Finally got through to NY unemployment rep after using a different phone number trick

This is actually a known strategy that works well! The NYSDOL phone system prioritizes calls differently based on various factors, and using an alternate number can sometimes get you through faster. I'm glad it worked for you! Regarding your claim being under review for quitting - just be prepared that voluntary separations require additional verification. Make sure you have documentation ready about why you left your job, especially if it was for a qualifying reason like unsafe working conditions, medical necessity, etc. The rep expediting it is great news though!

Constructive reduction of hours is actually considered a valid reason to quit in NYS and could qualify you for benefits. Make sure the documentation clearly shows the reduction from 40 to 8 hours. That's effectively constructive dismissal. The fact that they had you doing work outside your job description strengthens your case. The expedite should definitely help, but if you don't hear back within the 72 hours, call again using that same alternate number trick! And remember to keep certifying weekly while you wait, even if you're not receiving payments yet.

I was calling the NYSDOL for THREE WEEKS straight with no luck!!! The second I tried my roommate's phone - BOOM - connected in under 30 minutes! This system is CLEARLY designed to make people give up. They put me through this exact same nonsense when I had to dispute an overpayment notice. Six months of your life wasted because they can't pick up a phone? RIDICULOUS!! They should be sued for this level of incompetence!!

OMG thank you!!!! im going to try this tomorrow. been trying to get thru for 3 weeks and about to be evicted if i dont get this figured out. does it matter what time of day you call?

When I was struggling to get through to NY unemployment last month, I discovered Claimyr.com and it changed everything. It's a service that basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me days of constant redialing. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Worth it when you're dealing with a claim that's been stuck for months like yours. I was also dealing with a quit review situation and needed to talk to an actual human.

that phone trick worked for me 2!! but u gotta make sure ur not using any phone thats ever been linked to ur unemployment stuff. i used my moms phone and got thru in like 30 min when id been trying for weeks!!!!

For those asking about which numbers to use: Any phone number that you haven't previously used to contact NYSDOL should work better. This includes work phones, friend's phones, or even a Google Voice number you set up specifically for this purpose. Regarding the original post about quitting and having your claim under review - constructive dismissal (like when they drastically cut your hours) is treated differently than simply quitting. Be sure to emphasize the reduction of hours from 40 to 8 when you discuss your case. That's a 80% reduction which any reasonable person would consider untenable.

Quick update: It worked! The rep who expedited my claim wasn't kidding - I got an email this morning saying my benefits have been approved going back to my initial file date! Still need to wait for the payment to hit my account but after 6 months of nothing, this is huge progress. The different phone number trick really was the key to finally getting this resolved.

I'm so confused about all this… if I try calling from another phone will they still have my information? Do I need to give them my social security number again? What if they say they can't find my claim? I'm so stressed about making it worse somehow.

i tried this morning with my roommates phone and got thru in 15 MINUTES!!! after trying my own phone for days!!! this should be pinned somewhere seriously