Why does New York Unemployment have an unpaid waiting week? Need money now!

The waiting week is basically a deductible like insurance. The state saves money by not paying the first week. Every state has it except for a few. It sucks but thats how they designed the system 🤷‍♂️

Hey I found a way to at least get someone on the phone using claimyr.com - they dial and wait on hold then connect you to an agent. Costs $20 but worked for me when I needed answers about my waiting week. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The waiting week totally blows but atleast you get back paid for it when your claim ends! Small consolation ik but better than nothing

Detailed info about the waiting week: Basically its a cost-saving measure thats been around since the 1930s. The state requires it to: - Verify your eligibility - Process your employer info - Prevent fraud - Save money (lets be real) Best ways to handle it: 1. File immediately when unemployed 2. Use savings if possible 3. Contact 211 for emergency assistance 4. If you need answers, use claimyr.com to reach an agent 5. Apply for SNAP benefits while waiting The system is outdated but we gotta play by their rules unfortunately.

Welcome to ny unemployment where everything takes forever and makes no sense 🤡

try calling your state representative. sometimes they can help speed things up

I feel your pain @Liam Fitzgerald - the waiting week hit me hard too when I first filed. One thing that helped me was reaching out to local food banks and churches while waiting. Many have emergency assistance programs that can help with groceries or utility bills. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs. The waiting week is awful but there are resources out there to help bridge the gap until that first payment comes through. Hang in there! 💪

The waiting week is such a financial hardship when you're already struggling! @Liam Fitzgerald have you looked into your local 211 services? They can connect you with emergency assistance programs in your area for things like food, utilities, and sometimes even small cash assistance. Also, if you have any gig work options like DoorDash or Uber, you can still do that during your waiting week without it affecting your unemployment claim (just make sure to report the income when you certify). I know it's frustrating but try to hang in there - that first payment will come and you'll get through this rough patch! 🙏