what is a waiting week for unemployment

In New York State, before receiving benefits on a new unemployment insurance (UI) claim, you must serve an unpaid waiting period that equals one full week (four days) of benefits. This waiting week is the first week of your claim, and you will not be paid benefits for this week, but you must still claim benefits for it as the law requires the waiting week. If you work during this week, your benefits will be delayed, and you will be required to serve a second unpaid waiting week. After the single unpaid waiting week, your unemployment benefits will begin to accrue, but you will not actually receive payment for at least three or up to six weeks from the date of your initial claim.