Just found out the best times to call ny unemployment from an agent

Thanks for the tip. Been trying to reach them for 3 weeks about my claim that got flagged for some reason. Will try those timeframes tomorrow.

After spending literally 4 days trying to get a human on the phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and connects when a real person answers. Talking to an agent got my payment released in 10 minutes after weeks of nothing. Best money I've spent to finally get my benefits paid! Check out their explainer vid here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

This isn't always accurate. I called at 12:30pm yesterday and waited 2 hours before getting disconnected. The whole system is just overloaded and they don't have enough staff. It's a complete dumpster fire 🔥

Weird, I was told completely different times by an agent last week. She said early morning right when they open is best because they're fresh and not backed up yet. Different agents giving different advice lol... classic ny unemployment chaos

I think the trick is to just keep calling and eventually you'll get through. I've been dealing with ny unemployment for 5 months now (thanks to identity verification issues) and have gotten through at all different times. It's just random tbh. Sometimes 10am works, sometimes 2pm works. It's like playing the lottery.

Here's what I've learned after 18 months of dealing with NY's unemployment system: The phone system is deliberately designed to make it hard to get through. It's not a bug, it's a feature. They're understaffed and overwhelmed, so they make it almost impossible to reach a human. Your best options are: 1. Try the OP's suggested times. These seem to change regularly but mid-day often works better. 2. Use a service like claimyr.com that will wait on hold for you. They've saved me countless hours and when I had my benefits suddenly stop in August, they got me connected to an agent who fixed it in one call. 3. Try the callback feature if available, but know it's very hit or miss. 4. Contact your state representative's office. They often have direct lines to unemployment staff. 5. Be persistent but polite when you do get through. These agents deal with angry people all day. The system is frustrating by design. They hope you'll give up. Don't.

those times make sense. agents probably trying to get their lunch break in before the afternoon rush and then clearing out their queue before end of day

You know what's wild? Every state's unemployment system seems to be equally terrible. My cousin in California said it's just as bad there. What is it about unemployment offices that makes them so dysfunctional? Is it deliberate underfunding?

I've been suspended from my benefits since January because someone filed a fraudulant claim using my info. Even with calling during these supposed "best times" I can never get through. The few times I did, they just tell me to wait for the fraud department to review my docs and there's nothing they can do. 6 MONTHS AND STILL WAITING. I'm about to be evicted. 😡

I've had better luck getting through on Thursdays for some reason. Maybe they have more staff those days? Anybody else notice certain days being better?

Just to add my experience - I've called at 11:30am twice in the last month and got through both times within 30-40 mins. So there might be something to this timing tip!

Try calling their TTY line if you have access to that system. wait times are WAY shorter (like 10-15 mins vs 2+ hours

protip: when the automated system asks why youre calling, say "payment not received" instead of "question about claim" - routes you to payment specialists who can usually help with almost anything and the queue moves faster

Been unemployed for 6 weeks. Finally got through to someone at ny unemployment today after trying EVERY DAY. And guess what? They told me my claim was processed wrong from the beginning and I have to start all over. I literally broke down crying on the phone. This system is cruel.

Anybody know if these times apply to the specialized departments too? Like the ones that handle appeals or overpayment issues? I've been trying to reach that department for weeks.

dont even bother with calling tbh. go to your state senator or assembly member's office. I wasted 2 months calling every day, then my senator's office fixed my issue in 4 days

maybe a stupid question but does anyone know if they're open on Saturdays? their website is so confusing and i work during the week so its hard for me to call during these suggested hours

Thanks for sharing this! I've been stuck in unemployment hell for 2 months now - my claim got flagged for "additional review" and every time I call I either can't get through or get disconnected after hours of waiting. Going to try calling tomorrow at 12pm and see if this timing actually works. At this point I'm willing to try anything. The stress of not knowing when (or if) I'll get my benefits is eating me alive. Really appreciate you taking the time to share what that agent told you!

This is super helpful info! I've been trying to get through for over a month about a certification issue that's holding up my payments. The timing makes total sense - I always assumed calling right when they opened would be best, but I never thought about them having meetings and training in the mornings. Definitely going to try that 11:45am-1:30pm window tomorrow. It's so frustrating that we have to play these games just to reach someone about our own benefits, but I really appreciate you sharing what that agent told you. Hopefully this helps more people get the assistance they desperately need!