Who handles unemployment claims at NYS Department of Labor - confused about departments

NYS Department of Labor has different divisions that handle various aspects of unemployment claims. The UI Operations division typically processes initial claims and weekly certifications, while the Adjudication unit specifically handles cases that require additional review - like yours. When you call, ask to speak with someone in the Adjudication department and reference your claim number. They're the ones who can actually tell you what's holding up your claim.

ugh same problem here, been waiting 5 weeks for someone to look at my claim. the phone system is a nightmare and half the time they just hang up on you

Here's what I learned after months of dealing with this mess: Regular claims processing is handled by one team, but anything requiring verification goes to adjudication specialists. These specialists review employment history, separation reasons, and eligibility issues. If your claim involves a quit, firing, or wage discrepancy, it automatically gets flagged for adjudication review. The problem is they're massively understaffed so claims just sit there for weeks.

Wait I thought all unemployment stuff was handled by the same people? Like when I filed my weekly claim last week I talked to someone who seemed to know about everything

The whole NYS Department of Labor system is a joke. I've been bounced between departments for two months and still don't have a straight answer about who's supposed to be handling my appeal. One person tells me it's in adjudication, another says it's with the hearing officer, and a third says there's no record of my appeal at all. HOW IS THIS ACCEPTABLE??

honestly just keep calling until you get someone who actually knows what they're talking about. took me like 15 tries but eventually got a good agent who explained everything

I went through this same runaround last year and what finally worked was being very specific about what I needed when I called. Instead of just saying "I need help with my claim," I'd say "I need to speak with an adjudication specialist about claim number [your number] that's been pending for three weeks." The regular call center folks will try to help but they literally can't access the adjudication queue - only the specialists can see what documents or information they're waiting for. Also, try calling right when they open at 8am, you're more likely to get through to someone who can actually transfer you to the right department.