Can't figure out how to file a new NY unemployment claim online - system keeps freezing
I've been trying to file a new NY unemployment claim for the past 3 days and I'm about to lose my mind. Every time I get to the employment history section, the website freezes or logs me out. I've tried different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and even Edge) but nothing works. I keep having to start over and it's SO frustrating. The system won't save my progress either! Has anyone else had this problem recently? Is there a trick to getting through the application? I really need to get this filed this week since my last paycheck is almost gone.
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Harper Collins
I had this exact same issue last month! The NY unemployment site is notoriously glitchy when it comes to the employment history section. Here's what worked for me: 1) Try filing between 7-9am or after 8pm when traffic is lower 2) Don't use autofill for ANY fields 3) Keep your answers brief - too much text in those boxes causes problems 4) If you have lots of employers, try entering just the last 3-4 years first, then add more later. Hope this helps!
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Donna Cline
•Thank you so much! I'll try the early morning thing tomorrow. Should I use Internet Explorer instead? Someone told me the site works better with older browsers.
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Kelsey Hawkins
The employment history section has been problematic since they updated the system in January 2025. Make sure you're entering the exact employer name as it appears on your W-2. Any discrepancy can cause the system to hang while it tries to verify the information. Also, don't use any special characters or parentheses in any text fields. If you're still having issues, try clearing your browser cache and cookies completely before starting again.
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Dylan Fisher
•Ya i had the same problem and it was cuz I was typing my employer name different than my w2. Once I fixed that it worked fine
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Donna Cline
I tried filing at 6:30am today and STILL had the same problem! This time I got even further - almost finished the whole application - and then it crashed on the final review page. I'm so frustrated I could scream. I've already spent like 6 hours on this stupid application. Do I really have to just keep trying over and over again??
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Edwards Hugo
•I feel your pain!!! The EXACT same thing happened to me and I was convinced someone was messing with me ON PURPOSE!!! I tried for TWO WEEKS straight and kept getting errors or timeouts. The system is BROKEN and they don't care because they don't have to deal with it!!! I almost gave up completely.
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Gianna Scott
After dealing with the same issue for days, I finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual agent on the phone. The website was giving me constant errors, but they got me through to someone who could take my claim over the phone in about 15 minutes. Saved me so much stress. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - it was super easy to use and the agent I spoke with was actually helpful and fixed all the issues with my application history.
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Donna Cline
•I've never heard of that service before. Did they charge you? I'm desperate at this point but also worried about spending money when I'm already out of work.
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Gianna Scott
•It's not free, but after spending days trying to file online and getting nowhere, it was worth it for me. The phone agent was able to bypass all the glitches I was experiencing online. They got me connected to an actual NYSDOL person in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for almost a week on my own. Check out their site at claimyr.com for more info.
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Alfredo Lugo
This reminds me of when I tried to file last year and had a similar problem except mine was with the identity verification part. I kept uploading my drivers license and the system would say it couldn't read it even though it was perfectly clear. I ended up having to mail in copies of my documents which took forever to process. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch if you ask me.
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Sydney Torres
•omg yes the id verification part is the WORST. took me 4 tries last time.
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Kelsey Hawkins
Here's a technical tip that worked for several people I've helped: try using the mobile version of the site on your computer. You can do this by opening developer tools in Chrome (press F12), then click on the mobile device icon (looks like a small phone/tablet) in the top bar. This forces the site to load the mobile version which often has fewer scripts running and can be more stable for completing applications. Just make sure to set it to a common device like iPhone or Galaxy.
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Dylan Fisher
•this actually works! i filed my claim using the mobile trick and it went thru first try
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Sydney Torres
have u tried calling them? sometimes u have to just do it by phone
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Donna Cline
•I tried calling yesterday and waited on hold for 1.5 hours before getting disconnected. Then tried again and couldn't even get into the queue - just got a message saying high call volume and to try again later. ugh.
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Harper Collins
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get your claim filed? The mobile site trick works well, but if you're still having issues, try the NY unemployment office's alternate claim filing system at labor.ny.gov/altclaim (it's a simplified version they don't advertise much). Also, Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically have lower traffic than Mondays and Fridays.
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Donna Cline
•Thanks for checking back! I actually ended up using Claimyr like someone suggested above and got through to an agent who helped me file over the phone. It took about 30 minutes but my claim is FINALLY submitted! The agent told me they've been having major issues with the employment history section and are working on a fix that should be rolled out next month. For anyone else reading this with similar issues - don't waste days like I did trying to fight with the website!
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