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Been waiting since April for NY unemployment claim decision - need direct complaint number

Has anyone got a number I can actually call to file a formal complaint? My NY unemployment claim has been sitting in limbo since April 15th, 2025 with no decision. Every single time I call they just say 'yes it's assigned to someone but they're still working on it.' It's been over 2 months now! This makes absolutely no sense - I've got bills piling up and zero income. I need to speak to a supervisor or file an official complaint somewhere because this is ridiculous. Anyone know a direct line to someone who can actually help?

Melody Miles

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Have u tried calling the ombudsman? They handle complaints when regular channels arent working. Might be worth a shot

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Jace Caspullo

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No I haven't tried that. Do you have the number? And did it actually work for you or just another runaround?

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I understand your frustration. I was in a similar situation last year. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call the main NYSDOL number (888-209-8124) but request to speak specifically with a claims examiner supervisor, not just a regular agent 2. File a formal complaint through their online portal at labor.ny.gov/complaints - make sure to include your claim ID, the exact dates you've been waiting, and all previous contact attempts 3. Contact your local state representative's office - they often have direct channels to unemployment offices and can advocate on your behalf The key is persistence and documentation. Keep a log of every call, who you spoke with, and what they told you. This documentation will help when escalating your case.

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Jace Caspullo

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Thank you so much for the detailed advice. I've tried the main number so many times but never specifically asked for a supervisor - will definitely try that approach. I'll also try the complaint portal today. How long did it take for your issue to get resolved after you did these steps?

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Eva St. Cyr

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OMG two months is nothing!! I waited FOUR MONTHS last year and every single time I called they gave me that EXACT same line about 'someone working on it.' The system is BROKEN and they don't care at all about us. I finally got my determination letter after threatening to contact the Department of Labor commissioner directly.

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Jace Caspullo

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Four months??? That's insane! How did you manage financially during that time? Did you actually contact the commissioner or just threaten to?

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I had this exact problem back in February. Tried calling over 50 times and either couldn't get through or got useless answers. What finally worked was using Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you skip the phone queue and get through to an actual claims agent. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE I was skeptical at first, but it actually worked and I got connected to someone who escalated my claim within 10 minutes. My determination came through about a week later after being stuck for months. Definitely worth trying if you're desperate like I was.

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Melody Miles

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does this actually work? sounds kinda sketchy tbh

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Kaitlyn Otto

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I work with unemployment issues regularly, and here's what you need to know: By law, NYSDOL must make a determination on claims within a reasonable timeframe. When a claim exceeds 60 days without a determination, you have specific rights. In addition to the suggestions already mentioned, you should: 1. Submit a written request for determination under Section 597.4 of the NY Unemployment Insurance Law, which requires them to issue a determination within 15 days of your written request 2. File for a hearing with the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board specifically citing the delay as a constructive denial of benefits 3. Document all financial hardships the delay is causing, as this can be relevant if you need to pursue further action The current average processing time for complex claims is approximately 45 days, so your situation definitely warrants escalation.

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Jace Caspullo

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This is incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Section 597.4 requirement! Where exactly do I submit this written request? Should I mail it, fax it, or is there an online form?

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Eva St. Cyr

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This is SUCH important info that they NEVER tell us about!!! They just want us to give up and go away. The system is designed to frustrate people into giving up on their legitimate claims!!

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Axel Far

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I was in your exact position in January. Waited almost 3 months for a determination, and nothing was happening despite weekly calls. I was about to lose my apartment! What finally worked was contacting my state assembly member. Their office has a staff person who specializes in unemployment issues and they have direct contacts at NYSDOL. I emailed them on a Monday with all my claim details, and by Friday I got a call from an actual NYSDOL supervisor who processed my claim on the spot. Honestly, I wish I'd done this sooner instead of wasting so much time with the regular phone line. The assembly member's office didn't charge anything - it's literally their job to help constituents with state agency issues.

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Jace Caspullo

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That's a great idea. Which assembly member did you contact? I'm in Queens. Do I just look up who represents my district?

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have u checked ur online account? sometimes they update the status there but dont actually notify u. also check ur spam folder for emails from them. my determination was sitting in my spam for 2 weeks lol

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Jace Caspullo

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Yeah I check my online account literally every day (sometimes multiple times) and there's been no change. Good call on checking spam though - just looked and nothing there either. This is so frustrating!

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Quick update on what I mentioned earlier - I just checked and the formal complaint form has been updated for 2025. The new link is labor.ny.gov/ui-complaints (the old one I mentioned may redirect, but this is more direct). Also, when you call, use these exact words: "I need to speak with a claims examiner supervisor regarding a determination delay exceeding the statutory timeline." This specific phrasing flags your call differently in their system. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but persistence does eventually pay off.

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Jace Caspullo

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Thank you for the updated link and the exact phrasing to use! I'm going to try calling again tomorrow morning with those exact words. Hoping it finally gets me somewhere.

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Jace Caspullo

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UPDATE: I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I tried several of the suggestions here. First, I called using the exact phrasing that @helpful_advisor suggested about speaking with a claims examiner supervisor regarding statutory timeline violations. I still got nowhere initially. Then I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended, and I actually got through to a real person within 15 minutes! They connected me with a supervisor who looked up my case and found that it had been stuck in some kind of technical queue error. They manually reassigned it and told me I should have a determination within 5-7 business days. I also submitted the formal complaint through the updated link and contacted my assembly member's office as backup. Will update again when (hopefully) I get my determination letter!

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Axel Far

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That's great news! The exact same thing happened to my claim - it was stuck in some technical error that nobody caught until someone actually looked at it. The system seems to have these black holes where claims just sit unless manually checked. Glad you're making progress!

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Melody Miles

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good job being persistent! let us know what happens

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