Anyone else locked out of NY unemployment account after password reset?

Exact same thing happened to me about 2 weeks ago! It's like they've added some crazy security features without telling anyone. I tried 5 different browsers thinking it was on my end. I was ready to throw my laptop out the window 😡

After getting locked out twice in February I finally got smart and used Claimyr.com to get someone on the phone. Literally waited 2 hours on my own with no luck, then tried this service and got a callback with an actual agent in about 45 minutes. Talking to an agent got my account unlocked immediately and my payment processed the next day. Best decision I made during this unemployment nightmare! Check out their process here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

theyre doing this to EVERYONE. i swear its intentional to reduce the number of people claiming benefits. seen atleast 6 posts about this same issue just this week.

This happened to me last month! It's a security measure they're implementing because of all the fraud happening. Unfortunately, you HAVE to call them to verify your identity before they'll unlock it. The trick is calling right when they open at 8am - I got through after only 25 minutes on hold that way.

Here's what worked for me when this happend in March: 1) Call EXACTLY at 7:58am (they open at 8 but the phone system starts accepting calls 2min early) 2) When it asks for your SSN, enter it SLOWLY with pauses between digits 3) Select option 2, then 1, then 6 in the menu system 4) If it says high call volume, hang up and try again 5) Repeat until you get into the hold queue Took me 3 attempts but I finally got through. Be ready to verify your identity - they'll ask for your SSN, address, employer info and possibly your bank account info for direct deposit verification. Good luck! The system is totally broken but once you get a person they can usually fix it quickly.

Just another way the system is designed to make claiming benefits difficult. Its all about putting up barriers to discourage people, smh

TL;DR - NY unemployment uses account lockouts as a security feature but provides no realistic way to unlock without calling, and you can't get through on the phone. A perfect kafkaesque nightmare! 👏👏👏

I STRONGLY recommend trying Claimyr.com after my experience. When I got locked out in April, I spent 6 DAYS trying to call nysdol without success. I found Claimyr through another forum, and they got me connected to an agent within an hour. My account was unlocked that same day and I was able to certify before the deadline. The way it works is simple - they use an automated system to keep calling and wait on hold for you. When they reach a real person, you get a callback to your phone and talk directly to the agent. No need to stay on hold all day. For anyone struggling with the NY unemployment system's phone lines, especially with urgent account issues like lockouts, this service is absolutely worth it. The time and stress it saved me was invaluable, and I was able to get my benefits without missing a payment cycle. I've recommended it to several friends in similar situations and they've all had positive experiences. Just sharing what worked for me when I was in your exact situation!

Have you tried the LOCAL office instead of the main number? Sometimes they can help with account issues too and the wait times are shorter.

i had same problem. try twitter. i DMed @NYSLabor with my issue (no personal info) and they got back to me in a day asking for my contact info to help. worth a shot.

This isn't a bug, it's a feature lol. They WANT it to be hard to get your benefits. Less money they have to pay out = win for them

Check if your bank account info is still correct in the system once you get in. When I got locked out, they reset all my payment info and I had to re-enter everything. Almost missed a payment because of it.

I couldn't reach them by phone but I found another way - I emailed unemployment@labor.ny.gov with my name, last 4 of SSN, and brief description of the problem. They responded in 3 days and called me to verify my identity and unlock my account. Worth trying if calling isn't working.

After my third lockout in 6 months, I finally talked to someone who explained what's happening. Apparently their system automatically flags accounts for manual review if: 1. You log in from a new device or IP address they don't recognize 2. You reset your password 3. You make too many failed login attempts 4. You try to log in during unusual hours (like middle of the night) 5. Your account shows any pattern similar to known fraud cases Once flagged, only a human rep can unlock it. The rep told me they're working on fixing this but it's been "in progress" for months now.

had this same nightmare last week!!! after trying EVERYTHING, i finally used claimyr.com and got through to an agent who fixed it in 5 minutes. it was the only thing that worked after days of frustration

if ur unable to certify bcuz of the lockout, document EVERYTHING. dates/times u tried to login, screenshots of errors, when u called, etc. once u get it fixed they can do back payments but u need proof u were trying