NY unemployment waiting week credit - can't get through on the phone

Try calling right at 7:56am. That worked for me after weeks of trying. Also, try pressing different options in the menu - sometimes the wait is shorter for different departments and they can transfer you to the right place.

I was in the exact same situation last month and was going crazy trying to get through! Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and connects when a real human answers. Honestly was the best decision - got my waiting week credit sorted in one call and now I can actually certify for benefits. They have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - talking to an agent got my money flowing again after weeks of nothing!

The waiting week credit is such a nightmare to deal with. I had to send multiple messages through the online portal every day for two weeks before someone finally responded. Try that if you haven't already - just flood their message system.

I know someone who works in the NY unemployment office. They told me they're seriously understaffed right now because of budget cuts. Your best chance is calling Tuesday or Wednesday around 2pm - that's when call volume is lowest according to them.

Look I know this sounds crazy but try calling from a different phone number if you can. I was getting the busy signal for days from my cell phone, borrowed my mom's phone and got through on the second try. I swear they must block numbers that call too frequently.

This is why the ny unemployment system is completely broken. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach them by design. They're hoping you'll give up and stop trying to claim what you're legally entitled to. It's disgusting how they treat people who are already struggling.

Here's what worked for me when I had the exact same waiting week issue: First, exhaust all self-service options. Double-check that you can't resolve this through your online account. Sometimes the system will suddenly allow you to certify even when it previously said you couldn't. Then, try multiple contact methods simultaneously: - Call at exactly 7:58am before their official opening time - Send a detailed message through the online portal - Email your state representative's office and explain your situation - they can sometimes expedite things - Try the 'callback service' option if it's available in your area If none of that works, honestly, I'd recommend trying claimyr.com - it's what finally worked for me after three weeks of trying everything else. They call and wait on hold for you, then connect you when a human agent answers. They're the only service I know that actually got me through to unemployment when nothing else worked. Don't give up - the waiting week credit issue is fixable once you actually talk to someone. Good luck!

Has anyone tried showing up in person at one of their offices? I know they don't officially take walk-ins anymore but I'm wondering if physically being there might help.

This exact thing happened to me!! The waiting week credit is such BS. I finally got it fixed by messaging them on Twitter. Their social media team sometimes responds faster than phone support.

Just a heads up - if u don't get this fixed within 4 weeks, they might close ur claim and ull have to start over. That happened to me and it was a NIGHTMARE. Keep trying every possible way to reach them!

I heard they added more staff recently due to complaints. Maybe try calling later in the day? Around 4pm the queue sometimes clears out a bit before they close.

So I went through this EXACT issue in April. Waiting week credit is the worst. After two weeks of failed attempts, I called my state senator's office. They have a dedicated liaison with unemployment who fixed it in 3 days. HIGHLY recommend this route.

the whole ny unemployment system is designed to make u suffer. they hope ull just give up and stop trying to get what ur legally entitled to. its criminal how they run this system 🤬

Want an actual life hack? Use Claimyr. I'm not affiliated with them but they actually work. It's the ONLY way I've been able to get through to unemployment in NY these days. claimyr.com saved me hours of frustration and got my waiting week credit issue resolved in ONE call.

Don't waste your time calling. Send a secure message through your online account AND email unemployment AND contact your state assembly member all at once. Triple attack method worked for me.

Anyone else notice that it's literally impossible to speak to a human at NY unemployment anymore? It's like they deliberately designed the system to prevent people from getting benefits they deserve. This state is such a joke.