How to report rude NY unemployment agent who made me cry during claim interview?
I just had the most horrible experience with a NY unemployment agent who called to discuss my claim. I'm still shaking. This worker was incredibly demeaning, kept interrupting me when I tried to explain my situation, and just got more hostile as the call went on until I was literally in tears. When I told him I didn't appreciate how he was speaking to me, he just dismissed me saying he was 'doing nothing wrong.' Is there a specific number where I can file a complaint about this treatment? Has anyone else dealt with this kind of unprofessional behavior? I need to report this but don't know where to start.
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Amun-Ra Azra
I'm sorry this happened to you. You can file a complaint by calling the main NY unemployment number (888-209-8124) and specifically ask to speak with a supervisor about filing a formal complaint. Make sure to note the date/time of your call and the agent's name if you have it. Also, if you received any email confirmation after the call, save that as it might have the agent ID.
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Harold Oh
•Thank you, that's helpful. The call was yesterday at around 2:30pm. I was so upset I didn't think to write down his name, but I think it was Thomas or Thompson? I'm nervous about calling the same number again and potentially reaching the same person.
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Summer Green
OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me last month!!! Some guy called me about my claim and was SUPER rude, kept cutting me off, and acted like I was trying to commit fraud or something! I ended up hanging up on him because I couldn't take it anymore. Let me know if you figure out how to report these jerks.
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Harold Oh
•Sorry you went through that too. It's awful how they can treat us when we're already stressed about our situations. I'll definitely update if I get anywhere with reporting him.
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Gael Robinson
Try to call the NYS Department of Labor Advocate Office at 855-528-5618. They specifically handle issues where claimants have had problems with the system or staff. When you call, be prepared with: 1. Date and time of the call 2. Any identifying information about the agent (name, ID number) 3. Specific examples of what was said that was inappropriate 4. Your claim number Document everything in writing before you call so you can clearly explain what happened. Also, if you have the energy, consider writing to your state representative as they sometimes can intervene in these matters.
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Harold Oh
•Thank you so much for this detailed information. I'll definitely call that number. I've been writing down everything I can remember from the call while it's still fresh. Do you know if they typically take these complaints seriously or just brush them off?
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Gael Robinson
•In my experience, they do take complaints seriously, especially if you have specific details about what happened. The DOL is supposed to maintain professional standards, and they usually want to know when staff aren't meeting those standards. Just stay calm and factual when reporting it, which I know can be hard when you've been treated poorly.
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Edward McBride
i had a similar issue tryin to get thru to report someone. gave up after being on hold for like an hour and a half 😡 the whole system is rigged to make it impossible to get actual help
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Darcy Moore
•I had the SAME problem trying to reach anyone about an agent issue. After trying for days and getting nowhere with the regular unemployment number, I tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - was totally worth it to actually speak to a supervisor about my complaint instead of waiting forever. The supervisor actually apologized and made a note in my file about what happened.
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Dana Doyle
I work in customer service (not for DOL) but I can tell you that you should ABSOLUTELY report this behavior. No one deserves to be treated that way, especially when you're trying to get help with something as important as unemployment benefits. A few tips: 1. Call during off-peak hours if possible (early morning or later in the afternoon) 2. Ask specifically for a supervisor immediately 3. Use the phrase "I want to file a formal complaint" 4. Request a case number for your complaint 5. Follow up in writing through the DOL website contact form They should take this seriously. If they don't, escalate to the state ombudsman.
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Harold Oh
•Thank you for these specific tips! I'll be sure to use that exact phrasing about filing a formal complaint and requesting a case number. Do you think there might be any negative impact on my unemployment claim if I file a complaint? That's honestly my biggest fear.
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Dana Doyle
•That's a valid concern, but complaints about staff conduct are handled separately from benefit determinations. Your claim should be evaluated on its merits regardless of any complaint you file. If you notice ANY changes to your claim after filing a complaint that seem retaliatory, that would be another serious issue to raise immediately. Document everything!
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Liam Duke
they dont care trust me. ive been on unemployment 3 times in ny and the workers are always rude af. they know theres no real way to complain about them so they can treat people however they want. your better off just letting it go honestly.
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Amun-Ra Azra
•I disagree. While it can feel that way, the DOL does have oversight procedures. Most agents are recorded for quality control, and supervisors do review complaints. I've personally seen an agent receive disciplinary action after multiple people reported similar issues. Don't be discouraged from reporting legitimate problems.
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Summer Green
I'm trying to remember if there's an online form somewhere too... I think on the NY DOL website there might be a place to submit feedback? Might be easier than calling and getting the runaround on the phone again. Anyone know if this exists?
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Darcy Moore
•Yes! Go to https://dol.ny.gov/ and scroll to the bottom where it says "Contact Us" - they have a form specifically for feedback and complaints. I used it once and actually got a response within a few days, though I've heard mixed results. Still worth trying both phone and online approaches.
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Harold Oh
Update: I finally reached a supervisor today! I took everyone's advice and called the Advocate Office number first thing this morning. Had to wait about 30 minutes, but finally spoke to someone who was very understanding. They took all the details and gave me a case number for the complaint. They said they would review the call recording (apparently all calls are recorded) and someone would follow up with me within 10 business days. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!
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Gael Robinson
•That's great news! The call recordings are definitely key here - they'll be able to verify exactly what happened. Make sure to keep that case number safe and follow up if you don't hear back within the timeframe they promised. Really glad you were able to get through and file the complaint properly.
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Edward McBride
•wow u actually got thru?? impressive! let us know what happens, curious if they actually do anything about it
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Amun-Ra Azra
I just want to add that while this experience was terrible, don't let it discourage you from following through with your unemployment claim. Unfortunately, there are some bad apples in every organization, but most DOL workers are trying to help. If you need to speak with someone again about your actual claim issues, you can request to speak with a different agent if you get someone who isn't being professional.
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Harold Oh
•Thank you for the encouragement. I was honestly thinking about just giving up on my claim because this experience was so traumatic, but I really do need the benefits while I'm job searching. I'll try to remember that most agents are probably not like this one.
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