Hey OP, what specific issue are you having with filing your claim? Might be able to give more targeted advice if we know exactly where you're stuck.

Just went through this same nightmare last month! Here's what finally worked for me: 1) Try the online portal at exactly 8 AM on weekdays - seems to be the sweet spot before it gets overloaded 2) If you get that SSN error, clear your browser cache and try a different browser entirely 3) For phone calls, I had better luck calling the local office directly instead of the main number. The wait times were still brutal but at least I got through eventually. Stay persistent - it's a broken system but you'll get there! 💪

One thing that really helped me when I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They can get you connected to an actual agent to verify your eligibility or ask specific questions about your situation. There's a good video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

Also make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed or in adjudication. Missing weeks can cause you to lose benefits for those periods and you usually can't go back and claim them later. The NYS Department of Labor system is pretty strict about this timing requirement.

when I was trying to get through to ny unemployment, I literally set up an auto-dialer app on my phone to keep calling them every 30 seconds from 8am to 4pm for THREE DAYS before I finally got through. The system is beyond broken.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now - benefits stopped in January with no explanation, just says "pending review" and I can't get through to anyone no matter what I try. The system is absolutely broken. From reading through all these comments, it sounds like contacting your state representative might be the most reliable option, along with checking spam folders thoroughly. I'm also seeing multiple people vouch for that Claimyr service which I was skeptical about but might be worth trying if you're really desperate. The auto-dialer approach sounds exhausting but at least it's free. Really sorry you're going through this - the stress of not knowing when your benefits will resume while bills pile up is just awful. Hang in there and keep trying multiple approaches at once.

just another way the government makes it impossible for small businesses to succeed... all these mandatory insurance requirements add up fast

For anyone starting a business in NY, I'd recommend checking out the NYS Department of Labor's online employer registration system. It walks you through the process step by step and calculates your contribution rates based on your industry classification. The system is actually pretty user-friendly compared to trying to figure everything out from scattered information online. You can also download the employer handbook which explains all the requirements in detail. Better to get familiar with the system early rather than scrambling to register once you hit that $300 threshold.

honestly just keep calling until you get someone who actually knows what they're talking about. took me like 15 tries but eventually got a good agent who explained everything

I went through this same runaround last year and what finally worked was being very specific about what I needed when I called. Instead of just saying "I need help with my claim," I'd say "I need to speak with an adjudication specialist about claim number [your number] that's been pending for three weeks." The regular call center folks will try to help but they literally can't access the adjudication queue - only the specialists can see what documents or information they're waiting for. Also, try calling right when they open at 8am, you're more likely to get through to someone who can actually transfer you to the right department.