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I'm currently on day 8 of waiting and this entire conversation has been such a huge relief! I was starting to think I was the only one dealing with this endless "pending" status and was convinced I had messed something up on my application. Reading everyone's experiences and timelines has shown me that 2-6 weeks is completely normal, even though NYS DOL gives zero indication of this anywhere. The fact that employer verification and fact-finding are routine parts of the process that can add weeks to the timeline is something I never would have known without finding this thread. It's honestly shocking how poor the communication is from NYS DOL - they could prevent so much anxiety by simply explaining their process and realistic timelines upfront. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy that everyone keeps recommending. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences here - you've created the support system that the department should have provided from the beginning. For anyone else in those first couple weeks and freaking out like I was, just know that "pending" is actually normal and this community proves we're all going through the exact same thing!
I'm on day 2 of waiting and was already starting to get anxious about the "pending" status, but this thread has been absolutely incredible for peace of mind! Reading everyone's experiences has completely changed my perspective - I had no idea that 2-6 weeks was normal processing time. I was expecting some kind of immediate confirmation or update within a day or two. It's really eye-opening to learn that employer verification and fact-finding are just standard parts of the process rather than red flags. The lack of communication from NYS DOL is pretty shocking - like everyone's saying, a simple explanation of timelines would prevent so much unnecessary stress. I feel so much better knowing that "pending" just means they're working on it, not that something's wrong. Thank you for sharing your day 8 experience and to everyone else who's contributed to this amazing resource!
I'm on day 5 of waiting and honestly, stumbling across this thread has been the best thing to happen since I filed my claim! I was already starting to spiral thinking that "pending" meant something was wrong with my application or that I'd been forgotten in the system somehow. Reading everyone's experiences here has completely shifted my understanding - I had absolutely no idea that 2-6 weeks was normal processing time, especially when employer verification is involved. The complete lack of communication from NYS DOL about realistic timelines is really mind-blowing. Just a simple message explaining that adjudication typically takes several weeks would save so much unnecessary anxiety for thousands of people. I'm definitely going to try the 8am calling strategy if I'm still waiting in a couple weeks, but honestly just knowing that "pending" means they're actively working on it rather than that I've been denied has already helped my stress levels tremendously. Thank you to everyone who's shared their timelines and created this incredible support network - it's exactly what we all needed during this nerve-wracking process!
I'm only on day 1 of waiting and was already getting worried about not hearing anything immediately, but this thread has been absolutely amazing! Reading everyone's experiences has completely changed my expectations - I had no idea that several weeks was normal processing time. I was thinking I'd hear something within a day or two and started to panic when I just saw "pending" this morning. It's incredible how much anxiety NYS DOL could prevent by just explaining upfront that adjudication takes 4-6 weeks and that employer verification is a routine part of the process. Thank you so much to everyone who's shared their timelines here - finding this community on day 1 instead of weeks into the process is going to save me so much unnecessary stress! It's really reassuring to know that "pending" just means they're working on it, not that something went wrong.
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I had the exact same confusion when I started my claim! My aunt kept asking about my "unemployment card" and I thought I was missing some important document. Turns out she was remembering the old paper system from like 20+ years ago. The online system through my.ny.gov is actually much more convenient - you can check your payment history, update your info, and file weekly claims all in one place. Just make sure you're logging in from the official NYS Department of Labor website to avoid any phishing scams.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's so reassuring to hear from others who went through the same confusion. My neighbor definitely had me worried that I was doing something wrong or missing a step. Good point about using the official website too - I'll make sure I'm always going through the proper NYS Department of Labor portal. The online system really is convenient once you understand how it all works.
Your neighbor is probably remembering the old system from years ago! I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly - New York switched to the fully digital system quite a while back. The only "card" you might get is the optional KeyBank debit card for receiving payments, but that's totally separate from any kind of ID or documentation card. As long as you're filing your weekly claims through my.ny.gov and receiving your payments, you're all set. The digital system actually makes everything much easier to track and manage compared to the old paper voucher system.
That's really helpful perspective from someone who works with these claims professionally! I feel so much better knowing that I haven't been missing anything important. My neighbor had me second-guessing everything, but it sounds like she was just thinking of how things used to work. I'm actually glad everything is digital now - it's much easier to keep track of everything in one place online rather than dealing with physical paperwork that could get lost in the mail.
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One thing to watch out for - make sure you're classifying workers correctly as employees vs contractors. I got audited by NYS Department of Labor because they thought I was misclassifying people to avoid paying unemployment taxes. Cost me way more in penalties than I would have paid in the first place. When in doubt, classify them as employees.
This is such an important point! The worker classification rules in NY are pretty strict. I learned the hard way that even if someone seems like an independent contractor, if you control how and when they do the work, they're probably an employee for unemployment tax purposes. The ABC test they use is really tough to pass.
@Sean Kelly - definitely get familiar with the NYS Department of Labor's online portal early. You'll need to file form NYS-45 quarterly even if you have zero employees that quarter (just file zeros). Also worth noting that if you're seasonal or have irregular staffing, you can request to pay estimated taxes monthly instead of getting hit with a big quarterly bill. The DOL is pretty accommodating if you communicate with them proactively rather than waiting until you're behind on payments.
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Yes, definitely mention that you're actively looking for other work! That's actually a requirement for unemployment benefits - you need to demonstrate that you're able, available, and actively seeking employment. The fact that you're job searching shows NYS Department of Labor that you're not just sitting around waiting for your old position to come back, which strengthens your case. Keep records of your job search activities too (applications submitted, interviews attended, etc.) since they may ask for proof during your weekly certifications. Your situation with the indefinite budget-related leave and active job search sounds like it should qualify, but getting that documented properly in your initial filing is crucial.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! I've been worried about filing because I wasn't sure if being on "leave" would disqualify me, but it sounds like my situation is actually pretty textbook for unemployment benefits. I've already started job searching and have been keeping a spreadsheet of applications, so I should be good on that front. One quick question - when you say "documented properly in your initial filing," do you mean I should upload the HR email as supporting documentation, or just reference it in the application text? I want to make sure I give them all the relevant details upfront rather than having to explain later.
@Jackson Carter Both! I d'upload the HR email as supporting documentation AND reference the key details in your application text. When filling out the initial claim, there s'usually a section where you can explain your separation from work - use that space to clearly state it s'an indefinite unpaid leave due to budget constraints, not disciplinary action. Having the documentation uploaded gives them something concrete to review, but explaining it in your own words in the application ensures they understand the situation right away. Don t'assume they ll'read the attachments first - make your case clear in both places.
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago with NYS DOL. My advice: file immediately and be completely transparent about your circumstances. When I filed, I made sure to emphasize three key points: 1) The leave is indefinite with no concrete return date, 2) It's budget-related, not performance-related, and 3) I'm actively available for other employment. The initial determination took about 2-3 weeks, but they approved my claim. The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long to file - you can't get retroactive benefits for weeks you didn't claim. Even if there's uncertainty about eligibility, it's better to file and let them make the determination rather than lose out on potential benefits while you're financially struggling. Document everything and be prepared to explain your situation clearly if they call for additional information.
This is super reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through it successfully! I've been hesitant to file because I wasn't sure if it would complicate things with my employer when I eventually go back, but you're absolutely right that losing weeks of potential benefits while struggling financially is worse than the uncertainty. Did NYS DOL require any additional documentation from your employer during the review process, or was your explanation and the HR communication sufficient? I'm trying to prepare for all possibilities since my employer has been pretty vague about the whole situation.
@Sean Murphy They didn t'contact my employer at all during my review process - just relied on the documentation I provided and a brief phone interview where they asked me to clarify the circumstances. The HR email and my detailed explanation in the initial application were sufficient. However, your employer will eventually get notified about the unemployment claim standard (procedure ,)but in my case they didn t'contest it since the unpaid leave was their decision due to budget issues. The key is being upfront about everything from the start so there are no surprises later. My employer actually appreciated that I was transparent about filing since it showed I was being responsible about my financial situation during their budget crisis.
Margot Quinn
I just went through this process in February and wanted to share my timeline to hopefully ease some anxiety. Had my phone interview on a Wednesday, got my determination letter the following Tuesday (so 4 business days). The interviewer was actually pretty thorough and asked about my job search efforts too, not just the separation details. One thing I learned is that they send the determination to your online message center first, then mail a physical copy - so definitely check your account daily rather than waiting for mail. Also, even after approval, it took about 3 more days for the first payment to actually hit my bank account. The waiting is brutal when you're stressed about finances, but most straightforward cases really do get resolved within that 5-7 day window that others mentioned. Keep certifying and try to stay positive!
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Kyle Wallace
•This is really helpful, thanks for sharing your detailed timeline! I'm glad to hear the interviewer asked about job search efforts too - I was wondering if they'd bring that up. It's good to know about checking the online message center first rather than waiting for mail. I've been checking my account obsessively anyway, so at least now I know that's actually the right approach! The 3-day delay for the actual payment is good to know too so I don't panic if there's a gap between approval and money showing up. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all these details - it definitely helps with the anxiety of not knowing what to expect.
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Ryder Ross
I'm currently going through this same process right now - had my phone interview last Friday and still waiting to hear back. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful! It sounds like 4-7 business days is pretty typical for most people, which gives me some peace of mind. I was laid off from my retail job due to store closure, so hopefully that makes it a straightforward case. The hardest part is definitely the uncertainty and checking my account constantly. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines - it really helps to know what others went through and that most people do get their decisions within a reasonable timeframe. Going to try to be patient and keep certifying weekly like everyone recommends!
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