NY unemployment phone system changed - now I can't reach anyone about my 7 weeks of backpay

Yep, noticed the change too. So frustrating when they do this without warning! I've been trying to reach them all week about my missing payments from October.

I finally got through to a live rep after weeks of trying by using claimyr.com - it's this service that calls for you and connects you with an actual human. Talking to an agent got my payments released within 48 hours after being stuck for almost 2 months. Best decision I made cause my account is now fixed! They have a video explaining how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The system is designed to be frustrating. I had 9 weeks of backpay they owed me and it took threatening to contact my state rep to finally get it resolved. Send an email to your state assembly person - they can sometimes push things through faster than you can on your own.

Have u tried calling right when they open? I got thru by calling at exactly 8:00am and pressing options in this order: 1, then wait for prompt, then 1 again, then 6, then 1. That got me to a real person last week. worth a try

Look here's what u need to do honestly. Everyone talking bout calling nad wasting time. File a complaint with the department of labor ombudsman. Google it. I filed a complaint and got a call back 3 days later from a supervisor who fixed my 11 weeks of backpay. This works!!

I work 4 a company that handles calls and I can tell u why this is happening. The system is designed to manage call volume. When they get too many calls they change the prompts to direct more ppl to self-service options. Try calling Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon - those are typically lower volume days/times. Mondays and mornings are the absolute worst times to try.

I HATE THE NY UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING!!! 9 weeks they've owed me money and every time I call it's a different excuse. I'm so done with their BS!!!!

OK here's what you need to know about getting through to NY unemployment (I used to work there): The phone system changes are normal and happen every 3-4 months. The department is severely understaffed right now and they're trying to push more people to use the online system. However, for backpay issues, you DO need to speak with a representative. Your best options are: 1) Try the phone line early (7:55am) or late (4:45pm) - sometimes the queue system behaves differently right at opening/closing 2) Contact your state assembly person - they have special liaisons to unemployment 3) Use a service like claimyr.com which will automate the calling process for you 4) File an official complaint through the DOL ombudsman 5) Send a message through the secure messaging system on your account page (but be very specific about the 7 missing weeks) Backpay issues are actually fairly simple for agents to resolve once you get through. They just need to release the hold on those specific weeks. Don't give up! Hope this helps!

omg ny unemployment is the WORST. I had to call 73 times (yes i counted) before getting through last month. And then the guy who answered couldn't even help me and transferred me to another department where I got disconnected. I wanted to throw my phone out the window 😭

This might sound weird but try calling from a different phone number if you can. I think they have some system that recognizes repeat callers and redirects them. I borrowed my mom's phone and got through on the second try after failing for days with my own number.

have u tried contacting them through Twitter? I messaged @NYSLabor with my issue (not including any personal details) and they DM'd me back asking for my info. Had a call from a supervisor 2 days later. worth a shot

Lmaooo welcome to the club. Been waiting 13 weeks for my backpay. NY unemployment is a disaster. I'm just assuming I'll never get my money at this point 🤡🤡🤡

Call your state senator's office and ask for help with your unemployment claim. I did this after 4 weeks of trying to reach NYSDOL and got a call back from unemployment within 48 hours. Politicians can work magic with these agencies.

Here's the trick I discovered by accident - if you select the option for "new claim" instead of "existing claim" you're more likely to get through. Then when you talk to the person just explain your actual situation. They'll usually help you or transfer you to the right department.

After struggling to get my benefits for 5+ weeks I finally found a solution that worked beautifully. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a total game changer! It calls NY unemployment for you and then connects you once a real person is on the line. I was skeptical but desperate, and talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. My issues were resolved in a single phone call after weeks of frustration. If you're stuck like I was, definitely worth checking out.

NY DOL is absolutely drowning in claims right now. I have a friend who works there and they said they're over 3 weeks behind on processing backpay issues. Apparently there was a system glitch in September that affected thousands of accounts. Keep trying to reach them but also know it might resolve itself in the next week or two.