NY unemployment account error - "Issue with UI benefits" message and can't reach 1-888-209-8124 phone support to access $1,236 in pending payments

I had the exact same issue last month. It's totally infuriating. The only way I got it fixed was by calling literaly 200+ times. Start calling right when they open and keep hitting redial. I finally got through after 3 days of trying.

After getting this same error and wasting days trying to call them, I found this service called claimyr.com that basically calls them for you and connects you when they get a real person. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked in like 20 minutes once I was connected. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent after trying for days on my own. Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

This happened to me about 6 weeks ago. They froze my account because someone tried to file a claim using my info in another state. Took FOREVER to sort out. Start calling as soon as they open and keep trying.

The whole ny unemployment system is a complete joke. This same error happens to like everyone. They design it to be impossible to reach them so people just give up. It's all by design.

I've been a UI specialist for 7 years and I'm seeing this error more and more lately. Here's what's probably happening and what you need to do about it: This specific error message usually indicates one of four things: 1. Identity verification flag - Someone may have attempted to access your account or there were multiple failed login attempts 2. Potential overpayment issue that needs to be addressed 3. Quarterly wage review that flagged inconsistencies 4. Cross-state claim conflict (someone using your info in another state) What you need to do: First, document everything. Take screenshots of any error messages. Write down dates and times you've tried to call. Second, prepare your verification documents before calling: ID, social security card, recent pay stubs or W2s, and any UI correspondence you've received. Third, try alternative contact methods while also continuing to call. Email is actually monitored (though responses can take 1-2 weeks). Try: labor.sm.unemployment@labor.ny.gov If you're desperate to get through by phone, I've had clients use claimyr.com to bypass the hold times. It's been effective for many people in your situation. Finally, contact your state representative. They often have dedicated channels to UI offices and can escalate cases. Good luck! The system is definitely overwhelmed right now.

ive gotten this error 3 times in the past year. Each time its something different. Once was identity verification, once was a "system glitch" and once was because they needed additional work history. Its a generic error that tells you nothing useful 🤬

Contact your state assembly person!!! This was the ONLY thing that worked for me after getting this same error and trying to call for weeks. Google your district rep and email their office explaining your situation. Mine contacted DOL and got it fixed in 48 hours.

Might be identity theft. A friend got the same error and it turned out someone was trying to use her info to claim benefits in Pennsylvania while she was getting NY unemployment. Definitely keep calling til you get through.

try calling at exactly 7:58am - thats how i got through. Their system starts taking calls at 8 but if you call 2 minutes before you can get in the queue before everyone else.

Ugh that error is the worst! I literally had to use claimyr.com after trying for 8 days straight with no luck. Best money I ever spent to finally get my benefits paid. Otherwise i would've been evicted no joke.

This is gonna sound weird but try calling the TTY/TDD number they gave you. It's usually less busy and they'll still help you even if you don't have the special equipment. Worked for me when I couldn't get through on the main line.

Anyone else notice these errors always happen around the same time every quarter? I swear ny unemployment is just randomly flagging accounts to reduce their workload.

you should check your credit report ASAP. when this happened to me it was because someone stole my identity and was trying to claim in multiple states.

Y'all this is crazy but I got through by calling my LOCAL unemployment office instead of the main number. The main 888 number is almost impossible but my county office picked up after only 20 mins on hold.

lol welcome to ny unemployment hell 😂 where the rules are made up and your time doesn't matter

Something similar happened to me in July. They needed to verify my identity again because of "suspicious activity" even though I'd already verified it twice before. The whole system is just broken af.