Can't reach NY unemployment to complete my claim despite email notification
I'm at my wit's end trying to complete my NY unemployment claim! I received an email from NYSDOL saying I need to speak with a representative to finish processing my claim, but I've been calling non-stop for TWO WEEKS and haven't been able to talk to a single human being. I've tried calling at different times (6:30am, midday, right before closing) but either get the 'high call volume' message or get disconnected after waiting for hours. Has anyone actually managed to get through recently? I'm getting really worried because my rent is due next week and I still haven't received any benefits. The email said something about needing to verify my employment history but doesn't give me any other way to do this except calling. Help!!
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Kai Santiago
same boat. been trying for 10 days straight. their system is a JOKE
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Carmella Popescu
•It's so frustrating! Have you found any workarounds or better times to call? I'm about ready to camp outside their office at this point.
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Lim Wong
I was stuck in this exact situation last month! The trick is to call exactly at 7:58am (2 mins before they officially open). I got through on my 3rd try doing this. Also make sure you have all your employment documents ready because they'll ask for dates and employer info. Good luck!
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Carmella Popescu
•Thank you! I'll try the 7:58am trick tomorrow morning. Did they ask for any specific employment documents? I have my W2s and last pay stub, hoping that's enough.
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Lim Wong
•They asked me for the exact start and end dates of my last job, my supervisor's name, and reason for separation. Having your W2 and pay stubs is good, but also write down all those details before calling so you're not scrambling while on the phone. The verification part only took about 10 minutes once I actually got through.
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Dananyl Lear
The NYSDOL phone system is completely overwhelmed right now, especially with the new quarterly claims review happening this month. Instead of constantly redialing (which rarely works), I recommend using Claimyr. It's a service that basically calls DOL for you and connects you when they get through. Saved me 3 days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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Carmella Popescu
•Thanks for suggesting this! Does it really work? I've never heard of it before and I'm a bit nervous about using a third-party service.
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Dananyl Lear
•I was skeptical too but it did work for me. They basically just handle the frustrating part of getting through the phone system and then connect you directly to unemployment. Once you're connected, you're talking to the actual DOL agents, not Claimyr people. Several friends in my industry have used it when they got stuck in pending status.
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Noah huntAce420
Dont bother with calling. just go to your local unemployment office in person! Way faster
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Ana Rusula
•This is actually incorrect information. Most NY unemployment offices don't handle claim issues in person anymore since 2023. They'll just direct you back to the phone system or online portal. The only exception is if you have a pre-scheduled in-person appointment, which you can only get... by phone. Source: I work in employment assistance.
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Fidel Carson
I received a similar email three weeks ago and was panicking just like you. What finally worked was calling their alternate claims number at 888-209-8124 (not the main one) and pressing options 2, then 1, then 4. This gets you to a different queue that seems to have fewer people waiting. I still had to wait about 45 minutes, but at least I got through! Make sure you have all your employment documentation ready before calling. They needed to verify my work history because apparently my previous employer disputed something.
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Carmella Popescu
•Thank you so much for this specific advice! I'm going to try both the early morning call that someone suggested AND this alternate number with those specific prompts. I really appreciate everyone's help - I was feeling so stuck and alone with this.
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Isaiah Sanders
I'm in the middle of dealing with this too!!! It's sooooo annoying!!!! I've been trying for almost a month now and I'm about to give up... my boyfriend tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned and he got through in like an hour after trying for weeks on his own. I'm gonna try it tomorrow I think bc I'm losing my mind with this!!!
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Lim Wong
Quick update on my previous advice - I just checked the NYSDOL website and they've apparently changed their phone hours. They now open at 8:30am instead of 8:00am (effective March 2025), so adjust your calling strategy accordingly. Try calling at 8:28am instead.
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Carmella Popescu
•Thanks for the update! I would have shown up at the wrong time. I'll try 8:28am tomorrow.
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Kai Santiago
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!! They WANT us to get frustrated and stop trying to claim benefits we EARNED and DESERVE. I've been trying for THREE WEEKS to complete my claim verification and still nothing. This is how they keep their numbers down, by making the process impossible to complete!!!
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Noah huntAce420
•this 👆👆👆
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Carmella Popescu
UPDATE: I FINALLY got through!!! I tried the Claimyr service after struggling for days more, and I was connected to an agent within 45 minutes. The verification was actually really quick once I got someone on the phone - just had to confirm some employment details and explain why I left my last job. They told me my claim had been flagged because my employer didn't respond to their initial verification request (typical). My claim is now fully processed and I should receive payments within 3 business days. Such a relief! Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Fidel Carson
•Great news! Thanks for coming back to update us. That's typical about the employer not responding - happens all the time and then we're the ones who suffer while waiting. Glad you got it resolved!
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Isaiah Sanders
•Congrats!!! So glad it worked out for you!!! 🎉
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