NY unemployment claim stuck on pending for almost 3 months - need to talk to a real person ASAP

I was in the exact same boat last month. Called over 200 times and couldn't get past the robot voice. What finally worked was using claimyr.com - they call for you and connect you when an actual agent picks up. Talking to the agent got my claim processed in one day after being stuck for 9 weeks. Best money I've ever spent just to get what was owed to me anyway. There's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The system is such garbage. I spent THREE MONTHS waiting and calling. What finally worked was contacting my state assembly person. They have direct lines to unemployment office. Google your district rep and email them - they helped me get my claim unstuck in about a week.

Listen CAREFULLY to the automated system and hit 9 then 2 then 1 then 3 when prompted. This skips some of the messages. Also try calling right when they open at 8am or towards the end of day around 6:30pm. Those times worked better for me.

I found that sending a message through the online portal AND calling simultaneously worked. Message them every single day. Be annoying. Eventually someone picked up after I called 47 times in one day (I was counting). The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these ppl.

THE TRICK THAT WORKED FOR ME: call the unemployment fraud department instead of the regular number. They almost always pick up because that department isnt as busy. Then once you get someone, explain your situation and ask to be transferred to claims dept. Worked on my second try!

After my 11th week of pending hell, I used claimyr.com and finally got through. The agent told me my claim was flagged for an address verification issue that no one bothered to tell me about. Fixed it in 10 minutes and my payment hit my account 2 days later. The system is completely broken.

I work with a community organization that helps people with unemployment issues. Here's what I recommend: 1. First, document EVERYTHING. Every call, every email, screenshots of your pending claim status. This will help if you need to escalate. 2. Try the callback option on the website if you haven't already - sometimes it works better than calling directly. 3. Contact your local state senator AND assembly member. Send them the documentation from step 1. They can often expedite claims. 4. If you're facing eviction, mention that specifically in all communications - this can get your claim flagged as urgent. 5. For immediate help getting through on the phone, many of my clients have had success with claimyr.com - it's a service that navigates the phone system for you and connects you with an agent. 6. If all else fails, file a complaint with the Department of Labor's Inspector General. Hang in there. The system is overwhelmed but persistence usually pays off eventually.

Try calling exactly at 7:58am. I got thru twice that way. The automated system is different early in the morning sometimes.

Have u tried Twitter? Seriously. Tweet @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include personal info). I did this after 6 weeks of nothing and got a DM asking for my info within an hour. Claim processed two days later.

after i got thru to someone (using claimyr.com btw) i found out my claim was pending because my former employer contested it. took 5 minutes to clear up once i actually talked to someone. such bs making us wait months for simple issues.

omg the ny unemployment system is actual trash fire. i had to call 300+ times before getting through. try calling on wednesday afternoons around 2pm. for some reason that worked for me twice.

If you qualify for any kind of special circumstances (disability, family care, etc) call those specialized units instead of the main line. WAY easier to get through. They usually transfer you to regular UI dept once they realize your situation.

Took me SIXTEEN WEEKS to get my first payment. What a nightmare. Sending you good vibes OP, this system is designed to break people I swear

Have u tried contacting ur state rep? My cousin works for a state senator and said they have special contacts at unemployment to expedite claims. Worth a shot.