually, they're just backed up processing everything.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Good to know it's not just me. I'll keep being patient and doing my weekly claims.
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CyberSamurai
I just went through this process a few months ago and wanted to share what helped me. Besides keeping up with weekly certifications, make sure your direct deposit info is set up correctly in your online account - that was actually what delayed my first payment by almost a week. Also, if you haven't already, download the NY.gov ID app and verify your identity through that system. NYS Department of Labor has been requiring additional identity verification for many new claims, and getting ahead of that can speed things up. Hang in there - the first payment is always the longest wait, but once it starts flowing it's usually pretty consistent.
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