NY unemployment certification blocked - system says I need to call an agent but can't get through

omg same thing happened to me last month!! the system is SO broken. i kept calling for like 2 weeks straight and could never get through. totally ridiculous they expect us to call when nobody ever answers

This sounds like you have a 'claim review flag' on your account. It's relatively common in 2025 with the new verification system. When this happens, the online system blocks certification until a human agent removes the flag. You need to: 1. Call exactly at 8:00am when they open (use multiple phones if possible) 2. Try the callback feature if available in your region 3. Be persistent - sometimes takes 20-30 attempts 4. Have your claim ID and all documentation ready when you finally get through In most cases, they can remove the flag while you're on the phone, and you'll be able to certify for all missed weeks immediately after the call. Don't worry about the missed weeks - they won't count against your benefit total as long as you explain the system prevented you from certifying.

Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the busiest days. If possible, try Thursday or Friday morning for slightly better odds. Also, if your last name starts with certain letters, there may be designated call times (they sometimes rotate this system when volume is high). Check the NYSDOL website homepage for any updates about designated calling times based on last name - they don't always announce this well, but it can make a difference.

After trying for weeks to get through the regular NYSDOL phone line with no luck, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. I was dealing with the exact same certification block issue. The agent was able to immediately remove the flag from my account and I certified for all my missed weeks right after the call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE I was skeptical at first, but after wasting so many hours trying to get through myself, it was worth it to finally get my claim moving again.

When I got through, the agent explained that my account had a verification flag due to my employment history showing multiple employers in a short timeframe. Nothing I did wrong - just triggered an automatic review. Sounds like these flags are pretty common with the new 2025 system. After they verified my info, the flag was removed instantly.

While I understand the frustration, these certification blocks are actually part of NY's improved fraud prevention measures implemented in January 2025. When the system detects unusual patterns or discrepancies between employer-reported information and your claim, it requires human verification before allowing continued certification. The good news is that once resolved, you'll be allowed to certify for all missed weeks with no penalty. The bad news is that reaching an agent is indeed difficult due to high call volumes. Persistence is key - call at 8:00am sharp and use all available methods. If you have a UI account online, also check for messages there as sometimes they send instructions for resolving these issues without calling.

hey just wondering did anyone try the online chat support thingy instead of calling? my cousin said that worked for her but i haven't tried it yet myself. might be worth a shot while ur trying to call too

oh her issue was different, something about her address being wrong. so maybe the chat won't help with your specific thing after all. sorry about that!

Quick update about the phone system since January 2025: The NYSDOL has implemented a new call distribution system. If you call and get the message "all representatives are currently busy," do NOT hang up. The new system will eventually place you in a queue after about 7-10 minutes of this message repeating. Many people hang up too soon, thinking it's not working. Stay on the line for at least 15 minutes before giving up on any call attempt.

UPDATE: After 3 days of trying, I FINALLY got through to an agent this morning! Called right at 8:00am and stayed on the line through the repeating message like @HelpfulNYer suggested. After about 12 minutes it suddenly switched to hold music and I got an agent about 20 minutes later. The issue was exactly what was mentioned earlier - a "verification flag" on my account triggered by my recent job change. The agent removed it while I was on the phone and I was able to certify for all my missed weeks immediately after. They said benefits should be deposited within 3 business days including all back weeks. Thanks everyone for your help with this!