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I'm currently on day 5 of "under review" status and this thread has been such a relief to find! Filed my claim last week after getting laid off from my manufacturing job and when that status appeared with zero explanation, I honestly thought I had completely botched my application somehow. It's incredible how much more helpful this community discussion has been compared to the actual NYS DOL website - they really need to step up their communication game! Reading everyone's experiences has made me realize that this adjudication process is just standard procedure they do for all new claims to verify information. I've already started doing my weekly certifications based on all the advice here, even though it does feel strange certifying when you don't even know if you're approved yet. But definitely don't want to risk missing out on benefit weeks once this review is complete. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and outcomes - it's so reassuring to know that most people do get approved eventually and that 1-3 weeks is normal processing time. The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking when you're already dealing with the stress of job loss, but at least now I understand what's actually happening behind the scenes!
I'm right there with you Chloe! Just hit day 3 of "under review" status myself after filing following a layoff from my retail management position. This thread has been absolutely amazing - I was definitely starting to spiral thinking I had made some critical error on my application. It's honestly mind-boggling that NYS DOL doesn't provide even the most basic explanation of what their status messages mean. Like you said, this community has been infinitely more helpful than their actual website! I'm also starting my weekly certifications today based on everyone's advice here. The manufacturing sector has been really tough lately, so you're definitely not alone in this situation. It's such a relief to know that this adjudication process is completely normal and not a red flag. Thanks for sharing your experience - really helps to see others going through the exact same thing!
I'm on day 8 of "under review" status and finding this thread has been such a huge relief! Filed my unemployment claim after being laid off from my healthcare support job and seeing that vague message with absolutely no context had me convinced I'd somehow screwed up my application. It's honestly frustrating how the NYS DOL website provides zero explanation for what "under review" actually means - this community thread has been infinitely more informative than their official resources! Reading everyone's experiences has helped me understand that this adjudication process is completely standard for verifying new claims, not a sign that something went wrong. I've been doing my weekly certifications since reading all the advice here, even though it feels weird certifying when you're still waiting for approval. Based on all the timelines people have shared, it sounds like 1-3 weeks is typical and most people do eventually get approved. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences - it really helps to know this waiting period is normal and I'm not alone in navigating this confusing system!
same boat here!! got laid off from my restaurant job and hoping unemployment covers at least my rent. this whole thing is so stressful
Just went through this process myself! At $65k annually, you're looking at roughly $1,250 per week before taxes. In NY, you'll likely hit the maximum weekly benefit of $504 since the formula caps out around that level for higher earners. The good news is that overtime definitely counts - they look at ALL wages reported during your base period. One tip: file your claim online at ny.gov as soon as possible since there's a one-week waiting period before payments begin. Also keep detailed records of your job search activities since NY requires you to document your work search efforts. The process can be overwhelming but the benefits do help bridge the gap while you're looking for your next opportunity!
once you get the card you'll need to activate it online or by phone. there's instructions that come with it. and heads up the PIN they give you is temporary so change it right away to something you'll remember
Just wanted to add that you can also track your payment status through the my.ny.gov portal under "Unemployment Services" - it shows exactly when your payment moves from pending to released. I found this helpful because I could see the progression rather than just waiting and wondering. Once it shows as released, the card typically arrives within that 5-7 business day window that Diego mentioned. Also double-check that you certified for your weekly benefits correctly as any issues there can delay the payment release.
That's really helpful about tracking through my.ny.gov! I didn't know you could see the status progression there. I'll check that instead of just waiting around. Quick question - when you say "certified for weekly benefits correctly," what exactly should I be looking out for? I want to make sure I didn't mess anything up that could be causing the delay from pending to released.
Hey Marcelle! I went through this exact process about 6 months ago when I got out of the Marines. Just to add to what everyone else said - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your separation date. I waited a few weeks thinking I needed to find a job first, but that just delayed my benefits starting. Also, if you have any questions about the UCX program specifically, the Department of Veterans Affairs has counselors who can walk you through it. They were super helpful when I was confused about which forms to submit. Good luck with your job search!
@Omar Zaki Thanks for sharing your experience! That s'really good advice about filing right away. I m'curious - when you filed, did you have any issues with the transition from active duty pay to unemployment benefits? Like was there any gap in income or did it flow pretty smoothly once approved? Also wondering if the VA counselors helped you navigate any other veteran-specific benefits while you were job hunting.
@Omar Zaki That s'such valuable advice about filing immediately! I made the same mistake of waiting when I transitioned out of the Navy last year. Did you run into any complications with the DD-214 verification process? Mine took almost 3 weeks to get verified through the system, which delayed everything. Also, for anyone reading this - if you re'still active duty and getting close to separation, start gathering all your LES statements now. Having everything organized made the application so much smoother once I finally got around to filing.
Just want to echo what others have said about filing ASAP - I made the mistake of waiting almost a month after my ETS thinking I should try to find work first. Big error! Also, when you're calculating your weekly benefit amount, don't forget that military pay is often bi-weekly, so make sure you're converting correctly. If you're having trouble with the online application, try going to a local One-Stop Career Center - they have staff trained specifically on veteran unemployment claims who can help you through the process in person. The one near me in Albany was super helpful and made sure I didn't miss any important details that could have delayed my claim.
@Sunny Wang For the application, they typically want your total military compensation broken down to a weekly amount. So take your monthly gross pay including (BAH, BAS, and any other allowances and) divide by 4.33 to get the weekly amount. Don t'worry about the bi-weekly pay schedule - they just need the weekly equivalent. The One-Stop Centers are definitely worth visiting! The staff there helped me make sure I included all the right documentation and walked me through exactly how to report my military earnings. Much easier than trying to figure it out online by yourself.
@Ethan Wilson This is really helpful advice! I m'actually about to separate from the Air Force next month and had no idea about the One-Stop Career Centers having veteran-specific staff. That sounds way better than trying to navigate the online system alone. Do you happen to know if they can help with the initial application filing, or is it more for guidance and document review? I want to make sure I get everything right from the start since I keep hearing horror stories about claims getting delayed for weeks due to simple mistakes.
Andre Lefebvre
This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - received an overpayment notice for $680 about 2 weeks ago and like everyone else here, I've been frantically checking my mail and email daily for payment instructions that never arrived. The anxiety has been terrible because I want to be responsible and pay it immediately, but they've literally given me no way to do so! Reading everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - I was starting to think I had somehow missed something obvious or done something wrong. It's clear this is a widespread system failure, not individual mistakes on our part. I also moved about 5 months ago, so the address database sync issue makes perfect sense now. I'm definitely going to call 1-800-533-6600 tomorrow morning right at 8:30am with all the excellent tips from this thread. Thank you @Zara Ahmed for posting this question and providing that crucial update about your resolution - it gives me hope that this nightmare actually has an end! For anyone else dealing with this, I've been documenting all my attempts to find payment instructions (screenshots, dates I checked mail, etc.) just in case I need to prove I've been actively trying to resolve this. Will definitely update once I hopefully get through to someone who can actually help!
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Nathaniel Stewart
•@Andre Lefebvre I m'so glad you found this thread too! It s'honestly been a lifeline for so many of us dealing with this exact same bureaucratic nightmare. Your approach of documenting everything is really smart - I wish I had thought to do that when I was going through my overpayment situation a few months ago. The fact that you moved recently definitely explains the missing payment instructions, just like it did for so many others here. It s'absolutely ridiculous that they can t'sync their own address databases properly! When you call tomorrow, definitely mention upfront that you moved about 5 months ago and have been actively trying to resolve this for 2 weeks with documented attempts. The reps seem to appreciate when people come prepared and have been proactive. That 8:30am call time really does seem to be the sweet spot for getting through quickly. I m'confident you ll'get this sorted out once you reach the right department - that overpayment number has been a game changer for everyone who s'used it. Looking forward to hearing about your successful resolution!
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Olivia Garcia
I'm so grateful this thread exists! I just got an overpayment notice for $1,275 about 10 days ago and have been absolutely panicking because, like everyone else here, I received ZERO payment instructions. I've been checking my mail obsessively, refreshing my email constantly, and logging into my NY.gov account multiple times daily with no luck whatsoever. The stress has been keeping me up at night because I genuinely want to pay this back immediately, but it's like they've designed the system to make it impossible! I also moved about 4 months ago, so reading about the address database issues explains everything - they're probably sending instructions to my old apartment. I tried calling the main unemployment line yesterday and wasted 2+ hours on hold just to be told they "can't help with overpayment issues" and to "wait for mail instructions." So incredibly frustrating! But finding this thread has been a game-changer. I'm definitely calling 1-800-533-6600 tomorrow morning at exactly 8:30am with all the fantastic advice from everyone here. @Zara Ahmed thank you SO much for posting this question and especially for the follow-up - your success story gives me actual hope after over a week of anxiety! I'll absolutely post an update once I hopefully get through. This community is amazing for helping people navigate these bureaucratic nightmares when the actual government systems fail us completely!
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