NY unemployment phone claims down & my laptop broke - anyone getting through today?
So frustrated right now. Been trying to file my NY unemployment claim since 8am but the phone system just keeps disconnecting me! Says 'high call volume' then hangs up. My laptop screen cracked last week (my kid dropped it) so I can't even try the website route. Is the phone system down for everyone or am I just having the worst luck? Anyone managed to get through today? This is my first week claiming and I really need this payment to hit.
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Ethan Moore
The phone lines are ALWAYS jammed on Mondays, especially mornings. Try calling after 2pm, sometimes better. But honestly the system has been extra terrible since they did that "upgrade" last month. I waited 3.5 hours last Thursday!!
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Aisha Mahmood
•Thanks for the tip about afternoons. Ugh 3.5 hours waiting is insane. Did you eventually get through or did it disconnect you?
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Yuki Kobayashi
Do you have a smartphone? You can file your claim using the mobile website at labor.ny.gov - it works pretty well on phones now after their 2025 system update. Just make sure you're on a secure WiFi connection since you'll be entering personal information.
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Aisha Mahmood
•OMG I didn't even think about using my phone! 🤦♀️ Thank you! Will try this right now.
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Ethan Moore
•The mobile site is buggy tho. It logged me out 3 times when I tried last week and I had to start over each time. Just warning you.
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Carmen Vega
u shud try calling exactyl at 7:30am when they open or after 4pm. middle of the day is the worst time ever to get thru
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Aisha Mahmood
•7:30am tomorrow it is then! I'll set an alarm. Really hoping the mobile site works though.
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QuantumQuester
I had the same issue for weeks and wasted hours redialing. Finally used Claimyr.com which got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending the whole day trying. They have a system that holds your place in line. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE It was worth it for me because I needed to fix an issue with my claim that couldn't be resolved online. The agent was able to file my claims for the past 3 weeks over the phone.
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Aisha Mahmood
•Never heard of this service before. Did they need a lot of personal info? I'm always nervous about that stuff.
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QuantumQuester
•They just need your phone number to call you back when they connect with NYSDOL. They don't ask for any of your unemployment info - you still talk directly to the unemployment agent for that part. It's basically just a system that waits on hold for you.
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Andre Moreau
I've been dealing with unemployment since January and here's what I learned: never, EVER try calling on Mondays or Tuesdays unless you enjoy pain. Wednesday-Friday is much better. Also, have you tried asking a friend if you can use their computer? That's what I did when my internet was down for a week.
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Aisha Mahmood
•That's smart about borrowing a computer. My sister lives nearby - I'll ask her if I can't get the mobile site to work. And good to know about avoiding Mon/Tues calls!
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Zoe Stavros
The system was down for maintenance last night according to the recorded message when I called. Maybe they're still having technical issues today? Typical NYSDOL, they never announce these things properly and then everyone panics when they can't get through.
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Jamal Harris
Not sure if this helps but my brother had the same problem last month and he ended up going to the public library to use their computers to file his claim. Most libraries have free computer access if your phone doesn't work out!
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Aisha Mahmood
•That's a great backup plan, thanks! There's a library about 15 min from me. I'll try the mobile site first and if that doesn't work I'll head there tomorrow.
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Carmen Vega
update?? did u get thru?? im having same issue rn
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Aisha Mahmood
•The mobile site worked!!! Had to try twice because it timed out the first time, but second attempt went through. Such a relief. Good luck with yours!
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