Can't certify for NY unemployment by phone - system always busy and online not working

Try calling exactly at 7:58am - that's when their system first opens and you have the best chance of getting in the queue before it fills up. Also make sure you're calling the right certification number (888-581-5812) not the general claims number. If you keep getting technical errors online, you'll need to speak with someone to fix your account access.

This happens EVERY SINGLE MONTH! The NYSDOL phone system is a JOKE. They expect us to certify but make it IMPOSSIBLE to get through. I've been on unemployment since November and it's ALWAYS like this around the 15th when everyone is trying to certify. You basically have to treat it like a full-time job just trying to get through.

I had the same problem last month, and ended up using Claimyr to get through to a rep. They basically call for you and hold your place in line, then call you back when they reach a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. I was skeptical but it actually worked when I couldn't get through for over a week on my own.

For the 'account verification required' error online, you're dealing with two separate issues: 1. The phone certification problem - which is unfortunately common during high-volume periods 2. An account security flag - this happens when there's unusual activity detected, when you use a new device, or after system maintenance For the online issue, try these steps first: - Clear your browser cache and cookies - Use a different browser entirely - Try from a computer instead of phone (or vice versa) - Make sure you're entering your NY.gov ID exactly as registered If those don't work, you'll need to speak with someone in the account services department (different from regular claims). The technical support line opens at 8:30am and sometimes has shorter wait times: 800-833-3000.

hi i hav the same problm right now!!! online says im locked out and phone just busy busy busy. did u get thru yet?? i need to pay my bills!!

You know what helps sometimes? If you have a friend or family member who can try calling for you at the same time, it increases your chances of getting through. Also, I think Thursdays are less busy than Mondays or Fridays. But also, do you have any kind of virtual private network (VPN) turned on? That might be causing your online verification problem since the system flags unusual IP addresses.

Just checking in - were you able to get through with any of these methods? If you've tried everything and still can't certify, you should document all your attempts (dates, times, screenshots of errors). This will help if you need to request retroactive certification later. Don't panic yet - NYSDOL will typically allow backdated certification if you can show you made reasonable attempts to certify on time but were prevented by system issues.

My cousin had this exact same problem last month and it took him 2 weeks to finally get someone on the phone. By then he'd already missed one payment cycle. The whole system needs an overhaul honestly. When I was on unemployment back in early 2025 it was nowhere near this bad.