Desperate to reach NY unemployment - any secret numbers or tricks to bypass the wait?

I feel your pain. The system is totally broken. I tried calling at 7:59 am exactly when they open and still got the 'high call volume' message. Even tried calling from different phone numbers thinking maybe they block repeat callers but nope, same result. The whole thing is a joke.

I was in the same boat last month - couldn't get through for weeks! Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when a real person picks up. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast, totally worth it. They even have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Try calling exactly at 8:00 AM on Tuesdays or Thursdays. I noticed the system isn't as overloaded those days. Also, don't hang up if you get put on hold - I got through after 3.5 hours once. Just put it on speaker and do something else while waiting.

The NY unemployment system is DELIBERATELY designed to be difficult to navigate. They're hoping you'll just give up and stop claiming benefits. It's not a bug, it's a feature. I had to contact my state assembly person to finally get help. Look up who represents your district and call their office.

Here's what I would recommend based on my experience with the same issue (identity verification hold): First, if you haven't already, upload ALL requested identity documents to your online account. Even if you're not sure what they want, upload your driver's license, social security card, birth certificate, and a utility bill. Better to have too much than too little. Second, if you absolutely need to speak with someone, I strongly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). After wasting weeks trying to get through myself, I used them and got a callback with an actual agent in about 2 hours. The agent was able to see exactly what was wrong and fix it on the spot. My backpay hit my account 3 days later. Third, while waiting, send a detailed email explaining your situation to your state assembly person AND state senator. Include your claim ID number and contact info. They can sometimes escalate cases. Fourth, if you have Twitter, try tweeting @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include personal info). They sometimes respond to public complaints faster. Last resort: physically go to a career center in person. Bring all your documents and be prepared to wait, but they can sometimes help with unemployment issues. Hope this helps. The identity verification issue is unfortunately common right now.

Call your local state representative's office! That's what finally worked for me after 5 weeks of getting nowhere. They have special contacts at unemployment and can escalate your case. It's literally what they're there for.

Have u tried pressing different options in the phone menu? Sometime if u select the employer option instead of claimant they pick up faster bc less ppl calling that line. Worth a shot.

Does anyone know if they respond to messages through the online portal? I've sent like 4 and haven't heard anything back in over a week.

Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but I swear they deliberately make it impossible to reach them. It's all about preventing people from getting benefits they're entitled to. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

i gave up calling after two weeks and used claimyr.com - it calls for you and connects you with an agent when they pick up. was skeptical but it actually worked. got through to someone who fixed my identity verification issue right away.

The identity verification thing is a HUGE problem right now with NY unemployment. My brother had the exact same issue. He had to send in his birth certificate, license, SSN card AND a utility bill. Did you get any specific instructions on what documents they need?

I'm sorry your dealing with this nightmare. I was in ur same position last month - identity verification hold with no instructions. What finally worked for me was faxing (yes, FAXING in 2023 lol) my documents to them AND using claimyr.com to get someone on the phone who could confirm they received everything. Got my backpay within the week after that.

try calling right at 8am or around 6:30pm. those worked best for me. also if u hit 2 then 1 then 3 in the menu sometimes u can bypass some of the waiting. good luck!

Another day, another poor soul trapped in NY unemployment hell 😫 I've been there my friend. My advice - document EVERYTHING. Every call attempt, every email, every message in the portal. If you end up needing to escalate to a representative or ombudsman, having detailed records helps a ton.

so yea everyone's giving advice about how to reach them but let me tell u what happens when you DO reach them - they'll say they need to transfer you to a "specialist" and then you'll get disconnected 🙃 happened to me THREE TIMES.