When will my unemployment start after filing with NYS Department of Labor?
I submitted my initial unemployment claim through the NY.gov website about 10 days ago and I'm getting anxious about when payments will actually begin. My claim shows as 'under review' but there's no timeline given anywhere. I lost my job at a retail store on January 8th and filed my claim on January 12th. I've been doing my weekly certifications but haven't received any money yet. Does anyone know how long NYS Department of Labor typically takes to process new claims? I'm starting to panic about rent next month.
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Andre Dubois
The standard processing time for NYS Department of Labor is usually 2-3 weeks from when you file your initial claim, but it can vary depending on if they need additional verification. Since you filed on January 12th, you should expect to hear something by early February. Make sure you keep doing your weekly certifications even while it's pending - those payments will be backdated to your benefit year start date once approved.
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Carmen Flores
•Thank you! That's reassuring. I was worried I did something wrong since I haven't heard anything yet.
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CyberSamurai
mine took almost a month last year!! the system is so slow
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Zoe Alexopoulos
If you need to speak with someone at NYS Department of Labor about your claim status, I had good luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to actual agents instead of waiting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was able to get my adjudication issue resolved much faster than trying to call myself.
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Carmen Flores
•Is that legitimate? I'm worried about giving my information to third parties.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•Yeah it's legit - they just help you get connected to NYS Department of Labor agents faster. You're still talking directly to the state, they just handle the phone queue part.
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Jamal Carter
Just be patient, the system works but it's slow. I got my first payment exactly 3 weeks after filing. The waiting is the worst part but once it starts the payments come regularly every week.
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Mei Liu
UGH the NYS Department of Labor is THE WORST with communication! They leave you hanging with zero updates and expect you to just wait indefinitely. I swear they do this on purpose to discourage people from claiming benefits they're entitled to!!
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Liam O'Donnell
•I feel you on the frustration but complaining won't speed up the process. OP just needs to wait it out.
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