I got second week unemployment, but never got first week. What do I do?

It’s definitely frustrating when your unemployment payments don’t arrive as expected, especially if you’ve received a subsequent payment. Here’s a breakdown of what you should do:

1. Understand the “Waiting Week” (Non-Payable Week):

• Many states have a “waiting week” or “nonpayable week.” This means the first week you are eligible for benefits, you typically won’t receive a payment. It’s a mandatory waiting period before benefits begin.
• If you’ve received your second week’s payment, it’s possible that the first week was your designated non-payable week. You usually only have one non-payable week within a 52-week benefit period.

2. Check Your Claim Status and Payment History Online:

• Most state unemployment agencies have an online portal where you can log in to your account.
• Look for sections like “Payment History,” “Claim Status,” or “Issues.” This is the first place to check if there’s any information regarding the missing payment, such as a hold on your claim, pending issues, or a record of the payment being sent.
• Some common reasons for payment delays or holds include:
  • Pending eligibility issues: Your claim might be under review due to information from a former employer, a questionnaire you haven’t returned, or other discrepancies.
  • Missing documentation: You might have forgotten to submit a required document or provide correct information (e.g., direct deposit details).
  • Not certifying weekly: Some states require you to certify your eligibility each week (e.g., showing you’re looking for work). If you missed a certification, it could delay payments.
  • Fraud flagging: Your application might have been flagged for review.

3. Contact Your State Unemployment Office:

• If you can’t find the information you need online, or if the online system indicates a problem, it’s crucial to contact your state’s unemployment office directly.
• Be prepared: Have your Social Security number, claim ID, and any relevant dates or information readily available.
• How to contact:
  • Phone: Look for a dedicated phone number for unemployment inquiries. Be aware that wait times can be long, so try calling during off-peak hours (e.g., early morning, late afternoon).
  • Secure Messaging/Email: Many states offer a secure messaging system within their online portal or a general email contact. This can be a good way to get your question on record.
  • Live Chat: Some states offer a live chat option on their websites.
  • In-person (if available): Check if your state offers in-person assistance at local career centers.

4. Follow Up on Any Requests for Information:

• If the unemployment office sent you any questionnaires, requests for information, or scheduled phone appointments, respond to them promptly. Delays in providing requested information can significantly hold up your payments.

5. Be Patient (to a point):

• Processing unemployment claims can take time, especially for initial payments or if there are any issues. Some states advise allowing several weeks (e.g., 3-6 weeks) for the first payment to be processed.
• However, if you’ve already received a subsequent payment and the first one is still missing without a clear explanation online, you should definitely be proactive in contacting them.

In summary, your main steps are:

1. Check your state’s “waiting week” policy.
2. Review your online unemployment account for claim status and payment history.
3. Contact your state unemployment agency directly by phone or secure message to inquire about the missing payment.
4. Respond to any requests for information immediately.