UPDATE: Success! After trying for days, I finally got through this morning. For anyone else struggling, here's what worked for me: 1. Called at exactly 8:00am 2. Used the menu sequence that people suggested here (1-5-2-1) 3. Still got disconnected 3 times 4. On the 4th try, got put on hold for 1.5 hours but FINALLY spoke to someone They fixed my issue in about 10 minutes once I got through. Apparently there was a "verification flag" on my account that needed to be removed. Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting through! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been calling for 2 weeks with no luck. Can I ask what time zone you're in? I want to make sure I'm calling at the right 8:00am (Eastern I assume?). Also, when you say you used the 1-5-2-1 sequence, did you wait for each menu to fully play out or did you press the numbers quickly? I've been pressing buttons too fast and wondering if that's part of my problem.

anyone try calling from a different area code? heard that might help get through faster

Has anyone had luck with the local offices? I'm in Albany area and wondering if it's worth driving to a physical location instead of dealing with the phone nightmare. Also heard some people have success calling the office directly instead of the main line - anyone know if local offices have their own numbers?

Just file online at my.ny.gov, it's way easier than calling. You'll need your social security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your employer's info. The whole process takes maybe 30 minutes if you have everything ready.

Just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure you're completely honest about why you waited to file. The NYS Department of Labor will ask during your initial claim interview. Don't try to backdate or anything - just explain that you were job searching and didn't realize you could file while looking. They're usually understanding about this situation since it's pretty common. Also, start keeping detailed records of your job search activities now because you'll need to report them when you file your weekly claims.

I feel your pain! The system is designed to make you give up. After trying everything, what worked for me was using claimyr.com to get through to an agent. It's basically a service that does the calling/waiting for you. They call when they get a human on the line. Talking to a real person fixed my issues that had been pending for over a month.

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now - been trying for 2 weeks straight and it's driving me insane! I see a lot of people mentioning claimyr.com in the comments. Has anyone here actually used it recently? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point but want to make sure it's legit before I spend money on it. The regular calling methods clearly aren't working for any of us. Really hoping someone can confirm this actually works because I'm running out of options and money fast 😰

The whole system is BROKEN for gig workers and freelancers! We're supposed to be independent but then get zero support when the economy tanks. Every other developed country has figured this out but not us. Makes me want to just get a regular job for the security.

Have you considered looking into New York State's Freelance Isn't Free Act? While it doesn't help with unemployment benefits, it might give you some legal recourse if any clients haven't paid you properly. Also, you might want to check if you qualify for SNAP benefits or other assistance programs while you're looking for new work. The Empire State Development agency sometimes has resources for freelancers and small business owners too. It's not unemployment, but every bit helps when income is tight.