I'm going through the exact same issue right now! The messaging system has been giving me that "error processing request" message for over a week. Reading through all these suggestions gives me hope though. I'm definitely going to try @Zainab Omar's incognito browser method first thing tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, I'll combine it with @Emma Davis's early morning calling strategy that @Zoe Wang confirmed works. It's honestly ridiculous that we need this many workarounds just to contact them about our benefits, but I'm grateful for this community sharing real solutions. I'll report back if the incognito method works for me too!

This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I've been stuck with the same messaging system error for almost 3 weeks now and was starting to panic about my pending claim. I'm definitely going to try the incognito browser method that @Zainab Omar suggested first since so many people have had success with it. If that doesn't work, I'll try the early morning calling strategy at 8:03 AM like @Zoe Wang confirmed works. It's crazy that we need so many workarounds just to contact them, but I'm really grateful everyone is sharing what actually works. I'll also keep the backup options like contacting my assemblymember's office and the Comptroller's complaint form in my back pocket if needed. Has anyone tried using different browsers entirely (like switching from Chrome to Firefox) instead of just incognito mode?

The 'average' is misleading because it depends entirely on your work history. Someone who worked minimum wage jobs will get way less than someone who had a professional salary. Your benefit rate is based on the wages you earned during your base period, not some arbitrary average. Check your online account on my.ny.gov to see your actual calculated benefit amount once you file.

Just went through this myself a few months ago. With your $52k salary, you'll likely qualify for close to the maximum weekly benefit which is around $504. The calculation is roughly 50% of your average weekly wage during your highest earning quarter in the base period. One thing to keep in mind - there's usually a one week waiting period before you start receiving benefits, so plan for that gap. Also make sure you have all your employer information ready when you file online, it speeds up the process significantly. The whole approval took about 2-3 weeks for me once I submitted everything correctly.

I've been dealing with the exact same situation - 3+ months pending, can't get through on the phone, and about to lose my apartment. After reading all these suggestions, I'm feeling more hopeful than I have in weeks! I'm going to start tomorrow by calling my state senator's office (never thought of that before) and also send an email to the DOL commissioner using that format someone suggested. If those don't get quick results, I'll definitely try that Claimyr service - honestly at this point paying someone to wait on hold for me sounds like the best money I could spend. It's ridiculous that we need all these workarounds just to access our own benefits, but I'm grateful everyone here is sharing what actually works. Will update if any of these methods help me break through!

I've been stuck in the same nightmare for 4 months now - zero payments, can't get through to anyone, and my savings are completely drained. This thread has been incredibly helpful though! I had no idea about contacting state legislators or that services like Claimyr even existed. I'm definitely going to try the multi-pronged approach that @Vincent Bimbach outlined - contacting both my state senator and assembly member, using Claimyr to actually get through to a DOL agent, and filing complaints with other agencies. It's absolutely insane that we have to go to these lengths just to get benefits we've earned, but at least now I have real strategies instead of just repeatedly calling that useless main number. For anyone else reading this who's in the same boat - don't give up! There are clearly ways to get through this broken system if you know the right channels to try.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess, they make everything so complicated and stressful when people are already struggling

The protest period can definitely be nerve-wracking, but try not to stress too much about it. In my experience, most employers don't actually contest claims unless there was serious misconduct involved. Since you mentioned this is about a standard unemployment filing, you'll likely be fine. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly certifications even during the protest period - that way if you're approved, you won't miss out on any benefits. The whole process usually takes 2-3 weeks total with NYS DOL.

Great to hear you got through and have a timeline! For anyone else dealing with this, I went through the same thing last month. One tip that helped me was setting up text alerts in my online banking so I'd know immediately when the redeposit hit my account. Also, if you're really tight on money while waiting, some banks will do a small emergency loan against pending direct deposits - might be worth asking about if you're a longtime customer. The whole system definitely needs work but at least there are workarounds!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else dealing with this - I had the exact same issue back in December. My payment was returned on a Wednesday and I got the redeposit the following Tuesday, so about 6 business days total. The key thing I learned is to NOT change your direct deposit info right before a payment is scheduled to go out. I made that mistake and it caused the whole mess. Now I always update banking info right after I receive a payment, giving plenty of time for the next one to process correctly. Also, if you're really stressed about timing like Bruno was, most utility companies and landlords will work with you if you explain it's a government payment delay - they've seen this before. Hope this helps someone avoid the panic I went through!