How to reach a real person at NY unemployment without losing my mind?

I feel your pain! Spent TWO MONTHS trying to reach someone. Only thing that worked was I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got someone on the phone for me! It costs money but talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast it was worth every penny. They even have a YouTube video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The system is DESIGNED to be impossible to get through. I'm convinced they do this on purpose to discourage people from collecting. I finally got someone after 5 weeks of calling EVERY DAY and the lady acted like I was bothering her 🤡

Here's what I did that finally worked after like 70+ calls: 1. Call exactly at 7:58am (not 8:00, everyone calls then) 2. When you get the menu, press 1, then 2, then 3, then wait for next menu 3. Press 1 again, then immediately press # four times 4. At next prompt say "representative" not "agent" 5. When they ask for your SSN, enter it SLOWLY No guarantees but this worked for me twice now. You'll still wait 30-40 min but at least you'll be in line for a real person. Good luck!

Try contacting your state representative/assemblyperson. I was going NOWHERE with unemployment for 2 months. Emailed my state rep with all my info and they had someone from a special unemployment team call me within 3 days. Worth a shot.

If u have Twitter, try tweeting at NYSDOL. Sounds dumb but they sometimes respond fast if u publicly shame them lol. Worked for me after tagging them AND the governor 😂

Look, I'm going to give you the comprehensive breakdown on how to deal with NY unemployment because I've been through this nightmare THREE times now: First, understand that there are basically four ways to get a live agent: 1. Call persistence: Most people give up, but if you're willing to call 50+ times, you WILL eventually get through. Best times are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:05-8:20am or 1:15-1:45pm. Avoid Mondays at all costs. 2. Use a service: Claimyr.com has saved many of us hours of frustration. It's not free, but it works consistently from what I've seen. They call repeatedly for you and connect you when they get a live person. 3. Government intervention: Contact your state assemblyperson's office. They have special unemployment liaisons who can escalate your case. This takes 3-7 days typically. 4. Alternative channels: The unemployment appeals office sometimes answers their phone, and they can transfer you to regular agents. Their number is different from the main line. Whatever you do, document EVERYTHING. Get the name and ID of every agent you speak with. Take screenshots of all messages. This will save you when they inevitably lose your information or claim they never received something. Don't lose hope, the system is frustrating by design, but if you're persistent you'll get your benefits eventually. Good luck!

dont bother calling. its pointless. I called 239 times last month (yes I counted) and the ONE time I got through, the call dropped after 40 minutes on hold. system is broken beyond repair.

The email method worked for me! Send an email to NYSUnemploymentAssistance@nystate.gov (not sure if this is still active) with your full name, last 4 of SSN, phone #, and a BRIEF description of your issue. I got a call back within 5 days.

i caved and used claimyr after seeing it recommended here. got through to an agent in about 30 mins. my back payments just hit my account this morning after 6 WEEKS of nothing. just sharing since i know how desperate it gets.

The unemployment system is a joke right now. They can send a rover to Mars but can't build a phone system that actually works 🤦‍♂️

wait hold up - does this claimyr thing actually work? i keep seeing it mentioned

Dont give up! I was in the exact same situation, payments stuck in pending for two months! What finally worked was calling their TTY/TDD line (for hearing impaired) at 888-783-1370. Way less people use it so u might get through faster. Worth a shot!

ya know whats insane? my friend in NJ got thru to unemployment in 5 minutes. FIVE MINUTES!!! meanwhile in NY we're all suffering for months. makes no sense

Pro tip: if u do get someone on the phone, be SUPER nice to them no matter how frustrated u are. these agents deal with angry people all day. when i finally got thru the lady was so relieved i wasnt yelling that she went above and beyond to help fix my issue.