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!

just a heads up that you still have to do job search activities even if you expect to be called back when work picks up again, learned that the hard way when they audited my claim

As a fellow union member who's been through this process, I can confirm it's pretty straightforward. One thing to add - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your layoff date. There's no waiting period before you can apply, and delays can affect when you start receiving benefits. Also, keep good records of all your work search activities from day one, even if you think you'll be called back soon. The NYS Department of Labor takes those requirements seriously during audits. Good luck with your claim!

The whole seasonal thing is so frustrating because NYS Department of Labor treats us like we're gaming the system but this is just how these industries work! We didn't choose to have jobs that shut down for months at a time. At least unemployment helps bridge the gap but the hoops they make you jump through are ridiculous.

One thing that helped me when I was dealing with seasonal unemployment from my restaurant job (we close in winter) was keeping really good documentation. Save all emails from your employer about closure dates and expected reopening, keep your layoff notice, and document everything when you file your claim. NYS Department of Labor sometimes asks for proof that it's truly seasonal work versus just being laid off permanently. Also, even though you're on standby status, you still need to report any part-time work you might pick up during the off-season - I learned that the hard way when I did some freelance snow removal and didn't report it properly at first.