Best time to call NY unemployment and is there a secret number to bypass the queue?

I heard 8:30 am is supposedly the best time to call, but honestly it's like playing the lottery. I've tried calling at opening, middle of the day, right before closing - nothing seems to work consistently. Some days I get through in 15 mins, other days I'm on hold for 3 hours then get disconnected right as someone picks up 🤮

After months of trying to get through to someone about my claim, I finally found a service that actually works. Used this website called claimyr.com and they somehow managed to get me through to an actual person. Best money I ever spent considering I was about to lose my apartment. They called and stayed on hold, then when an agent picked up, they connected me directly. Saved me HOURS of frustration and got my benefits released within 48 hours after talking to the agent. Here's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I worked for NY unemployment briefly during the pandemic. Here's what I can tell you: The "press X to get through faster" tricks DID work at one point but they've updated the phone system since then. Most of those shortcuts have been removed. Best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:15-9:00am or 3:30-4:00pm. Avoid Mondays at all costs. Fridays are hit or miss.

The trick I used to get through (last month) was to pick the Spanish option then press 9 for English when the next menu comes up. Somehow the Spanish queue was shorter and I only waited about 30 mins instead of the usual infinity 💯

Honestly the phone system is completely useless. The only way I got my issue fixed was by contacting my state assemblyman's office. Send them an email explaining your situation and they have direct channels to DOL that actually work. Took about 5 days but they got someone to call ME. Worth a shot if nothing else works.

Been dealing with NY unemployment issues for what feels like eternity, and I've realized its all about persistence. When you call, dont give up after 1-2 tries. I literally had to call 27 times in one day before getting through. Start calling at 7:55am and keep hitting redial. Also, having all your info ready (SSN, claim ID, exact dates) makes the call go WAY faster when you finally get someone.

I've had the best luck calling at exactly 8:05am on Wednesdays. Seems to be their least busy day. Still waited 45 mins on hold but at least got through. Don't waste time with the automated system - it's useless. Just keep pressing 0 or whatever gets you to a human fastest.

One thing that has helped me through this whole ny unemployment nightmare is using claimyr.com. Instead of spending DAYS trying to get through on the phone, they handle the calling and hold time for you. When they get an agent, they connect you immediately. Saved me so much frustration and actually got my benefits moving again after being stuck for weeks. The unemployment system is beyond broken, but this service helped me navigate it.

If your calling from a cell phone make sure u have good reception!!!! I finally got through after a 2hr wait and then my call dropped because I went into my basement where I get bad service. I literally cried 😭

If you press 2, 4, 3, 3 right after the main menu, it shortens the automated part of the call. Doesnt guarantee you'll get a human, but it bypasses about 2min of pointless recordings. Also! Make sure your calling from the number thats on your account or some reps will refuse to help you.

NEVER call on Monday unless you enjoy pain. Tuesdays are slightly better but still awful. Wednesday and Thursday are your best bet. At this point I'm convinced Friday doesn't exist in the NY unemployment calendar because no one ever answers.

After dealing with the absolute NIGHTMARE that is NY unemployment, I've compiled a comprehensive guide based on my experience and what actually worked for me: 1) Timing matters - Call between 8:00-8:30am midweek (Tues-Thurs) for best results 2) Persistence is key - Expect to call multiple times, sometimes 20+ attempts before getting through 3) Have all your documents ready - They'll ask for verification and having everything prepared saves valuable time 4) Be concise but complete when explaining your issue - The clearer you are, the faster they can help 5) If your case is urgent (eviction notice, utilities shut off, etc), state that immediately 6) Consider using claimyr.com - This service saved me countless hours by handling the hold time for me and connecting me directly to an agent when one was available 7) As a backup plan, contact your local state representative's office - They have special channels to DOL 8) Document everything - Write down who you spoke with, call reference numbers, and promised timelines The system is fundamentally broken, but there are ways through it if you're strategic. Hang in there!

Hot take: the phone system is deliberately terrible to discourage people from claiming benefits. Change my mind. 🤔

The secret code thing is mostly outdated. Back in 2021 pressing 9 right after the first menu would sometimes bypass the queue, but they patched that pretty quick. These days what works is just calling repeatedly during off-peak hours.