How to apply for unemployment by phone with NYS Department of Labor - need help with process
I've been trying to figure out how to apply for unemployment by phone since I don't have reliable internet access at home right now. I know you can file online but I really need to do this over the phone. Does anyone know the correct number to call NYS Department of Labor to start a new claim? I tried calling a few numbers I found but keep getting transferred around or told to go online. I was laid off from my warehouse job last Friday and really need to get this process started ASAP. Any help would be appreciated!
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Romeo Barrett
You can apply for unemployment by phone by calling the NYS Department of Labor at 1-888-209-8124. That's the main number for new claims. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment information from the last 18 months ready when you call. The phone lines are usually busiest Monday mornings and right after holidays, so try calling Tuesday through Thursday if possible.
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Issac Nightingale
AuthorThank you so much! Do you know what hours they're open? I work part time right now so I need to time it right.
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Marina Hendrix
I applied by phone last year and it took about 45 minutes to complete the whole application. The rep walked me through everything step by step. Just be patient because there's usually a wait time to get through. Have your last employer's information handy including their address and phone number, your last day of work, and reason for separation.
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Justin Trejo
45 minutes sounds about right, mine took almost an hour but that included some complications with my work history
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Alana Willis
ugh good luck getting through!! I tried calling for WEEKS and either got busy signals or was on hold for 3+ hours before getting disconnected. The NYS Department of Labor phone system is absolutely terrible
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Tyler Murphy
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone, there's actually a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an agent faster. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it when I couldn't get through on my own and it saved me hours of calling.
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Issac Nightingale
AuthorInteresting, I'll check that out if I can't get through the regular way. Thanks for the tip!
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Sara Unger
The phone hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. But honestly the best times to call are usually around 2-3 PM on weekdays, that's when I had the most luck getting through quickly.
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Butch Sledgehammer
Wait I thought you HAD to apply online now? My friend told me they stopped taking phone applications during covid and never brought it back?? This is confusing
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Romeo Barrett
No, you can still apply by phone. They encourage online applications but phone applications are definitely still available for people who need them. The online system is faster but phone works too.
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Luca Greco
Just wanted to add - when you call that number (1-888-209-8124), make sure you call right at 8 AM when they open or try again around 2-3 PM like Sara mentioned. I've found that calling right at opening time gives you the best chance of getting through without a super long wait. Also, don't hang up if you get put on hold - I made that mistake the first few times and had to start over. The hold music is terrible but just stick with it! And definitely have all your paperwork ready because once you get an agent on the line, they'll want to go through everything pretty quickly.
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