Fastest way to speak to a real person when calling NY unemployment?

Honestly don't think there's a magic number to press. I've tried pressing 1, then 3, then 9...tried different combos, nothing works. The system is designed to keep you trapped in automation hell 🤖

After spending literally WEEKS trying to get through to ny unemployment, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and connects you when a real person answers. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast! Check this video too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I've heard pressing 2 for Spanish and then 0 works sometimes even if you don't speak Spanish. The Spanish queue is usually shorter. Just say "English please" when someone answers.

THERE IS NO SECRET NUMBER!! Sorry to shout but I've worked in call centers. The "press this to skip the queue" thing is a myth. The best strategy is to call right when they open (7:30am) or right before lunch (11:30). Those are shift changes and more agents available.

When you get to the voice prompt saying "Please state why you're calling today" just keep repeating "AGENT AGENT AGENT" - sometimes it will route you faster. Works for other places too.

OK so here's what actually works based on my experience (finally got through after 2 weeks of trying): Call the main ny unemployment number (888-209-8124) Press 1 for English Listen to their long annoying message Press 1 for claims questions Press 1 again to file a claim Press 2 for existing claim Then when it asks for your SSN, DON'T ENTER ANYTHING Wait through 3 prompts of it asking It will eventually say "we're transferring you to a representative" The wait is still long (I was on hold for 1hr 40min) but at least you get in the queue! Hope this helps someone. If that doesn't work honestly just use claimyr.com - it costs money but it saved my sanity after weeks of this nonsense.

another day, another person trying to crack the code of the ny unemployment phone system 😩 been there, friend. good luck!

Does anyone know if the callback feature actually works? I requested a callback last week and they never called me back...

Lmaooo when you find out let me know too. Been trying to reach someone for TWO MONTHS about missing payments.

If you're desperate and nothing else works, try reaching out to your state representative's office. I emailed mine and they got unemployment to call me within 48 hours. Not instant but it worked!

What worked for me with ny unemployment was calling exactly at 8:00:00 am. Like, setting an alarm for 7:59 and dialing at exactly 8. Still waited 20 minutes but got through. Good luck!

Try calling their alternate number: 888-783-1370. Sometimes less people use this one so shorter wait times.