How to make an appointment with NYS Department of Labor unemployment office?
I've been trying to figure out how to schedule an appointment with my local NYS Department of Labor office but I can't find any clear information on their website. My claim has been stuck in adjudication for over a month and I think I need to speak with someone in person. Does anyone know if they still do in-person appointments or is everything phone-based now? I've tried calling the main number but just get stuck in the automated system.
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Giovanni Martello
Most NYS Department of Labor offices stopped doing walk-in appointments during COVID and haven't brought them back. You'll need to call the main unemployment line and specifically ask to schedule a phone appointment with an adjudicator. When you get through, tell them you need an appointment for adjudication review, not just general questions.
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Grant Vikers
AuthorThanks! Do you know what number I should call? The main one just keeps transferring me around.
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Savannah Weiner
ugh same problem here, been calling for weeks and can never get through to make an appointment. the system is totally broken
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Levi Parker
I had this exact issue last month. After weeks of trying to reach someone, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a real NYS Department of Labor agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
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Libby Hassan
just a heads up that if your claim is in adjudication you might not need an appointment at all, sometimes they just need additional documentation that you can submit online through the portal
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Grant Vikers
AuthorI already submitted everything they asked for though. My account doesn't show any pending issues.
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Hunter Hampton
The NYS Department of Labor appointment system is a joke. I've been trying to get someone on the phone for 3 weeks about my overpayment notice and they just tell me to wait. Meanwhile bills are piling up and they want their money back immediately. The whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up.
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Sofia Peña
I feel you on this. The wait times are ridiculous and then they act like they're doing you a favor when they finally answer.
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Mason Davis
I went through this same nightmare a few months ago. What finally worked for me was calling the main number (888-209-8124) first thing in the morning right at 8 AM when they open - you have a better chance of getting through. When you do get connected, don't let them transfer you around. Be very specific and say "I need to schedule an adjudication appointment for my unemployment claim that has been pending for over a month." They should be able to schedule a phone appointment within 1-2 weeks. Also keep all your documentation ready because they might ask you to fax or email additional paperwork before the appointment.
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