Can't reach NY unemployment by phone but they call me - ready to give up

OMG same!! I've been calling for TWO MONTHS and can't get through. Then they send me a letter saying I need to contact them within 7 days or my claim will be denied. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT WHEN NOBODY ANSWERS?!?!

Don't give up. They're frustrating but persistence pays off. Try calling exactly at 8:00am when they open - I've had better luck getting through then. Also make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue. The main line rarely connects but some of the specialized departments have shorter wait times.

been there done that. the whole system is designed to make people give up. they save money when u stop trying

I had the exact same problem last month and was going crazy trying to get through. After wasting a week trying the regular phone lines, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent. They basically hold your place in line and call you when they get an agent. Saved me hours of frustration and I got my issue resolved in one call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

There are a few specific things you should try before giving up: 1. Call the alternative claims center number (888-209-8124) exactly at 8:00 AM 2. When prompted, press 1 for English, then press 2 for "claims questions", then 2 again for "existing claim" 3. Have your NY.gov ID and PIN ready along with your SSN 4. If disconnected, try using a different phone (cell vs landline) 5. Check if your claim has any pending action items in your online account that you can resolve without calling The current wait time is averaging 2-3 hours even when you get in queue, so be prepared to wait if you do connect.

i had a simlar issue and ended up going to the local unemploment office in person. waited 3 hrs but at least got to talk to someone. might be worth a try if your near one

The NY unemployment system is DELIBERATELY DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate. I'm convinced they make it hard on purpose so people give up and they don't have to pay benefits. I spent SIX WEEKS trying to get through about my back pay issue. When I finally did, the agent told me they're severely understaffed and most calls never even make it into the queue. The whole system is criminal!!!

my frend told me try calling on wednesday afternoon she said thats when its less busy for some reason

Update: Did you ever get through? I've found that using the Contact Us form on the NY.gov unemployment website sometimes works better than calling. Select "I need to speak to a representative about my claim" from the dropdown. They're supposed to call back within 2-3 business days. Not ideal but better than endless busy signals.

I feel your pain - the NY unemployment system is absolutely broken. I went through the same nightmare for over a month trying to get my claim straightened out. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned (totally worth it even though I was skeptical at first) AND I also reached out to my state assemblyperson's office. They have a constituent services department that can actually get NYSDOL to respond faster. Just Google "[your area] state assembly" and call their office - they deal with unemployment issues all the time. Don't give up, you're entitled to your benefits and there ARE ways to get through, even though the system makes it ridiculously hard.