Do you have to call NY unemployment to complete a new claim? Been stuck for weeks

Yes, nearly EVERYONE has to call nowadays. The online system is basically just step 1. After you submit online, they have this "review" that never seems to end unless you call. I was in the exact same boat for almost a month before I figured this out.

After trying for 3 weeks to reach NY unemployment, I decided to try this service I found called claimyr.com - it was a total game changer! Instead of wasting hours trying to call myself, they navigated the phone system and got me connected with an actual human being. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. Check out this video for more info: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

YES! I had this EXACT problem last month. The system is totally broken. I ended up having to speak with someone on the phone to complete my claim. My online application was just sitting there for weeks showing "pending review" but nothing was actually happening.

The NY unemployment system is DESIGNED to be difficult. They hope people will just give up and not collect benefits they're entitled to. It's criminal honestly. I had to call over 200 times before getting through last year.

Here's what you need to know about completing claims with NY unemployment in 2023: The system is currently backlogged and understaffed, so almost everyone needs to call to complete their claim despite what the website suggests. The online system creates your initial claim, but most claims require verification by phone. Here's what I'd suggest: 1. Keep documentation of all your attempts to contact them (dates/times) 2. Try calling right when they open (8am) as this is typically when wait times are shortest 3. Make sure your phone number in your online profile is correct - sometimes they try to call YOU 4. Don't hang up if placed on hold - some people report 2+ hour hold times before speaking with someone 5. If all else fails, many people (including myself) have had success using claimyr.com to get through - it's a service that waits on hold for you and connects you when a rep answers Once you finally speak with someone, your claim will likely be processed within 1-3 business days. Make sure you keep certifying weekly even while your initial claim is pending! Hope this helps!

Call ur state rep!!! This worked for me after 6 weeks of nothing happening. Find your assembly person and email their office. They have special contacts at unemployment and can escalate your claim.

I filed back in september and am still waiting lol. The whole system is a joke. My buddy got through finally using claimyr.com after trying himself for weeks. Might have to break down and try that.

you have to call them 100%. the online thingy is basically just to get you into there system but a human needs to actually review and approve it. its stupid but thats how it works now

Pro tip: call the different language lines and then when they get a translator just speak English. I called the Mandarin line and got through in 20 minutes. The regular English line is always jammed.

Mine was approved without calling but it took 7 weeks. If you need money fast you definitely need to call. I was lucky enough to have savings to wait it out.

i made a twitter post and tagged the governor and nysdol and they suddenly fixed my claim that had been pending for 2 months. public shaming works sometimes 😅

It's so messed up that we pay into this system our whole working lives and then when we actually need it they make it impossible to access 😡

After trying for days I got through by calling at exactly 7:58am right before they officially open. If you call right as they open the queue is already full. You need to be in the system before the official opening time.

Quick update from someone in the same boat: I just got through today after 3.5 weeks of trying. Used claimyr.com after seeing it recommended here and talked to an agent who fixed everything in 10 minutes. My claim should be processed by end of week!

Good luck getting through on the phone. I've been trying for 5 weeks. Thinking about just giving up at this point even though I'm entitled to these benefits. The system is rigged against us.