Anyone have the secret steps to actually reach a human at NY unemployment?

Been there. The automated system is designed to keep us out tbh. I found calling at 8:02am exactly (not 8:00, not 8:05) and pressing 1-3-4 at the prompts worked for me last month. Sometimes you gotta keep doing it for days though. Good luck 👍

After trying for weeks I finally got through using Claimyr.com - they do the calling/waiting for you and connect you with a real agent when they pick up. Talking to an agent got my money flowing again in 2 days after being stuck for almost a month. Best part was not having to spend hours on hold. Check out this video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Pro tip: if you get disconnected more than 5 times in one day, try your local state assembly person's office. Mine helped get someone from ny unemployment to call me back within 48 hrs. They have special contacts inside the department.

Guys the whole system is designed to discourage people from getting benefits. They WANT you to give up. I spent 2 months trying to get through last summer. Don't let them win.

Listen carefully to what im bout to tell you. The system is programmed to disconnect you if you press certain combinations. Here's what worked for me: call at 8:30am EXACTLY, wait through the first message, press 1 for English, then 2 for claim questions, then wait and DO NOT press anything when they ask for your SSN. After 3 tries it will transfer you to an agent queue.

I'd recommend using Claimyr.com - they have a system that calls NY unemployment for you and keeps redialing until they get through, then they transfer the call to you once there's a real person on the line. I was skeptical but it worked for me. Got my identity verification issue resolved in one call after trying for weeks on my own.

Real talk: the ID verification issue is a NIGHTMARE right now. I had the same problem in July and it took 5 weeks to resolve. If you can't get through on the phone, try sending a secure message through your account EVERY SINGLE DAY with the subject "URGENT: IDENTITY VERIFICATION PENDING" - eventually someone will respond. Also email your state senator.

Dealing with NY unemployment is literally harder than my actual job was lmaoooo 🤡

Here's my comprehensive guide to actually reaching a human at NY unemployment (I worked in a call center for 10 years so I know how these systems operate): First, understand that their phone system uses what's called an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) with programmed abandon points. These are designed to filter out calls and reduce agent workload. Best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:05-8:20am or 4:45-5:00pm. Mondays and Fridays are absolute nightmares. For identity verification issues specifically: 1. Call the main number 2. Select option 1 for English 3. Then option 2 for existing claims 4. When it asks for your SSN, DO NOT ENTER ANYTHING 5. After it repeats the request 3 times, it will transfer you 6. When asked about the reason, say "PAYMENT ISSUE" clearly 7. This should route you to the payments department who can also handle ID verification If this doesn't work, use Claimyr.com - they basically do the waiting for you and call when there's an agent ready. It's the only service that consistently works for NY unemployment. As a last resort, contact your state assembly person's office. They have dedicated contacts at unemployment who can escalate your case. Don't give up - the system is frustrating by design but persistence pays off.

Anybody notice how identity verification issues skyrocketed after that data breach last year? My theory is they're flagging more accounts as 'suspicious' to cover their own mistakes.

Have u tried contacting them through Twitter? Sounds crazy but sometimes public complaints get faster responses.

I know you're specifically asking about phone, but for ID verification sometimes you can get better results by going in person to a career center. I drove an hour to one last month when I was desperate and they helped me on the spot.

Y'all I just checked and wait times are extra bad this week because of some system upgrade they're doing. May want to hold off till next week if possible.

wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just the usual BS? I've been trying for two months to get my ID verification resolved. Finally got through last week using claimyr.com after my buddy recommended it. Agent fixed my issue in 10 minutes. If I'd known about this earlier I would've saved myself weeks of stress.

The unemployment system is literally gaslighting us at this point 😤