NY unemployment website down when I need to certify - might lose benefits

I was stuck in the exact same situation back in april when my claim got approved. The website would crash every single time I tried to certify. After 3 days of trying to get through on the phone I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a live agent within like 30 minutes. Talking to the rep got my benefits processed and paid out within a couple days. Best decision I made during this whole nightmare process! They have a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The entire ny unemployment system is a complete joke. They send u notifications saying u need to do something but then make it impossible to actually do it. I had the same problem last month and ended up having to wake up at 5am to access the site before it crashed. Ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops.

I know this sounds dumb but have u tried using a different browser? The site is totally broken on Chrome but sometimes works on Firefox or even (god forbid) Internet Explorer/Edge. Also clearing your cache might help. The ny unemployment site was clearly designed in 1997 and never updated 🤣

I faced this exact issue and found that the mobile site sometimes works when the desktop version is down. Also, have you tried the automated phone certification system? Call 1-888-581-5812 for automated weekly certification. You'll need your PIN but it's better than nothing if the website keeps failing.

After spending MONTHS fighting with ny unemployment, I can offer some actually useful advice: 1. The website maintenance happens Sunday nights into Monday morning, so avoid those times completely 2. Try using the site between 2-4am or 6-8pm when traffic is lowest 3. If you've been approved and just need to certify, the automated phone system at 1-888-581-5812 works even when the website is down 4. If you absolutely need to talk to someone (which sounds like you do), claimyr.com is the only reliable method I've found. They connect you with a real person at NYSDOL who can fix your claim issues on the spot. It's what finally solved my 3-month certification nightmare. 5. Contact your state representative! They actually have special channels to escalate unemployment issues. Google your district and send them an email explaining your situation. 6. Document EVERYTHING. Screenshot error messages, record call attempts, write down dates/times. If they try to deny your claim for "failure to certify" you'll need this evidence. Don't give up - the system is frustrating by design but persistence pays off!

Bro i been in the same boat for 3 WEEKS. the system is complete trash. Try using incognito mode on your browser it sometimes works. or try at midnight when less ppl are on the site. so stupid we gotta do all this just to get what we're owed 💯

Not sure if you're still having problems but my sister was in the same situation and she drove to an actual NY DOL career center and they helped her certify in person. You might have to make an appointment but at least its a real person who can help.

The same thing happened to me!! I found out that sometimes you gotta try certifying at weird hours like 3am when the site isnt being hammered. Also if your using wifi try switching to cell data or vice versa cuz sometimes that fixes connection issues with the site. If all else fails try the automated phone line

Typical government inefficiency 🤡 They expect us to follow all their rules exactly but then make it impossible to actually do so. I ended up having to get my state assembly person involved after 6 weeks of website errors. Maybe try contacting your local rep?

not falling for another unemployment 'hack'... these never work. The whole system is rigged to make it so hard that people just give up on claiming benefits 🤮

According to the ny unemployment twitter account they're having sitewide technical issues that should be resolved "soon" (whatever that means in government time lol). If u have Twitter maybe try DMing them directly? Sometimes they respond.

i had the EXACT same problem with certifying. i kept getting locked out of the site for "too many attempts" when it was THEIR SYSTEM failing! what worked for me was trying at exactly 7:30am when they first open the phones. the queue is shorter and the site works better. keep at it!

unpopular opinion: the ny unemployment website crashes are intentional to reduce the number of people who can successfully claim benefits. they know exactly what they're doing 👀