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The whole paper check system is so outdated!!! Why can't they just do instant transfers like every other modern system? I've been waiting 12 days for mine and still nothing. This is ridiculous in 2025.
I feel you on that. My check took forever too but it did eventually show up.
One thing to keep in mind - if you switched payment methods mid-week or after certifying, the change might not take effect until your next certification period. Double-check in your my.ny.gov account under 'Payment Information' to make sure the paper check option is actually showing as active.
Just wanted to update everyone - my refund came through today via direct deposit! So it looks like they are using the same payment method as regular benefits in most cases. Thanks for all your help!
That's great news Victoria! Glad it worked out with direct deposit. For others still waiting, I've found that checking the NY DOL website under "Payment History" sometimes shows the refund status before you actually receive it. It might show as "pending" or "processed" which can give you a heads up on timing. Also, if you're moving like Victoria was, definitely update your address in the system ASAP - I've heard of people missing checks because of address changes during processing.
Thanks for that tip about checking Payment History! I just joined this community because I'm also waiting for my refund and getting really anxious about it. I've been on unemployment since last year and got direct deposit for all my regular payments, but after reading all these comments I'm worried mine might come as a check for some reason. Going to check that Payment History section right now - hopefully it shows something useful. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here!
Also bring your alien registration number if you're not a US citizen - they need that for work authorization verification. And if you have any union information that's helpful too since it affects your benefit calculation.
One thing people forget is if you had any severance pay or vacation payout when you left your job, NYS Department of Labor needs to know about that too. It can affect when your benefits start.
Good point! I did get a small vacation payout. Do I need documentation for that or just need to report it?
Just to add some practical advice - keep filing your weekly claims even if you haven't been approved yet. If you miss filing weeks, you can lose benefits for those periods even after approval. Also check your online account regularly for any requests for additional documentation.
Based on my experience filing last year, the 2-3 week timeframe is pretty accurate for straightforward cases. One thing that helped me track progress was logging into my.ny.gov account every few days - they'll post updates there before you get any mail or calls. Also, if you're really stressed about rent, consider reaching out to local assistance programs while you wait. Many counties have emergency rental assistance that can bridge the gap. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but try to stay patient with the process.
Gabriel Graham
Anyone else notice how they're quick to take our money for overpayments but slow af to pay out benefits? 🙄 Make it make sense.
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Drake
•Preach! 🙌 It's almost like they don't want us to have money or something 🤔
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Sarah Jones
•Conspiracy theory: they're hoping we'll just give up and stop claiming 👀
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Lucas Turner
I went through something similar last year! In my case, they automatically deducted from my weekly benefits until the overpayment was cleared - took about 6 weeks total. The key thing is to make sure you keep certifying each week even while they're deducting, otherwise you might miss out on benefits once the overpayment is resolved. Also, definitely check your online account regularly for any notices or updates. Sometimes they send important info there that doesn't come by mail. Hope this helps and that you get it sorted out soon! 🤞
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Connor Murphy
•This is really helpful, thanks! Quick question - when you say "keep certifying each week," do you mean I should still file my weekly claims even if I'm not getting paid due to the overpayment deduction? I wasn't sure if I should keep doing that or wait until it's resolved.
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