Anyone know the best number to call NY unemployment? Need to reach a human ASAP!

I feel your pain. I spent 4 days straight calling them non-stop. The 888 number is basically useless during peak hours. Try calling exactly at 7:30am, that's when I got thru once. But tbh the best thing I did was use this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They call for you and connect you when a real person picks up. Saved me from losing my mind and I finally got my issue fixed in one call. Talking to an agent got my benefits released the next day. Worth every penny considering I was about to miss my car payment.

The real trick is to call right at 7:30am sharp and use the automated system to get to a specific department. Hit 1, then 6, then 1 again to get to claims specialists. Dont just press 0 over and over cuz it'll throw u to the general queue which is always full. I got through after 3 days of trying this method.

The unemployment system is completely broken. I had better luck contacting my state assembly rep's office. They have special liaisons that can escalate cases with NYSDOL. My rep's office called me back the same day and had my issue resolved within 48 hrs. Google your district and give them a call - it's literally their job to help with stuff like this.

Here's what ACTUALLY works to reach ny unemployment (speaking from experience getting through 5 different times in the past 2 months): 1. Call 888-209-8124 exactly at 7:30am. Not 7:31, not 7:29. Exactly 7:30. 2. If that fails, try their direct line 888-783-1370 between 12-1pm when their lunch rush slows down 3. Have your case number, SSN, and all claim details ready to go when you DO get through because they'll rush you 4. If you're desperate and have some cash to spare, claimyr.com is legit - they called for me and I got a human on the line in 2 hours when I'd been trying for weeks 5. Email them at the same time: uiclaimadjudication@labor.ny.gov and put your CASE NUMBER in the subject line The system is designed to frustrate you into giving up. Don't give up.

Try the TTY line: 888-662-1220. Not supposed to be used unless you have hearing issues, but sometimes it works when the main lines are jammed. I'm not officially recommending this... just saying it exists... 👀

I gave up on calling altogether, just did the callback service (claimyr.com). Think of it this way - how much is your time worth per hour? If you've already spent days calling, that's worth way more than what they charge. I got through in an hour, fixed my issue, and got paid 2 days later. Sometimes you gotta spend money to get your money 💰

unpopular opinion maybe but has anyone tried just going to the actual unemployment office in person? i know it's a hassle but sometimes face-to-face is the only way to get stuff done with government agencies. the one in brooklyn sometimes has walk-in hours.

If ur claim says "pending" for more than 3 weeks you should file a complaint with the ny state attorney general office. That got mine unstuck after 2 months of nothing. Google "file complaint ny attorney general unemployment" and fill out their form.

did u try hitting 0 repeatedly when the automated system starts talking? sometimes that tricks it into putting u thru to a human. works on some systems not all.

It's maddening trying to reach them! After weeks of calling I broke down and tried that Claimyr service. Got through in about 90 mins. The unemployment folks actually told me they're dealing with a huge backlog of identity verification issues and fraud cases right now - that's why the wait times are so bad. Anyway, my claim got fixed and money started coming the next week. Hang in there!

whatever you do DONT press 2 for spanish unless you actually speak spanish. I thought it would be a faster line but got connected to someone who only spoke spanish and had to start all over 🤦‍♀️

I'm pretty sure they've reduced staff after covid and that's why this is all so messed up. I have a friend who works for the state (not UI) and she said they've cut like 30% of unemployment staff since the pandemic peak. So the hold times are just gonna keep getting worse.

The system is DESIGNED to be hard to navigate so people give up and don't collect benefits. It's not broken, it's working exactly as the politicians want it to. Think about it - states save money when you don't collect what you're owed.

Contact your state senator!!!! I spent 3 weeks calling with no luck. Finally emailed my state senator's office explaining my situation. They have a dedicated liaison with the DOL. Had a call from unemployment within 48 hours of contacting them. This is literally what your elected officials are for!