NY unemployment phones already jammed at 8:02 - how is this possible?

welcome to the club. i've been calling since january. tried all the tricks - calling at opening, calling at lunch, calling 30 mins before close. nothing works. the system is a complete joke 🤡

After weeks of the same frustration, I found a service that actually worked. I used Claimyr.com and it was honestly a game changer. They called for me, stayed on hold, then connected me with an agent when one was available. First time talking to a human in a month and got my issue fixed in one call. Saved me so much time and stress - talking to that agent got my payments moving again within 24 hours. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The system is clearly broken. But to answer your actual question - yes, many people DO use auto-dialers. Some ppl also have multiple phones going at once. Plus the staff is probably reduced because of budget cuts. Perfect storm of suck.

LOL I don't think they're actually open at 8. I think the message system turns on but the agents don't actually start taking calls until like 8:30 or 9. They're just collecting our calls in a queue and slowly working through them all day.

I managed to get through last week after 3 weeks of trying. Here's what worked for me: First, don't call right at opening. Everyone does that. Try around 10:30am or 2:15pm - those seemed to be less busy times. Second, when you call and get the menu options, try different pathways. Sometimes certain departments have shorter wait times and can transfer you. Third, if all else fails, I highly recommend using Claimyr.com. I was skeptical, but it actually worked. They basically call for you, wait on hold, and then connect you when a human answers. Saved me hours of frustration and my claim got processed right away once I talked to someone. Fourth, try calling your state representative's office. Sometimes they can intervene on your behalf. Don't give up! The system is designed to be frustrating, but persistence pays off. Good luck!

I know this sounds crazy but have you tried the spanish line? I'm not a spanish speaker but I got through faster and then just asked for english help when someone answered. Still had to wait 45 mins on hold but at least I got in the queue.

The phone system is totally useless. I finally gave up and went to the actual office in person. Had to wait 3 hours but at least got my issue resolved. If you can physically go there, that's your best bet.

try the Claimyr.com service!!!! omg it saved my sanity. i spent two whole weeks trying to get through before using it. the service calls for you and gets you connected to a real person. best money i ever spent considering i was about to lose my apartment without that unemployment money.

here's a wild theory: i think they have way fewer staff than they claim and they're lying about being open at 8am. probably half the call center quit during the pandemic and they never replaced them 🤔

I'm convinced most of the calls are just us - the same desperate people calling over and over. Like we're all just stuck in this hellish loop together, creating the very problem we're suffering from 😭

Anybody else notice they're suddenly "experiencing high call volume" at EXACTLY 8:01 EVERY DAY? It's almost like... they programmed the system to say that no matter what? 🤡 NY unemployment is gaslighting us all!

Don't waste ur time with the phones. Email them through the portal message system and then CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE. I contacted my assemblyman and had a call back from unemployment within 48 hours. The rep offices have special channels.

I was in your same position last month. After trying for two weeks straight, I broke down and used claimyr.com - they call unemployment for you and connect you when a real person answers. Was skeptical but it actually worked! They called for 3 hours (glad it wasn't me waiting) and then I got connected to an agent who fixed my issue in 10 minutes. My payments started coming through again the next day.

have u tried sacrificing a goat to the unemployment gods? heard that works better than calling 🐐