This question confused me too when I was applying. I overthought it and called three times before getting an answer. Basically if you haven't gotten unemployment checks from anywhere else during this stretch of being unemployed, just put no.

I think everyone gets confused by this question! I just went through the same thing last month. The way it was explained to me is they're asking if you received unemployment benefits from ANY source (other states, different programs, etc.) during your current period of being unemployed. Since you said this is your first time filing and you've been unemployed for 6 weeks without benefits, the answer would be no. They just want to make sure you're not double-dipping or getting benefits from multiple places. Hope that helps clear it up!

Just went through this in December. Filed on a Monday, got approved the following Friday, first payment hit my account the Tuesday after that. So about 11 days total. Restaurant work usually processes pretty quickly since the wage reporting is straightforward. Keep filing your weekly claims and you should see movement soon.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim about 10 days ago and still showing pending. From what I've been reading online, it seems like the processing times can vary a lot depending on your specific case. One thing I learned is that if you were laid off (not fired for cause), that usually helps speed things up since there's no dispute about eligibility. Since you mentioned you were laid off due to slow business, that should work in your favor. I'd suggest checking your account daily and maybe try calling early in the morning around 8am when they open - that's when I've had the best luck getting through to someone. Hang in there!

everyone saying 'keep calling' but that literally doesnt work anymore. the phone lines are designed to keep us out. after 2 months of trying, i used claimyr.com and got through in ONE DAY. it was the only way I could talk to a live agent who fixed my claim on the spot.

This is exactly what happened to me! I was stuck at $0 for 8 weeks with the same "under review" status. What finally worked was getting through to a supervisor-level agent who could actually see what was blocking my claim. Turns out there was a simple discrepancy in my employment dates that was flagging everything for manual review. Once they fixed that one thing, my entire backpay was deposited within 48 hours. The regular call center agents couldn't see this level of detail - you need someone with actual system access. Don't give up! Keep pushing to speak with someone who can actually look at your specific case details.

I feel ur pain big time. I decided to just show up in person at the local career center. The security guard said they couldn't help with claims BUT he gave me a direct number to call that actually worked. Try going in person to any DOL office and ask nicely.

@76edea107492 I totally feel your frustration! I went through the exact same nightmare last year - calling hundreds of times, getting hung up on, watching my savings disappear while stuck in "pending" hell. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: I used that claimyr service people mentioned (totally worth it, got connected in 2 hours after weeks of trying), AND I contacted my assembly person's office for backup. The key is having multiple approaches going at once. Also document everything - screenshots, call logs, dates. When you do get through, ask for their direct extension so you don't have to go through the main number again. Hang in there, the system is broken but you WILL get your money eventually!

Try calling the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-209-8124. Have your paperwork and tracking number ready. That's how I got mine pushed through after a 2 week wait. It takes forever to get through but it's worth it if you can spare the time. Best time to call is Tuesday or Wednesday right when they open.

I'm going through something similar right now - had to pay back an overpayment due to their calculation error too. It's so frustrating when they mess up and we're the ones who suffer the consequences. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like the timeline is really unpredictable - anywhere from 10 days to over a month. I'd definitely recommend trying multiple approaches: keep messaging through the portal, try calling that overpayment department number someone mentioned (press 5, then 2, then 1), and maybe consider reaching out to your assembly representative if it goes past 2 weeks. Document everything with dates and keep all your receipts. Hang in there - you're not alone in this mess of a system!