Can't get through after being laid off to start new NY unemployment claim - help!

The NY unemployment system is a COMPLETE JOKE right now! I went through the exact same thing last month. Took me NINE DAYS of trying before I could even submit the claim online. The website is horrible and keeps crashing during peak hours. If you were on unemployment before, you need to file a new claim since it's a different employer - that's correct. But getting through is nearly impossible unless you have some trick up your sleeve.

ya same thing for me to. website keeps crashing an the phone just hangs up lol. try at like 6am thats when i finally got thru

Since you're filing a claim with a new employer, you're absolutely right that you need to file a new claim rather than reopen your old one. Here are a few things that might help: 1. Try the website between 2-4 AM - seriously, that's when the traffic is lowest 2. When calling, press 1, then 3, then 2 in the menu system rather than selecting the new claim option directly - sometimes this routes you to a less busy department that can still help 3. Make sure you have all your documents ready: last employer's info, start/end dates, separation reason, and your NY.gov ID credentials 4. Double-check that your NY.gov account is active and the password hasn't expired The deadline to file is 30 days from your last day of work, so you do have some time. But I understand wanting to get this started right away.

Has anyone tried using that Claimyr service? I heard about it on another thread here and it helped me get through to a real person when I was dealing with my identity verification issues. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE It basically holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. Saved me days of frustration when I couldn't get my claim to process because of an ID verification hold.

I went through this in January after my seasonal job ended. The system is definitely overwhelmed right now - word from an inside source is that they're processing about 40% more claims than normal for this time of year. Here's what worked for me: 1. Create a completely fresh NY.gov ID account if you're having login issues 2. If you get stuck on the application, take screenshots of each page before clicking 'next' in case it crashes 3. Save your application ID number if you get one (write it down!) 4. For calling, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to have lower call volumes 5. The website works better using Chrome on a computer instead of a mobile device And yes, you need a new claim since it's a different employer than your previous claim. The system will automatically check if you qualify for a new benefit year.

Update: I finally got through! I tried the Claimyr service that was mentioned, and I was connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. The agent was able to help me file my new claim over the phone. She said the system is totally swamped right now because of layoffs in the tech and manufacturing sectors. She also said that because I had a claim in 2023, there was some confusion in my account that was causing the website to time out. They had to do some kind of manual override. For anyone else having similar issues, definitely try getting through to a live person - the website might not work for certain situations like mine.

heyy just checking in - did u get paid yet? im still waiting on mine after 2 weeks