Can't reach NY unemployment by phone - mental health crisis and facing eviction in 3 weeks

I'm so sorry you're going through this. First, please call 988 if you're feeling like you might harm yourself - that's the suicide prevention hotline and they can connect you with immediate mental health resources. For your unemployment issue: Have you tried contacting your local state assembly person or senator? They often have dedicated staff who can help constituents with unemployment issues. Look up who represents your district and call their office directly - explain your situation including the eviction risk. They can sometimes escalate cases within NYSDOL.

same thing happened 2 me last month!! the whole system is RIGGED to make us give up!!! they dont care if we end up homeless they just want to save $$$ by not paying what they owe us!! i tried calling for 2 WEEKS straight and got nothing but hangups and disconnects

There's a specific process that might help with your backpay issue. When they're forfeiting current weeks but not processing backpay, it usually means there's a flag on your account that needs manual review. You need to: 1. Submit Form TC-403B (Request for Backdate Review) through your online account 2. Also upload a detailed letter explaining your situation and timeline 3. Include documentation showing why you were eligible during those backpay weeks The TC-403B form specifically triggers a manual review of your backpay weeks. Regular calls often can't help because the representatives don't have authority to clear the flags.

I was in a similar spot last month. Eviction notice and everything. Have you contacted any local legal aid organizations? Many cities have free legal services for tenants facing eviction, especially if it's related to unemployment issues. Just Google "[your city] tenant legal aid" - they might be able to at least buy you some time with the housing situation while you sort out the unemployment.

After 3 weeks of failed attempts to reach NYSDOL last month, I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call unemployment for you and when they reach an agent, they connect you. Saved me days of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE I was skeptical at first but it got me to an actual person who fixed my backpay issue. With your eviction situation, it might be worth trying since you need this resolved fast. The regular phone system is completely broken right now.

@user7 It worked for me - took about 45 minutes to get connected to an agent instead of days of trying. They stay on hold so you don't have to. When I finally spoke to someone, I explained my backpay situation and they were able to release the payments that had been stuck for weeks.

The backpay system is a mess right now in NY. I've been waiting 6 weeks for mine and my neighbor got hers in 3 days. Makes no sense at all. Btw - are you on any utility assistance programs? Most NY counties have emergency rental assistance that can help with the eviction situation while you're sorting out unemployment. Call 211 and ask about ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) applications in your area.

have u tried going to an actual unemployment office?? sometimes u can get help in person when the phone stuff isn't working. i think they take walk-ins now in 2025, at least the office near me does. bring ALL ur paperwork and confirmation numbers

Definitely reach out to your state assembly person like someone mentioned above. My cousin was in a similar situation (though not as urgent) and her assemblyman's office got her backpay processed within a week after months of nothing. They seem to have special channels to employment offices.

Let me follow up on my earlier advice: when you contact your assembly person, make sure to explicitly mention: 1. The exact amount of backpay you're owed 2. The time period it covers 3. Your claim ID number 4. The fact that you're facing imminent eviction 5. That you've already tried multiple NYSDOL contact methods This helps them prioritize and take immediate action on your case. They may ask you to sign a release form allowing them to inquire about your claim, so be ready for that. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in these situations - be persistent but polite.

this whole system is BS!!! i had 2 use claimyr too bcuz i couldnt get thru for WEEKS and was about to lose my car!! the lady i talked to fixed my claim in like 10 mins once i finally got thru!! why do they make it impossible to reach them??!!

I want to follow up on my earlier advice about Form TC-403B. If you've already submitted a backdate request and it's been more than 3 weeks, you should also submit Form UI-44.1 (Request for Reconsideration). This specifically asks them to review a previously submitted but unanswered request. Also, while you're pursuing these multiple avenues, keep a detailed log of: - Every contact attempt (date, time, number called) - Every submission (form number, date, confirmation number) - Names of any representatives you speak with This documentation can help if you need to escalate further or if you eventually need to pursue an appeal.

Update: I got through to someone! I tried several of the suggestions here. The assembly person's office was helpful and started the process, but I was still worried about timing with the eviction deadline. I ended up using Claimyr and got connected to an agent in about an hour. The agent found that my backpay had been flagged for "identity verification" but no one had ever notified me! She was able to verify my identity on the call and release ALL my backpay - it should deposit within 3 business days. She also said I should have received multiple notices about this requirement but they were never sent. I also called 211 and applied for ERAP as a backup plan in case the unemployment money doesn't arrive before my eviction deadline. Thank you all so much for your help during this crisis. I was really at my breaking point.