Complete NY unemployment claim by phone after being redirected - my success story

Thanks for posting this! Same thing happened to me yesterday but I gave up after like 10 calls. Gonna try again tomorrow morning

Morning definitely seemed better for me. I tried last night too and couldn't get through at all. Hope you have better luck tomorrow!

What happens if you CANT get through ever?? I've been trying for 3 days straight and the system just hangs up on me every time! Did the specialist say anything about how long you have to complete the application?? I'm seriously freaking out that I'll lose my whole claim if I can't reach anyone!!! 😩

You have 14 days from the initial application date to complete your claim before it expires. If you're having trouble getting through on the regular number, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM or during off-peak hours like 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Also, I've had better luck using a landline than a cell phone when calling NYSDOL.

Thank you so much! I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. I only have a cell phone though... do you think that's why it keeps disconnecting me??

i had the exact same issue but nobody ever picked up for me. called like 50 times over 2 days. ended up having to restart my whole application after waiting a week... total waste of time

If you're still having issues getting through, you might want to try a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that basically holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

never heard of that before. does it actually work? seems too good to be true

It worked for me last month when I had an issue with my benefit payments. Got connected with an agent in about 45 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through.

THIS SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN! I've been trying for TWO WEEKS to get someone on the phone. The fact that we have to play this stupid game of call-hang up-redial for HOURS just to get basic unemployment benefits is absurd. NY unemployment needs to fix their broken system instead of making us jump through hoops. And don't even get me started on their website... straight out of 2005! 🤬

right?? and then they wonder why people get so angry. my cousin works for another state agency and she says they're still using systems from like the 90s for some stuff lol

Not surprising at all. I work in IT and the state government systems are notoriously outdated. They probably still have COBOL running somewhere. But that's no excuse for hanging up on people who NEED these benefits!

For those struggling to complete claims by phone, here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Have your employment history for the last 18 months ready (employer names, addresses, start/end dates)\n2. Know your reason for separation from each employer\n3. Have your bank account info ready for direct deposit setup\n4. The specialist will likely ask verification questions about your identity\n5. They may ask about your work search activities\n\nAlso, once your application shows \

Wait we have to claim weekly benefits BEFORE getting approved?? I thought we had to wait for the letter first?

Yes! This is a common misunderstanding. You should certify for benefits every week you're unemployed, even while your application is under review. If your claim is approved, you'll receive payments for those weeks you certified. If you wait until approval, you'll have to request backdating which is a whole separate process that can delay your payments further.

Quick update: I received my monetary determination letter today (just 5 days after completing my application). My weekly benefit amount is $520. They're now reviewing my employment verification, but the letter says I can start certifying for weekly benefits this Sunday. Just wanted to let everyone know the timeline!

That's so fast!! I finally got through this morning after 3 days of trying. The specialist told me it could take up to 3 WEEKS to get my determination letter. Why is yours so much faster?? Now I'm worried something's wrong with my application 😩

Processing times can vary widely depending on several factors: how straightforward your employment history is, whether your employer promptly responds to NYSDOL's verification requests, and current claim volume. Some claims are processed in days, others take weeks. As long as you can log in and see your claim is being processed, you're on the right track.

I had my claim redirected to phone too but when I finally got through they told me my employer contested my eligibility and now I have to do a hearing. Has anyone gone through that process? I'm so stressed about it

my roommate had a hearing last year. he said it was actually pretty simple - just a phone call with a judge person who asked questions. he won his case even tho his boss tried to say he quit (he was actually laid off). make sure u have any emails or texts that prove your side of the story

Thanks that makes me feel a little better. I do have the email where they told me they were eliminating my position so hopefully that's enough proof.

does anyone know if you have to call from the same phone number that's on your application? i submitted my cell but i'm thinking of trying from my mom's landline since maybe that would work better

You can call from any phone. The system identifies you by your Social Security Number and PIN, not by your phone number. Using a landline often results in better call quality and fewer disconnects when dealing with NYSDOL's phone system.

awesome thx!! gonna try that tomorrow morning

Has anyone had their claim status stuck on

Mine was

Thanks, that's reassuring. I'll give it another week before I start panicking and calling again!