Try this hack: call the spanish language line even if you don't speak spanish. They usually have shorter wait times and most agents speak english too. Just say "english please" when they answer and they'll transfer you or help you directly.

I feel for you so much right now. I went through almost the exact same thing last year - was getting payments regularly for months, then suddenly nothing for 5 weeks straight while still being able to certify. The panic when rent is due and you're counting on that money is absolutely terrible. What ended up working for me was a combination of things: I tried the Claimyr service that others mentioned (it did work - got me through to someone within a day after weeks of failed attempts), AND I contacted my assemblyperson's office. Turns out my account had been flagged for "wage verification" but they never notified me properly. The key is don't give up and try multiple approaches at once. The money IS yours and you ARE entitled to it. The system is broken but there are ways around it. Also definitely check your online account for any messages you might have missed - sometimes they bury important notifications in there without sending proper email alerts. Hang in there - I know it feels hopeless but you WILL get through this! 💪

anyone else notice they never answer after 3pm? 🤔

Hey Oliver, I feel your pain - went through the exact same thing last year. The key is persistence and timing. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Call RIGHT at 8:00 AM sharp (not 7:55, not 8:05 - exactly 8:00) 2. Have multiple phones going if possible 3. When you get the automated menu, press 1-4-1-1 (this gets you to claims status) 4. If busy signal, immediately redial Also, make sure your weekly certifications are being filed correctly - sometimes there's a glitch that stops payments even if you think you're doing it right. Check your online account for any red flags or required actions. Don't give up! It took me 2 solid weeks of calling but once I got through they sorted everything out in 15 minutes. You got this! 💪

bruh same boat.... 8 weeks of pending 🤡

Just went through this same nightmare! What finally worked for me was filing a complaint with the NY Department of Labor's ombudsman office. You can do it online and they actually respond within 48 hours. Also try calling the Albany office directly instead of the main number - sometimes they're less busy. Don't lose hope, took me 7 weeks but I eventually got all my back pay!

December is always slow bc of holidays. my friend who works at unemployment says they're super backed up this time of year

Have you tried checking if there are any missing documents or verification steps? Sometimes they'll put your claim on hold without sending proper notifications. Log into your account and look for any red flags or action items that might be blocking approval. Also, if you're really desperate, some people have had luck contacting their local assembly member's office - they can sometimes help push things along with the DOL.

anybody else notice how the website is always "under maintenance" when u need it most? 🤡

Hey everyone! New to this community but dealing with the same issue. Applied back in March and got that "claim can be paid" text about 10 days ago. Still waiting on my first payment and honestly getting pretty anxious about it. Reading through all your experiences is really helpful - sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty normal after getting that text? Going to keep certifying weekly like you all suggested and maybe try that claimyr service if nothing happens by next week. Thanks for sharing your stories, makes me feel less alone in this process! 🤞