Just want to add that you should definitely keep track of your job search activities from day one even while waiting for approval. The NYS Department of Labor requires proof that you're actively looking for work, and they can ask for your job search log at any time.

I went through this process about 6 months ago and it took exactly 3 weeks to get my first payment. The key thing is to make sure all your information is accurate when you file - any discrepancies can delay the process significantly. Also, don't panic if your claim status stays "pending" for a while, that's totally normal. The NYS Department of Labor processes thousands of claims so it just takes time. In the meantime, you might want to reach out to local food banks or community assistance programs if you're worried about making rent. Most landlords are also understanding if you explain the situation and show them your pending unemployment claim.

The unemployment system is so confusing and they don't explain anything clearly. I remember being stressed about every little detail when I filed. Just make sure you answer all the questions honestly about why you're unemployed and keep track of your job search activities from day one.

@Kara, one more tip - when you file online, make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records handy. The system will ask for specific dates and wage information from your last employer. Also, if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, you'll need that info too since they look at your earnings over the "base period" to determine your benefit amount. The whole application took me about 30 minutes when I had everything ready. Good luck!

I'm in the same boat - got approved 10 days ago but still no card! Reading through these comments, sounds like I should double check my address in the system and maybe call KeyBank if it hits the 2 week mark. Really don't want to get hit with late fees on my rent because of this delay 😩 Has anyone had luck getting emergency payments while waiting for the card?

Been through this exact same situation! My card took almost 2.5 weeks to arrive, which was super stressful. Here's what I learned: First, definitely verify your address is 100% correct in the NY.gov system - even small typos can cause major delays. Second, if you're past the 10 day mark, call KeyBank at 1-866-295-2955 to check the status. The hold times are terrible but you need to know if it was actually mailed. Third, seriously consider switching to direct deposit right now for future payments - it's so much faster and you won't have this anxiety again. You can change it in your online account under payment methods. The money that's already been issued to the card will still come on the card, but at least future payments will hit your bank directly. Hang in there, it will arrive!

Keep in mind that even if you qualify for the max $504, you still need to meet all the other requirements like doing job searches and filing your weekly claims on time. NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about the work search requirements now - you need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records.

The $504 is decent but honestly doesn't go very far these days especially in NYC. At least it's something though while you're looking for work.

Before you go looking for physical offices, try calling the NYS Department of Labor technical support line early in the morning around 8 AM. They have separate numbers for different issues. Also, if your weekly claim certification is stuck, log out completely and clear your browser cache before logging back into my.ny.gov. Sometimes that resolves display issues where the system isn't showing pending adjudications properly.

I'm in a similar situation in upstate NY - been waiting 3 weeks for my certification to go through. From what I've researched, most of the physical NYS Department of Labor offices are now "American Job Centers" and they primarily handle career services rather than unemployment claims. The one in Syracuse requires appointments and they told me over the phone that they can't access individual claim files anyway. Your best bet might be trying to call right at 8 AM when the phone lines open, or using that callback feature on my.ny.gov if you can find it (it's buried pretty deep in the site). Also check if you have any messages in your correspondence section - sometimes there are requests for additional info that don't show up as alerts.