Can't reach anyone at NY unemployment, been trying for weeks - what actually works?

I had this EXACT problem last month and wasted like 2 weeks trying to get through. Ended up trying this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically calls for you and connects you when a real person answers. Talking to an agent got my payments unlocked so fast. Best decision I made during this unemployment nightmare. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I'm in the same boat! Been trying to reach them for almost a month! The system is completely broken. I've tried calling at exactly 8:00am, 11:45am, 2:30pm... always the same "high call volume" message. I even tried using my mom's phone to call from a different number thinking maybe they were filtering my calls or something 😅 No luck.

For anyone struggling to get through to NY unemployment, here's what I've learned after dealing with them for months: First, understand that their phone system is absolutely overwhelmed - it's not just you. The regular phone approach rarely works unless you get extremely lucky. What worked for me: 1) Use the callback service at claimyr.com - they keep dialing and connect you when they reach a rep. Talking to an actual human solved my issue in 15 minutes after weeks of frustration. 2) Contact your state representative's office - they often have direct channels to unemployment offices and can escalate your case. 3) Try the TTY/TDD line if you're truly desperate (though this should really be reserved for those who need this service). 4) Send detailed messages through your online account every few days - sometimes they respond. 5) Document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, confirmation numbers. The system is frustrating by design, but persistence pays off. Don't give up - remember that these are YOUR benefits that YOU qualify for.

Pro tip: Try calling exactly at 7:57am. Thats when the system lets people through before the official 8am opening time. Worked for me last week after trying for days.

Have you tried the backdoor number? 888-[redacted]. It goes to a different call center that sometimes has shorter wait times. I had to call 43 times but eventually got through.

If ur claim was already approved and then stopped, theres probably an identity verification issue. Happened to me too. I couldn't get anyone on the phone for 5 WEEKS! Finally used Claimyr after my friend recommended it (claimyr.com) and when I finally talked to someone, they just needed to verify something simple. Got my backpay in 2 days after that. The system is a joke.

so like do they even answer the phones?? or is it just an endless loop of despair by design? 🙃 asking for a friend (the friend is me, im depressed

Ya'll I just got through after 31 days of trying!!! Here's what finally worked: called the spanish line (I speak basic spanish) and then when I got to a person I just asked if they spoke english. The rep was totally fine switching to english and fixed my claim issue right away. Try it if youre desperate!

Nobody at NY unemployment answers bro 😂 you gotta file a complaint with the governor's office to get anywhere these days. Try: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

So I was about to throw my phone after 3 hours on hold when a friend told me about Claimyr. I was super skeptical but tried it out of desperation. It actually worked and got me connected to a real person! They handled my issue in like 10 minutes - turns out there was just a flag on my account that needed to be removed. Whatever you do, don't give up on getting your benefits! claimyr.com was clutch for me.

I've been on unemployment 3 times over the past 5 years and EVERY TIME there's some issue that requires calling. The system is designed to be frustrating so people give up. My advice: be persistent and try different methods. The phone isn't the only way - try reaching out to your state senator's office too.

this is why the system is broken intentionally. they make it impossible to get help so people just give up trying to get benefits they're entitled to. but keep voting for the same politicians who refuse to fix it lmao

Listen I work in software and the ny unemployment system is running on ancient technology from like the 80s. It literally can't handle the call volume. Your best bet is to try at weird times like Tuesday at 2:47pm when most people aren't calling.

Try using claimyr.com to get a callback. I was skeptical but it worked for me after weeks of failing to get through. Worth every penny when I was about to lose my apartment.