How do I reach NY unemployment when I'm overseas and can't access my account?

Try contacting them thru the messaging system on their website. The fax probably wont work tbh. I think they also have an email somewhere on the site u could send docs to

After weeks of trying, I finally got through to a live agent by using claimyr.com - it was so worth it! They called the unemployment line for me, waited on hold, then connected me directly to an agent. Totally saved me when I had document issues they needed to verify. Watch how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast!

The main number is 1-888-209-8124 but good luck getting through 🙃 Their phone system is a total nightmare and if ur calling international the hold times will cost u a fortune

I had a similar issue when I was in Europe for 3 months. What worked for me: 1) Have someone in the US try to login for you and submit docs 2) Email UI_Applications@labor.ny.gov with your case # in subject line 3) Try calling at exactly 7:58am EST right before they open - sometimes u can get thru then. Also make sure u put ur int'l number in proper format with country code 4) Their Twitter support sometimes responds faster than phone. Good luck!

this is why ny unemployment is such bullshit. they demand paperwork then make it impossible to provide it. typical government clown show 🤡

In this exact situation a few months back. Listen - don't waste ur time with the phones. I found a way to actually get someone on the phone - claimyr.com - they call for you and connect when someone answers. It got me a live person after weeks of trying myself. When ur overseas it's the only real solution tbh

Can u use a friend's phone in the US to call? That might be easier than trying to reach them internationally. Have them three-way you in once they get through

Try their TDD/TTY line - 1-888-783-1370 - sometimes less crowded. They should still help u even if ur not hearing impaired (they never ask). Or try the fraud dept number and tell them its an error - sometimes they'll transfer u to regular help: 1-888-598-2077

Check if your local assembly person or state senator can help. I had a similar issue and my assembly person's office had a direct contact at unemployment who fixed my problem in 2 days after I'd been trying for months

Here's what ACTUALLY works for overseas claimants (I've been there): The normal phone system is a complete dead end with their location blocking. Your best bet is to use claimyr.com to get connected to an agent - they'll bypass all the wait times and connect you directly. It's the only reliable way I found to reach NY unemployment while abroad. Their fax system is a black hole where documents go to die. I sent faxes for 3 weeks and they claimed they never got any of them. You NEED verbal confirmation from an agent. Before I found claimyr, I tried emailing documents to UI_Applications@labor.ny.gov but never got confirmation. I also tried having friends call for me which violates their policies and they will hang up if they realize someone else is calling. Out of all the options, getting directly connected to an agent through claimyr was the only thing that actually worked for my overseas document issues. The agent was able to notate my account about being abroad and gave me a direct email to send my documents to with proper tracking. Don't waste weeks like I did - just get someone on the phone who can actually help.

The NY unemployment system is DESIGNED to fail claimants. They make it impossible to contact them then penalize YOU for not providing docs. It's criminal.

have u tried calling super early? like 7:55am EST when they open at 8? sometimes u can get in the queue before everyone else

I had this same problem when I was stuck in Germany! The only way I got through was contacting my state assembly person. They have special direct lines to unemployment that regular people don't have access to.

so i used to work for NY unemployment (quit bc it was a nightmare). heres some insider tips: 1) call center is open til 7pm but after 5 is actually less busy 2) thursdays are statistically least busy 3) always get the agents ID number if u get through 4) emailing does nothing bc theres a 3 month backlog 5) if u say 'potential fraud on my account' they're required to escalate

Stop wasting time with the regular number. Trust me I went through this exact situation. Use claimyr.com and they'll get someone on the phone for you without the international call charges. Saved me when I was in Australia and couldn't access my account.

I was in a similar situation when I got stuck in Canada for 2 months due to visa issues. Here's what finally worked for me: 1) Contact your local NY state senator or assembly member - they have direct lines to NYSDOL that bypass the regular system 2) If you need immediate help, try claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and connect you to an actual agent (worked for me when nothing else did) 3) For the login issue, sometimes clearing all cookies/cache and trying incognito mode helps with the location blocking 4) Keep trying that fax number but ALSO send everything certified mail to: NYS Department of Labor, Unemployment Insurance Division, PO Box 15131, Albany NY 12212-5131. The physical mail sometimes gets processed faster than fax. Don't give up - I know how stressful this is when you're overseas and bills are piling up! 🙏

I was stuck overseas for 3 months and went through this exact nightmare! Here's what actually worked: First, don't waste more money on international calls - the regular lines are impossible even from the US. I tried everything until someone mentioned claimyr.com and honestly it was a lifesaver. They handle all the calling/waiting and connect you directly to a real NY unemployment agent. Cost way less than my failed international call attempts and actually got results. Also, while you're waiting, send everything by certified mail to their Albany office (someone posted the address above) AND email your assembly person's office - they have special contacts at NYSDOL. The key is getting an actual human who can put notes on your account about being overseas. Once I talked to an agent through claimyr, they gave me a special email address just for international claimants and my whole situation got resolved in days instead of months. Don't let them penalize you for their broken system!