Fastest way to reach a NY unemployment representative on the phone? Been calling for days

call right when they open at 8am sharp. thats what i did and only had to wait 20 mins. their system is trash, good luck

The NY unemployment phone system is definitely frustrating. Here are some strategies that have worked for me and others I've helped: 1. Call at 8:05am (not 8:00 exactly when everyone else is calling) 2. Try Wednesday or Thursday (statistically fewer callers) 3. When the automated system asks why you're calling, say "payment issue" rather than other options 4. Have your NY.gov ID, PIN, and last 4 of SSN ready before calling 5. If you get into the queue, do NOT hang up even if it says long wait times Also, make sure you've checked your online account for any messages or required documents that might explain the hold on your payment.

After trying for 2 weeks and never getting through, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. It basically calls for you and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is available. Saved me SO much frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE My claim had been pending for almost a month because of an employer verification issue, and I was able to get it resolved in one call once I finally got through to someone.

I just kept hittin 0000 over and over when the automated system was talking. Sometimes it kicks you out but sometimes it transfers you to a person. Took me like 5 tries but better than waiting on hold forever!!

The phone system is deliberately designed to be difficult - it's a feature, not a bug. They're understaffed and overwhelmed, so they use the phone system to limit the number of people who can actually reach representatives. What's your specific issue? Sometimes you can resolve things through the message center on the website without having to call. If your payment is on hold pending adjudication, that usually means there's a question about your eligibility that needs to be resolved. Could be related to job separation reason, availability for work, or reported earnings.

THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS RIGGED TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET HELP!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to reach someone last year. Called 47 times in one day!! It's insane that our tax dollars pay for this garbage system that doesn't even let us talk to someone when there's a problem. And then they blame US when payments get delayed. I'm still bitter about how they treated me lol.

Update on my earlier comment - the issue you're describing about your employer contesting your claim is exactly what happened to me. It's called a separation issue, and unfortunately you definitely need to speak with a representative to resolve it. The Claimyr service I mentioned is specifically designed for situations like yours where you absolutely need to get through to someone. Without speaking to a rep, your claim will stay pending until they eventually get to it (which could take weeks).

my brother works for the DOL (not in NY tho) and he says the best time to call is actually right after lunch break, like 1:15pm. apparently thats when they have the most staff on phones and less people calling for some reason

did u try calling the alternative number? main one never works but sometimes the other one does. its 888-209-8124 if u haven't tried that one yet

I was in the EXACT same situation last month!!! It's so frustrating I know. What finally worked for me was calling right at 8:30 (not 8:00 when everyone else is calling) and then immediately pressing 1, then 6, then 1 again when the automated system started. For some reason this combo got me to a different queue with shorter wait time. Finally got through after trying for days. Good luck!!!

After reading through this thread, your situation with reduced hours and employer contesting is definitely something that requires speaking with a representative. Since time is of the essence with bills coming due, you might want to consider the Claimyr service mentioned earlier or try the specific key combinations others have suggested. The important thing is documenting everything - save proof of all your call attempts, have evidence of your reduced hours, and keep notes of any conversations once you do get through. This documentation can help if you need to escalate your case.