Can't get through to NY unemployment claim specialist - phone hangs up every time

same thing happening 2 me for like 2 weeks now. sooooo annoying!!!! 😡

The NYSDOL phone system is absolutely designed to keep people out. I've been dealing with unemployment on and off since 2023, and I've learned a few tricks. Try calling at exactly 7:58am, right before they officially open. Sometimes you can get in the queue before the flood of calls. Also, Wednesdays seem to be slightly better than other days. And make sure you're selecting the correct prompts - sometimes people accidentally choose options that lead to automatic disconnects.

The system is SO backed up after all those layoffs in January. I had the same issue last month - they're probably getting 10,000+ calls a day and the system just can't handle it. EVENTUALLY I got through after two weeks of calling. Just keep trying every day, multiple times. It's a numbers game.

I had this exact problem in February and was losing my mind. After trying for days, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an agent. They basically keep dialing and navigating the phone tree for you until they get you in the queue, then they call you when they have a rep on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - I was skeptical at first but it actually worked and I got my claim issue resolved the same day.

I work with unemployment claims frequently, and the call volume issue is definitely real and frustrating. A few professional tips beyond just timing your calls: 1. Make sure your online account is fully set up and all questionnaires are completed - sometimes you don't actually need to speak to someone if you handle everything in the portal. 2. Check if your issue can be resolved via secure message in the online portal instead of calling. Many claim specialists respond to those within 2-3 business days. 3. If you absolutely must speak with someone, try the alternate number (888-783-1370) and select the option for "Payment questions" rather than "Claim questions" - sometimes those queues are less full. 4. Document all your call attempts (dates, times) in case you need to explain a delay later. The system is definitely overloaded in 2025, especially with the economic changes we've seen this quarter.

I think its easier to just go to one of the career centers in person. I got tired of the phone thing an went to the one in brooklyn last week. had to wait like 2 hrs but at least i got my question answered. bring a book lol

After struggling with the exact same issue, I tried some of the suggestions here and FINALLY got through! What worked for me was: 1. I called the alternate number (888-783-1370) that someone suggested above 2. Called at exactly 7:57am 3. Selected option for payment questions instead of claim questions The wait was still about 30 minutes but at least I got in the queue instead of being hung up on! The representative was actually able to handle my claim question even though I technically selected the payment option menu. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is still struggling with this.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone still following this thread, here's what worked: I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended above, and within an hour I was talking to a claim specialist. They got all my issues sorted out, and I should be receiving my delayed payment within 3 business days. Thank you to everyone for your suggestions - this has been so stressful, and I appreciate all the help!

Wow, reading through this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue - been trying to reach them for over a week now with no luck. The system just hangs up immediately every time I call. It's really reassuring to know I'm not alone in this struggle, and I'm definitely going to try some of the strategies mentioned here. The timing tips, alternate number, and even the career center visit idea all sound promising. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and solutions - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with such a frustrating system!

I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The NY unemployment phone system is absolutely brutal right now. What finally worked for me was a combination of persistence and timing. I called the main number (888-209-8124) at exactly 7:59am on a Tuesday morning - apparently right before the system gets completely overwhelmed. It still took 47 minutes on hold, but at least I didn't get the dreaded auto-hangup. Another thing that helped was making sure I had my SSN, claim confirmation number, and specific questions written down beforehand so I could get everything resolved in one call. The rep told me they're processing about 3x their normal call volume due to recent layoffs across multiple industries. Hang in there - it's frustrating but you WILL eventually get through!

I'm in the exact same boat! Been trying for 6 days straight and getting that automatic hangup every single time. It's maddening! Reading through everyone's experiences here makes me feel less crazy - I was starting to think I was doing something wrong. I'm definitely going to try the 7:58am timing strategy and the alternate number (888-783-1370) that a few people mentioned. The fact that there was a system update in March plus they're short-staffed explains SO much about why this is happening. Has anyone tried calling on Friday mornings? I'm wondering if that might be less busy since it's the end of the week. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips and experiences - it's such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare!

I've been lurking on this thread for a few days now and finally decided to create an account just to share my experience and say THANK YOU to everyone who contributed advice here! I was in the exact same situation as Omar - calling daily for over a week with the immediate hangup every single time. After reading through all the suggestions, I tried the combination approach: called the alternate number (888-783-1370) at 7:58am on a Wednesday morning, selected the payment options instead of claim questions, and actually got through! Had to wait about 25 minutes on hold but the specialist was super helpful and resolved my certification issue that had been holding up my payments for 3 weeks. The rep mentioned they're dealing with a "perfect storm" of high unemployment, system upgrades, and reduced staffing. She also said they're working on improving the phone system but it won't be fully fixed until sometime this summer. For anyone still struggling - don't give up! The timing and alternate number strategy really does work. This community saved my sanity and probably my financial situation. Thank you all! 🙏

I'm dealing with this EXACT same issue right now! Been calling for 4 days straight and getting that immediate hangup every single time. It's so frustrating because I have a time-sensitive question about my weekly certification that I can't figure out from the website. Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful though - I had no idea about the alternate number or the specific timing strategies. I'm definitely going to try calling 888-783-1370 at 7:58am tomorrow and select the payment options instead. It's both reassuring and depressing to know so many others are going through this same nightmare. The system is clearly broken when people have to resort to third-party services or wait weeks just to speak to someone about their unemployment benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips - this community is honestly the most useful resource I've found for dealing with NYSDOL!

This entire thread has been a lifesaver! I've been banging my head against the wall for 8 days straight trying to get through to someone about my claim. Like so many others here, I get that automated "high call volume" message followed by an immediate disconnect - it's absolutely maddening! I had no idea there was an alternate number or that timing mattered so much. Reading through everyone's experiences makes me realize this isn't a "me" problem, it's a massive systemic issue. I'm going to try the 7:58am Wednesday + 888-783-1370 + payment options strategy that multiple people have had success with. It's honestly incredible that we need a whole community strategy guide just to access basic unemployment services, but I'm grateful this discussion exists. The "perfect storm" explanation from the rep that Giovanni spoke with really puts everything in perspective - system updates, staffing shortages, and increased claims all hitting at once. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their tips and experiences, especially those who came back to update us on what finally worked. This community support means everything when dealing with such a broken system!

I just stumbled across this thread while desperately searching for solutions to the exact same problem! I've been trying to reach NYSDOL for 6 days now and getting that infuriating automatic hangup every single time. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both eye-opening and incredibly reassuring - I was starting to think there was something wrong with my phone or that I was missing some obvious step. The detailed strategies you all have shared are amazing, especially the specific timing advice (7:58am on Wednesday) and the alternate number (888-783-1370). It's honestly shocking that we need to become phone system experts just to access unemployment benefits, but I'm so grateful this community exists to help each other navigate this broken system. The explanation about the "perfect storm" of system updates, staffing shortages, and increased claims really helps me understand why this is such a nightmare right now. I'm definitely going to try the Wednesday morning + alternate number + payment options strategy that multiple people have had success with. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their hard-won knowledge - this thread is literally a lifeline for people like me who were completely lost in this mess!