Can't find my 8 digit PIN for NYS Department of Labor unemployment account - where is it?

The 8 digit PIN is usually created when you first register for your unemployment account. It's separate from your my.ny.gov password. Check any confirmation emails you got when you first applied - it might be in there. If you can't find it, you'll need to call NYS Department of Labor to get it reset, but good luck getting through on the phone.

There should be a 'Forgot PIN' option on the login page. Look for it near where you enter the PIN. You'll need to answer your security questions to reset it. Make sure you're using the correct login page - sometimes people accidentally use old bookmarks that don't work anymore.

Ugh this happened to me too. The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing with all these different passwords and PINs. I ended up having to create a whole new account because I couldn't remember any of my security question answers either. What a mess.

Actually, if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone, I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get connected to unemployment agents. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. I used it when I had issues with my adjudication status and actually got through to someone within a reasonable time.

Wait, are you sure you need an 8 digit PIN? Sometimes the system asks for different things depending on which part you're trying to access. If you're just trying to file your weekly claim, you might only need your social security number and regular password.

I had this exact same issue a few months ago! The 8-digit PIN is different from your my.ny.gov password - it's specifically for the unemployment system. First, try looking for a "Forgot PIN" link on the login page where you enter the PIN. If that doesn't work or you can't remember your security question answers, you might need to call. I know the phone lines are terrible, but try calling right when they open (usually 8 AM) - that's when I had the best luck getting through. Also double-check that you're on the right login page - there are different portals and sometimes the URLs change. The PIN should have been set up when you first created your unemployment account, so it might be in your very first confirmation emails from when you applied.

I went through this same nightmare last month! The 8-digit PIN is definitely separate from your my.ny.gov login. Here's what worked for me: First, try the "Forgot PIN" option if you can find it on the login page. If that doesn't work, I found that calling the Technical Support line (not the main unemployment line) sometimes has shorter wait times - the number should be on the NYS DOL website under "Contact Us" or "Technical Help." Also, make sure you're using the current login URL because they've changed it a few times. When I couldn't get through by phone, I actually went to my local Department of Labor office in person - they were able to help me reset it on the spot, though you might want to call ahead to see if they're doing walk-ins. Keep all your paperwork with you including your social security card and ID. Good luck!

I had this exact problem a few weeks ago! The 8-digit PIN is indeed separate from your my.ny.gov password - it's specifically for accessing your unemployment benefit information. Here's what I learned: The PIN was supposed to be created during your initial registration, but sometimes people skip that step or forget about it. Try looking for "Forgot PIN" or "Reset PIN" on the login page - it's usually small text near the PIN entry field. You'll need to answer security questions to reset it. If you can't remember your security questions, your best bet is calling the DOL customer service line, but definitely try calling right when they open (usually 7:30 or 8:00 AM) for the shortest wait times. Also, some people have had luck using the online chat feature if it's available - check the DOL website for a chat option during business hours. Make sure you have your SSN and other account info ready when you try to reset it. The system can be really finicky, so don't give up after one try!

I went through this exact same frustration about 6 months ago! The 8-digit PIN is definitely a separate thing from your my.ny.gov password - it's specifically for the unemployment benefits system. Here's what finally worked for me after days of trying: Look very carefully on the login page for a tiny "Forgot PIN?" or "Reset PIN" link - it's usually in small text right near where you enter the PIN. When you click it, you'll have to answer several security questions (mine were about previous addresses, first job, mother's maiden name, etc.). If you can't remember the security question answers, I found that the early morning call strategy really works - call the main DOL number at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. The hold times are much shorter then. Also, triple-check that you're on the current official NYS DOL website because they've updated their system multiple times and old bookmarks sometimes lead to outdated login pages. Keep your SSN, claim confirmation number, and any other account details handy when you try to reset it. Don't give up - this system is confusing but you can get through it!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! It's so frustrating because I've been trying to access my unemployment account for days and keep hitting this 8-digit PIN wall. I've searched through all my emails from when I first applied back in March but there's absolutely no mention of creating or receiving a PIN. I tried looking for a "Forgot PIN" link on the login page but honestly the website layout is so confusing I might be missing it. Has anyone had success with the security question reset process? I'm worried I won't remember the answers since I set up my account so long ago. Also, for those who called successfully at 8 AM - which number did you use exactly? I see multiple phone numbers on the DOL website and I want to make sure I'm calling the right one. This whole system seems like it was designed to make it as difficult as possible to actually get help!

I just went through this exact same ordeal last week! The 8-digit PIN is separate from your my.ny.gov password and it's specifically for accessing your unemployment benefit details. Here's what finally worked for me: First, make absolutely sure you're on the current NYS DOL website (not an old bookmark) - they've changed their system multiple times. Look very carefully for a "Forgot PIN" or "Reset PIN" link near the PIN entry field - it's usually tiny text that's easy to miss. When you find it, you'll need to answer security questions. If you can't remember those answers, try calling the main DOL customer service line at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - the wait times are much shorter then. I also discovered that some local DOL offices can help you reset it in person if you bring your ID and Social Security card, though call ahead to check if they're doing walk-ins. The whole system is unnecessarily complicated, but don't give up! I was ready to throw my computer out the window, but persistence eventually paid off. Good luck!

I just dealt with this same PIN issue about two months ago and it was such a headache! The 8-digit PIN is definitely separate from your my.ny.gov password - it's only for the unemployment benefits portal. Here's what I learned from my experience: The PIN was supposed to be created during your initial account setup, but sometimes the system glitches or people accidentally skip that step. First thing to try is looking for a "Forgot PIN" or "Reset PIN" link on the login page - it's usually in very small text right near the PIN input field, so you really have to scan carefully to find it. When you click it, you'll need to answer several security questions (things like previous addresses, mother's maiden name, first employer, etc.). If you can't remember those answers or can't find the reset link, your best bet is calling the DOL customer service line right at 8:00 AM when they first open - that's when wait times are shortest. Make sure you have your SSN and any claim documentation ready. Also double-check that you're using the current official NYS DOL website URL because they've updated their system several times and old bookmarks sometimes lead to outdated pages. The whole system is frustratingly complicated, but hang in there - you'll get it sorted out!

I'm having the exact same problem right now! Just wanted to add that I found success by trying a different browser entirely. I was using Chrome and couldn't find the "Reset PIN" link anywhere, but when I switched to Firefox, it showed up clearly right below the PIN entry box. Sometimes browser compatibility issues can hide important elements on these government websites. Also, if you're still having trouble, I discovered that the NYS DOL has a live chat feature during business hours (weekdays 8 AM - 5 PM) that's buried deep in their "Contact Us" section. The wait time was much shorter than calling, and the agent was able to help me reset my PIN after verifying my identity with basic info like SSN and claim number. Worth trying if the other methods don't work for you!