Can you call NY unemployment to file a new claim or must it be online?

Yes, you can file a new NY unemployment claim by phone! Call 1-888-209-8124 during their business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm). Be prepared for long wait times though. Have your employment info for the last 18 months ready (employer names, addresses, phone numbers, employment dates). While the phone system is an option, the website is actually faster when it's working properly - maybe try late evening when traffic is lower? Clear your browser cache or try a different browser if it keeps timing out.

I tried calling DOZENS of times last month when I needed to file. Every time I called 1-888-209-8124, I'd get stuck in a loop of automated menus and then it would say "due to high call volume" and disconnect me. I finally got through after 3 DAYS of calling. The online system worked fine for me eventually but I had to use Microsoft Edge browser - Chrome kept crashing on their site for some reason.

i filed by phone in january. took like 4 hours on hold but it worked. they ask basically the same stuff as the website. make sure u have ur social security card and id ready, plus all the job info. they want exact start/end dates and supervisor names which i didnt have so that made it take longer

After wasting two whole days repeatedly calling that number last month, I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to a live agent at NYSDOL. They have a system that basically does the calling and waiting for you, then connects you when there's an actual human on the line. I was skeptical but I was desperate and it worked for me. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I think they want everyone to file online but they have to offer phone as an option too. When I filed my claim back in February, the website kept glitching on the employment history page. I ended up having to call, was on hold for like 2 hours, but the rep was super nice and walked me through everything! So yes, phone works but be patient.

Just FYI last time I called the unemployment office they told me filing online is way faster for getting your first payment. Something about the phone claims taking longer to process??? Not sure if thats true but thats what they said.

One important thing to note: whether you file by phone or online, you still need to CERTIFY weekly by either method. A lot of people file their initial claim and think that's it, but you have to certify every week to actually get paid. You can certify by phone using their automated system at 1-888-581-5812 or through the website. Just wanted to mention this since it's a common issue for first-time filers.

Yes, they'll send you instructions after your claim is processed. In New York, you can certify starting Sunday for the previous week ending Saturday. You have until the following Saturday to certify, but I recommend doing it Sunday or Monday to get your payment as quickly as possible. You'll need to report any work/earnings for the week and confirm you were ready, willing and able to work. The process takes about 5 minutes once you get the hang of it.