Can't reach NY unemployment - phone line disconnects right away

Yep, same exact thing happening to me for the past month. I think their phone system is completely overloaded. The only time I got through was at 6:58am right when they opened, but then waited for 3 hours and got disconnected anyway. The whole system is a joke.

After 3 weeks of the same problem, I finally found a solution that worked! Used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that somehow got through their phone system and had an actual agent call ME back. Best money I ever spent because I got my issue fixed in one call and my payments started again two days later. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

THIS IS HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS NOW 🤬 They WANT it to be impossible to reach them. Less people who can file successful claims = more $ they get to keep. I've literally called 120+ times in one day with no luck. I hate how they keep saying "due to high call volume" like we're the problem.

Try contacting your state representative!!! I was in the same boat for almost 2 months, called my assembly person's office, and they had someone from unemployment call me within 3 days. Most of them have staff specifically for helping with unemployment issues.

Here's what worked for me with NY unemployment when I was getting disconnected: First, try calling from a different phone. Sometimes they block numbers that call too frequently (weird I know). Second, try the alternate numbers. The main number gets overloaded but sometimes the specialized lines will connect you to a general agent if you press the right options. The employer line sometimes works if you pretend you're an employer with a question. Third, use Twitter! Send a DM to the official NY DOL account with your issue (no personal info). They sometimes respond and can escalate your case. Fourth, if you're still stuck, I recommend using claimyr.com - it's a service that calls for you and connects when they reach a human. After weeks of frustration, this actually worked for me and saved my sanity. Lastly, document EVERYTHING. Note each time you call, what the system says, emails sent, etc. If they try to deny you benefits because of "failure to communicate" you'll have proof you tried. Hope this helps! The system is deliberately difficult but there are ways through.

I know this sounds stupid but have you tried calling from a payphone or landline? My cell kept getting the disconnect message but when I used my mom's landline I got through after only 30 minutes on hold. Maybe they prioritize certain types of phones?

Email the commissioner directly! Seriously. Find the email for the head of NYSDOL (easy to google) and send a professional but desperate email. My claim was stuck for 7 weeks, emailed the commissioner out of desperation, and got a call from a supervisor 2 days later who fixed everything. Worth a shot.

bruh i been dealing with this for 2 MONTHS. the phone system is broken on purpose. if u do somehow get through, make sure u get the agents name and id number. i finally got someone but they 'accidentally' hung up and i had to start all over with no record of the call 😠

Are you calling the right number? There's like 5 different numbers for NY unemployment and only a couple actually work. The main one on the website is always jammed.

ok real talk i was in exact same situation last month. filed in march, payments stopped in may, couldn't get thru on phone for weeks. ended up using claimyr.com after seeing it here and had an agent on the phone in like 2 hours. they fixed my claim right there. just an fyi if ur desperate like i was

Is your claim regular UI or did you have some special situation? Because sometimes the disconnect happens when your claim requires a specialist but the automated system can't route you properly. If you have a complex case (like worked in multiple states or had self-employment income), you might need to specifically ask for a specialist when/if you get through.

The system is specifically designed to be frustrating so you'll give up. Don't. Keep calling, keep emailing, contact your state rep, blow up their Twitter, everything. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with unemployment. Also remember that once you do get your claim fixed, they'll pay all your back weeks, so don't lose hope!

check if your claim has been flagged for identity verification! mine was doing this where i'd get disconnected immediately, and it turned out my account was locked for ID verification but they never told me or sent the link to verify. had to use claimyr to finally reach someone who told me this and sent me the verification link. got paid all back weeks 2 days after verifying.

Not to sound like a conspiracy nut but try calling from a different area code if possible. I was using my NY cell and getting disconnected constantly. Used my mom's phone with an out-of-state area code and got through first try. I think they might be filtering calls from certain area codes that are high-volume.