NY unemployment website keeps crashing when trying to file a new claim - help!

Its a nightmare. I had the same issue back in February. The website kept freezing right before the identity verification step. I eventually figured out it was because I was using Chrome - try Microsoft Edge (as much as it pains me to suggest it). For some reason the ny unemployment site works better there. Also try at like 3am when less people are on the site.

After struggling for weeks with the website, I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to a live agent. They basically stay on hold for you and then connect you once there's a real person on the line. Talking to an agent got my benefits unlocked so fast after weeks of being stuck in the system. They also have this helpful video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The whole NY unemployment system is designed to frustrate people into giving up. It's not a bug, it's a feature. They save millions when people abandon their claims because the process is too difficult. Been thru this twice now and it never gets better.

Try filing super early in the morning like 5am or very late at night. The system tends to have fewer issues during off-peak hours. Also clear your cookies specifically for the NY.gov domain, not just general cache clearing. Something about their site gets confused with session cookies.

Here's a complete guide on how to get past the issues with the NY unemployment website (worked for me after 2 weeks of frustration): First, try using a completely different device if possible. Their system sometimes flags IP addresses that have made multiple failed attempts. Second, clear ALL browser data including cookies, cache, and browsing history specifically for the ny.gov domain. Third, try using a wired internet connection instead of WiFi if possible - their system sometimes times out with even minor connection fluctuations. Fourth, fill out everything in one session - don't save and come back. Have all your documents ready including employment history, addresses, etc. Fifth, if the website still fails, your only option is to speak with a live agent. After days of calling, I finally used claimyr.com and got through to someone who fixed my issues in minutes. Their system basically waits on hold for you then connects you to an agent. Sixth, once you talk to someone, get their ID number and direct extension if possible. This helps if you need to follow up. Hope this helps - the system is archaic but can be beaten with persistence!

anyone else notice that the site always seems to crash right after major layoff announcements? almost like they cant handle the traffic spikes when lots of people try to file at once 🤔

Update your browser! The NYS unemployment website is not compatible with older versions of chrome/firefox/safari. I had this exact issue and updating fixed it.

yo i was in the exact same boat last month. try calling instead of doing the online thing. yeah youll be on hold 4ever but at least u wont have the system crash at the last step and lose all your info. thats what happened to me 3 times b4 i gave up on the website

I work in IT and the NY unemployment site is running on ancient technology. Their main systems were built in the 80s using COBOL and they've just been patching it ever since. It's not designed to handle modern browsers or high traffic. Best bet is to use their mobile site instead of desktop - it's a different codebase and more reliable.

Have you tried incognito mode? Sometimes the ny unemployment site gets confused by cookies from previous sessions.

Ive been dealing with the exact same issue for weeks! Found out through a friend that you can actually have a state rep help you. Call your local assembly person's office and tell them you're having trouble with your unemployment claim. They have special contacts at DOL who can help push things through. Worked for me after everything else failed.

Just wanted to echo what some people already said - claimyr.com got me through to a real person after weeks of trying. talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast, they fixed some flag on my account that was causing all the errors. the website wasn't gonna solve it no matter how many times i tried.

Turn off all browser extensions!!! This was what fixed it for me. Something about ad blockers or privacy extensions confuses their site.

Smh ny unemployment system is literally from the stone age. Two suggestions: 1) contact your state senator's office. They can sometimes help push through stuck claims. 2) If all else fails go IN PERSON to a career center. Yes you'll wait forever but they can actually help with the website issues.