NY unemployment website keeps blocking my new claim application with error messages

That exact same thing happened to me last week! The website kept timing out right at the final submission page. So frustrating! After trying for THREE DAYS, I finally got through by using the Claimyr service (claimyr.com). They helped me get connected to an actual person at NYSDOL within 45 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - totally worth it when the online system is being so glitchy. The agent was able to file my claim over the phone and override whatever was causing the website errors.

ya this happens ALL THE TIME with the ny site lol. try using chrome with incognito mode worked for me but u gotta do it early in the morning like 6am when less ppl r on

There's actually a system-wide update going on with the NY unemployment portal right now that's causing these issues. According to the NYSDOL Twitter account, they're implementing upgrades to handle the increased volume of claims following the recent tech industry layoffs. The maintenance was scheduled to be completed by March 15, 2025, but it seems they're running behind. In the meantime, here are some troubleshooting steps that have worked for others: 1. Try accessing the site between 7pm-7am when traffic is lower 2. Clear your browser cache completely (not just cookies) 3. Disable any ad blockers or security extensions 4. Use Microsoft Edge browser specifically (many report better success) 5. If your application times out, wait 24 hours before trying again (repeated failed attempts can trigger a temporary IP block) If all else fails, you can also file by phone, though wait times are currently 2+ hours. Call 1-888-209-8124 during business hours (M-F, 8am-6pm).

Same issue here last month. The error message is totally unhelpful too - just says "system unable to process request" without any actual explanation. I got so mad I threw my laptop on the couch (not my proudest moment lol). Anyway I ended up having to call them.

The NYSDOL online system has been plagued with technical issues since the January 2025 "upgrade." I've been helping several clients navigate this and found that there are specific times when the application is more likely to go through: - Tuesdays and Thursdays seem to have fewer issues - Early morning (5:30-7:00am) has significantly higher success rates - Late night (after 11pm) also works better Also, if you're getting stuck at a specific part of the application, try writing down all your information first. Some users report that the system times out if you spend too long on any single page. For the error message when contacting them, try using the "Technical Support" option instead of "Unemployment Insurance" when navigating the contact form. For some reason, those messages are going through while the UI ones are failing. If nothing works, calling is unfortunately your best option. Prepare to wait 2-3 hours, but have all your information ready when you finally connect with someone.

I work with an employment advocacy group, and we've been hearing about these issues constantly since the system update in January. Here's what's actually happening: The NYSDOL implemented new fraud detection algorithms that are incorrectly flagging legitimate applications. Applications get stuck in a verification loop that the online system can't resolve. The frustrating part is that phone representatives CAN override these flags, but only if you can reach them. Based on our tracking, about 32% of new applications are experiencing these issues. It's not your fault or anything you're doing wrong. If you've tried multiple times online without success, you need to speak with a representative. Unfortunately, phone wait times are averaging 2-4 hours right now. If you can't stay on hold that long, try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open, or try 30 minutes before closing time when call volume sometimes decreases. The NYSDOL is aware of the issue but their official position is that the system is "functioning as intended with occasional delays." We're pushing them to acknowledge and fix the problems.

anybody tried filling out the application on their phone instead of computer? my friend said it worked for him when his laptop kept giving errors

I see these posts EVERY WEEK now! The NY unemployment system is a disaster. I spent 3 weeks trying to file a claim online before giving up and calling. Then spent 2 days trying to get through on the phone. Finally got my claim filed last week. System said it would take 3-5 business days to process but nothing's happened yet. Now I'm worried I'll have to start all over again! This is so stressful when you're already dealing with losing your job. Why can't they make a system that actually WORKS??

Has anyone had any success with the mobile app? I heard they released a new NY unemployment app in February but haven't tried it myself.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone else struggling with this, here's what worked: I used the Chrome incognito mode suggestion at 6:30am, but the key thing was using my phone's cellular data instead of my home wifi. Somehow that combination let me complete the entire application without any errors. Now I'm just hoping it actually processes correctly. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! This community is amazing.

Congrats on finally getting through! That's such a relief after all the frustration. The cellular data tip is really smart - I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense if their system is somehow flagging home internet connections. I'm going to bookmark this thread because between all the suggestions here (early morning timing, incognito mode, cellular data, different browsers) this is like the ultimate troubleshooting guide for NY unemployment website issues. Hopefully the state will actually fix these problems soon but at least we have workarounds that actually work. Thanks for updating us!

Just wanted to add another data point here - I had the exact same issues as Noah and tried everything mentioned in this thread. What finally worked for me was a combination of using Firefox browser (instead of Chrome), clearing ALL stored data (not just cache), and accessing the site at exactly 7:15 PM on a Tuesday evening using my phone's hotspot. Took about 25 minutes to complete the whole application but it went through without any errors! I think the key insights from everyone's experiences are: 1) timing really matters (early morning or evening seems best), 2) using cellular/mobile data instead of home wifi, and 3) trying different browsers. The fraud detection system Jacob mentioned makes total sense - it's probably getting confused by repeat attempts from the same IP address. For anyone still struggling, I'd also recommend having a backup plan. Write down ALL your info first, try the workarounds mentioned here, but if you're still stuck after a few attempts, just bite the bullet and call. Yes the wait is horrible, but at least you'll get it done. Hang in there everyone - this shouldn't be this hard but we're all figuring it out together!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to file for 4 days straight and getting that stupid "system unable to process request" error every single time. It's honestly making me lose my mind - like how is their system THIS broken in 2025?? Reading through all these comments is both reassuring (I'm not alone) and infuriating (this is clearly a widespread problem they're ignoring). I'm definitely going to try the cellular data + incognito mode combo tomorrow morning around 6:30am like Noah did. The fact that switching from wifi to cellular data seems to work for multiple people suggests their fraud detection system is seriously messed up. Has anyone who got through recently received any confirmation or updates on their claim status? I'm worried that even if I manage to submit, it'll just disappear into the void. This whole situation is adding so much stress on top of already being unemployed. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is literally saving my sanity right now!

I just wanted to jump in and say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I've been lurking here for weeks dealing with the same exact issues, and seeing everyone's troubleshooting experiences has been a lifesaver. What really strikes me is how we've all basically become volunteer tech support for each other because the actual system is so broken. The pattern is crystal clear now - early morning timing (6-7am), cellular data instead of wifi, incognito mode, and having all your info written down beforehand. It's wild that we need this many workarounds just to access basic government services. I'm planning to try the cellular + incognito + early morning approach this weekend. If it works, I'll definitely come back and report. And if anyone from NYSDOL is somehow monitoring these forums - PLEASE fix your fraud detection system! It's clearly flagging way too many legitimate applicants and creating this whole mess. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences and solutions. This community support means everything when you're already stressed about being unemployed. We shouldn't have to figure this out ourselves, but I'm grateful we have each other! 💪

Just successfully filed my claim this morning using the techniques from this thread! I tried the cellular data + incognito mode + 6:45am timing combo and it worked perfectly. Took about 20 minutes to complete the whole application without a single error or timeout. A few additional tips for anyone still struggling: - I turned off my wifi completely and used only my phone's hotspot for my laptop - Made sure to disable all browser extensions, not just ad blockers - Had all my employment dates and employer info written down beforehand so I could move through each page quickly - The confirmation email came through about 30 minutes after submitting This thread has been absolutely invaluable - you all figured out solutions that the actual NYSDOL couldn't provide. It's ridiculous that we need these workarounds, but I'm so grateful everyone shared what worked for them. For anyone still fighting with the system, don't give up! These methods really do work, you just need the right combination. Thank you to everyone who contributed troubleshooting tips! 🙏

Wow, this thread has become an incredible resource! I've been dealing with the exact same issues for the past week - that dreaded "system unable to process request" error that tells you absolutely nothing useful. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been both validating and hopeful. What really stands out to me is how this community has essentially done the work that NYSDOL should be doing - providing actual troubleshooting steps and explanations for what's happening. The pattern is so clear now: their fraud detection system is broken and flagging legitimate users, which is why the cellular data + incognito + early morning timing combo works so well. I'm planning to try Anastasia's approach this Tuesday morning - cellular hotspot only (wifi completely off), all browser extensions disabled, and all my info pre-written. The success stories from Noah, Diego, and Anastasia give me real hope that I can finally get this done. It's absolutely infuriating that we need to become tech experts just to access unemployment benefits, but I'm so grateful for everyone who took the time to share what worked for them. This thread should honestly be pinned as the definitive guide for NY unemployment website issues! Thank you all for turning a frustrating situation into a collaborative problem-solving effort. 💪

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issues right now - been trying to file my new claim for over a week and keep hitting that "system unable to process request" error. It's such a relief to know it's not just me and that there are actually working solutions. I love how everyone here has basically reverse-engineered the problems with NY's unemployment system. The cellular data + incognito + early morning timing strategy seems to be the golden combination based on all the success stories. The explanation about the fraud detection system incorrectly flagging legitimate applications makes so much sense too. I'm definitely going to try the full approach this week: complete wifi shutdown, cellular hotspot only, incognito mode, all extensions disabled, and 6:30-7:00am timing. Having all my employment info written down beforehand is clearly crucial too. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and came back to report their successes - Noah, Diego, Anastasia, and others. This community support is amazing and honestly more helpful than anything from the actual NYSDOL. You've all turned a nightmare situation into something manageable with real solutions!