Been locked out for 5 months - NY unemployment verification nightmare with no way to get through by phone

Same exact boat. Been trying since May and its practically impossible to get through. The system is so broken its ridiculous. At this point im just applying to every job i can find cuz i cant count on ny unemployment to ever actually help.

After weeks of that same frustrating message, I finally found a service that got me through! I used this thing called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it basically kept dialing for me then connected me to an actual human when they finally picked up. Talking to an agent got my benefits unlocked within days after being stuck for months. Best decision I made after wasting hours upon hours redialing that stupid number. Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Pro tip: try calling exactly at 7:59am. For some reason the system sometimes lets you through right before they officially open at 8. Worked for me on my 3rd attempt but you gotta be quick! And have all your info ready cuz they dont give you much time.

Have you tried contacting your state representative? I was stuck in verification hell for over two months and finally emailed my assemblyman. His office contacted unemployment on my behalf and I got a call back within a week. Worth a shot!

Listen, the whole system is DESIGNED to be impossible to get through. They make it hard on purpose so people give up. The less benefits they pay out, the better their budget looks. It's all a scam to deny people what they're legally entitled to. I've been fighting this system for months. 🤮

I work in IT and the NY unemployment system is literally running on technology from the 1980s. No exaggeration. The verification systems don't talk to each other properly and when ID.me has an issue, there's no automated way to resolve it. Your best bet is getting a human on the phone who can manually override the verification block in the legacy system. Keep trying different times - their call volume is lowest on Wed afternoons from what I've heard.

Hey everyone - I'm going through something similar and wanted to share a comprehensive guide to what finally worked for me after 2 months of being locked out: 1. First, document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of errors, write down times/dates of calls, and keep a record of any confirmation numbers. 2. Try multiple contact methods simultaneously - don't just rely on phone. Use their message portal on the website (even if it seems unrelated to your issue). 3. For phone calls, I found Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8:30-9:15am had slightly better odds. Avoid Mondays completely. 4. Contact your state representative AND state senator (do both). Provide them your claim info and detailed timeline. 5. If you're completely desperate, the service at claimyr.com actually worked for me after nothing else did. They dial repeatedly until they get through, then connect you to an agent. 6. When you finally get an agent, be extremely polite but firm. Ask for their ID number and name. Request they make detailed notes on your account. 7. If they can't help immediately, ask specifically for an "escalation to a tier 2 specialist" - using those exact words triggers a different protocol. Hope this helps someone! The system is broken but not completely impenetrable.

Don't waste ur time with the 8124 number. The real secret is to call the fraud department at 888-598-2077. They answer much faster and can transfer you to claims once ur actually talking to someone. Worked for me last week!

I know this sounds weird but I suggest calling from a different phone number if you can. I was using my cell for weeks with no luck. Borrowed my mom's phone and got through on the second try. I think they might be filtering certain numbers that call too frequently. Just a theory but worth trying!

omg the NY unemployment system is like trying to get concert tickets for beyonce but EVERYDAY FOR MONTHS 😭 and instead of a concert its just your basic needs being met lmaoooo i hate it here

Heads up - they just added a new verification tool last month that might help. If you go to the website and click on "ID Verification Issues" there's a new form you can submit that's supposed to alert a specialist to your case. Worth a shot if you're still locked out!