Fastest ways to contact NY unemployment - phone alternatives that actually work?
I've been trying to reach the NY unemployment office for TWO WEEKS straight about a payment issue on my claim. I've called the main number literally 50+ times and either get disconnected or that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume. I've tried calling right when they open, during lunch, and right before closing. Still nothing! I sent three messages through the online portal but haven't gotten any response. Does anyone know if there's a direct number or ACTUAL working way to get through to a real person? My rent is due next week and I'm getting desperate.
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Ella Lewis
Hey, I was in the same boat last month - calling constantly with no luck. After wasting HOURS redailing, I finally used Claimyr.com to get through to someone. It basically keeps calling for you until it connects, then calls you back when it reaches an agent. Worked for me in about 40 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE if you want to check it out first. Definitely worth it when you're in that desperate "I need to talk to someone NOW" situation.
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Hunter Edmunds
•That sounds like exactly what I need! Did you have to wait long after it connected you? I'm worried I'll still waste hours on hold even if I get through.
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Ella Lewis
•It put me in the regular queue once I was connected, but at least I was IN the queue instead of getting busy signals. I waited about 20 minutes on hold after it connected me. Way better than constantly redialing!
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Andrew Pinnock
i just message them through the portal & they call back in a week or so, better than those dumb phone trees
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Hunter Edmunds
•A WEEK? I can't wait that long! My landlord is already sending me nasty messages about being late last month.
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Brianna Schmidt
I work with claimants regularly, and here are the most effective ways to contact NYSDOL in 2025: 1. Call the main line (888-209-8124) between 8:05-8:20am (slightly after opening but before peak volume) 2. Use the secure message portal through your NY.gov account - but be VERY specific about your issue and include your claim ID in the subject line 3. Try their social media support channels - they've improved their Twitter response times significantly 4. If your issue is urgent and involves missed payments, request an emergency callback by indicating financial hardship in your message Also, make sure you're calling from the phone number listed on your account - they prioritize those calls in their system.
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Alexis Renard
•NONE of this works!! I tried calling at 8:01am EXACTY when they open and couldn't get through for THREE WEEKS! The message system is a black hole - I sent 5 messages and never heard back once. Their Twitter just sends automated responses telling you to call the same number that doesn't work! It's all a scam to avoid helping people!!
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Hunter Edmunds
•Thank you for all these tips! I've been calling from my cell, but my home number is actually the one on my account. That might be part of the problem. I'll try the early morning call again tomorrow from the correct number.
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Camila Jordan
The most reliable method I've found is calling their auxiliary number at 888-581-5812 (if you already have an established claim) rather than the main number. Call precisely at 7:57am - their phone system actually opens slightly before 8am despite what they claim. Have your PIN and last 4 of your SSN ready to enter quickly. When prompted by the automated system, press 2 for payment issues, then 1, then 3. This sequence has consistently gotten me through to an agent within 20-30 minutes. If that doesn't work, try contacting your state representative's office. They have direct lines to unemployment liaisons and can often get someone to call you back within 48 hours. I needed help with a complicated identity verification issue, and my assembly member's office got it resolved when I couldn't get through for weeks.
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Hunter Edmunds
•This is exactly the kind of specific advice I needed! I'll try the auxiliary number tomorrow morning at 7:57 sharp. I didn't know about the state rep option either - that's a great backup plan if I still can't get through. Thank you!
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Tyler Lefleur
•I tried this method this morning and it worked!! Got through to someone in about 45 minutes. The specific menu options were slightly different for my issue (had to press 1, then 3, then 2), but the early calling trick definitely helped. My payment issue is now resolved - such a relief!
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Madeline Blaze
sometimes it helps to press the spanish option then 0 then # when they ask for ur ssn lol... you'll still get an english speaker but the spanish queue is way shorter usually
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Brianna Schmidt
•Please don't do this. While it might seem like a clever workaround, it actually diverts resources from Spanish-speaking claimants who genuinely need assistance in their language. It also disrupts call center metrics which can lead to reduced staffing for Spanish lines. Instead, try calling the after-hours line (888-209-8124) between 5:55-6:10pm. They often answer overflow calls for an additional 10-15 minutes after official closing.
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Hunter Edmunds
UPDATE: I got through!! Used the auxiliary number trick at 7:57am exactly like @practical_solution suggested. Was on hold for about 35 minutes but finally spoke to someone. Turns out there was an "identity verification pending" flag on my account that no one told me about! The agent was able to clear it and said my payments should process within 3 business days. For anyone else struggling to get through, I tried all these methods and here's what worked best for me in order: 1. Auxiliary number (888-581-5812) at 7:57am exactly 2. Claimyr service when I was truly desperate 3. Sending a VERY detailed message through the portal (still haven't heard back though) Thanks everyone for your help! What a relief to finally get this fixed.
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Alexis Renard
•glad it worked out! just wait until you have another problem and have to do this all over again lol... the system is such a joke
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Camila Jordan
•Great to hear you got through! One more tip: now that you've spoken with someone, ask for their direct extension if you need follow-up help. Many agents will provide this if you've established a case with them, allowing you to bypass the main queue if there are any issues with your payments.
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