How to reach a real person at NY unemployment after reapplying? System keeps hanging up!

The SAME exact thing happened to me. I filed again in July and didnt get a penny until October. The only way I finally got through was using claimyr.com - it kept calling for me and then connected me with an agent when they picked up. Talking to an agent got my payments unlocked within a week. Worth every penny cuz I was about to lose my apartment 😥 Heres a video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The unemployment system is such a joke. They DESIGNED it to disconnect people so they don't have to pay out benefits. Been there done that. Try calling exactly at 8:00:01 am, sometimes you can get through before the queue fills up.

Have you tried reaching out through their social media? Sometimes they respond to DMs on Twitter. That worked for me back when I had issues with my claim last year. Otherwise, sending an email through their contact form might work, but expect to wait 2-3 weeks for a response.

Here's what I learned after dealing with NY unemployment for 8 months straight (and finally getting paid): First, STOP using the main number everyone calls. There's a special reapplication line at (not posting the actual number to avoid their filters, but google it). Call this line between 7:55-8:05am. Second, when the system asks for your info, enter it SLOWLY. If you go too fast, it thinks you're a bot and hangs up. Third, if none of that works, get a service like claimyr.com to do the calling for you. They wait on hold and then connect you when a real person picks up. This saved my sanity. Fourth, once you DO get through, demand to speak with a tier 2 specialist. The first person can't help with reapplications. Finally, document EVERYTHING. Names, ID numbers, times you called. You'll need this if you have to escalate to your state representative. Good luck! The system is broken, but persistence pays off.

Contact your local state representative!!! This is what finally worked for me after 3 months of no payments. I emailed my assemblyman's office with my info and they have special contacts at NYSDOL who can escalate your case. Had my issue fixed in 2 weeks.

maybe check if ur blocked? I heard they block numbers that call too many times in one day. try using a different phone to call maybe?

Ugh I feel for you. I went thru this entire nightmare back in June. What worked for me was calling the TTY/TDD line (even though I don't have hearing issues). Way less people use it so you can actually get through. Just be honest when they answer that you couldn't get through on the regular line.

did u file for extended benefits or just a regular new claim? if it's a new claim from scratch sometimes u gotta wait for ID verification and that can take forever

KEEP TRYING. I literally had to call 72 times in one day before I got through. It's designed to make you give up. DON'T.

I worked for the NY unemployment office last year as a temp (not anymore thank god). Here's what you need to know: the system automatically hangs up when call volume reaches a certain threshold. It's not personal. Your best bet is to call Tuesday-Thursday around 10:30am or 2:30pm. Those are shift change times and they sometimes open more lines. Avoid Mondays at all costs.

Have u tried the callback option on the website? I did that and they called me back... 3 weeks later 🙃 but at least it worked eventually