How do I reset MFA for NY unemployment online account after getting locked out?

ugh same boat. I got locked out 2 weeks ago and ended up missing a certification bc of it. The MFA system is garbage. I had mine set to text message and suddenly stopped getting the texts. After 20+ calls I finally got through to someone who told me there's a dedicated tech support line but wouldn't give me the direct number. Had to wait 3 more days for a callback. 😡

After dealing with the same nightmare for days, I finally found a solution that actually works! I used claimyr.com and got through to a real person in like 30 minutes. They transferred me to tech support and got my account unlocked while I was on the phone. Talking to an agent got my account fixed so fast - wish I'd known about this earlier instead of wasting days trying to get through. Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You need to call the tech support line directly at 888-503-0447. They deal with all ny.gov ID issues. BUT they are almost impossible to reach. I had to call 42 times over 3 days before getting through.

Here's exactly what you need to do (I work in IT and helped my brother with this exact issue last month): 1. First, make sure you're actually locked out of your NY.GOV ID and not just your unemployment account (they're different systems) 2. Call the NY.GOV ID support line at 844-891-1786. They open at 7:30am and that's your best chance of getting through - call EXACTLY at opening time. 3. If you can't get through by phone after multiple attempts, you can email them at NYGOVIDSupport@its.ny.gov - include your full name, date of birth, and explain your MFA issue clearly. DON'T include any social security numbers or claim IDs in your email. 4. If it's been over a week with no response, try reaching out through the contact form on the NY unemployment website. 5. As a last resort, many people have had success using claimyr.com to get through to a human. It's a service that waits on hold for you and calls when they get an agent. The MFA system is actually relatively new and they're still working out the bugs. Google Authenticator in particular seems to cause the most problems. Good luck!

Did you try going to your local DOL office in person? I had an account issue and just walked in. Took about 2 hours of waiting but they reset everything for me.

This is why I always set up multiple MFA options!!! When you first configure it they give you the option for backup methods. But they don't make it obvious. Now ur stuck in MFA hell 😱

Why does ny unemployment make EVERYTHING so difficult? Like seriously, every other website has a simple "forgot password" or "reset authentication" option. But noooo, with NYSDOL you gotta sacrifice your firstborn just to log in 🤦‍♂️

This happened to me in April and I was going CRAZY trying to fix it. The regular unemployment phone people can't help with ID.NY.GOV issues - you need to talk to the tech support team specifically. After days of trying I used claimyr.com to get through. It costs money but saved my sanity and I got my account back same day.

Have you tried Twitter? Not even joking - I tweeted at @NYSLabor with my issue (not including any personal info) and they DM'd me asking for details. Got a call back the next day from someone who helped reset everything.

Pro tip: call exactly at 8:00am when they open OR right after lunch around 1:05pm. Those are the times when the queue is shortest. Avoid calling on Mondays or Fridays when volume is highest.

is your Google Authenticator on a new phone by any chance? The codes are tied to the specific device, so if you got a new phone without transferring the authenticator app properly, the codes won't work anymore.

Contact your state representative/assemblyperson!! I was locked out for THREE WEEKS, couldn't get through on any number. Finally emailed my state rep and their office contacted unemployment directly. Got a call from a supervisor the next day who fixed everything.

Did u check if ur phone time is synced correctly? Google authenticator depends on your phone time being exactly right. If its off by even a minute the codes wont work.