NYDOL account stuck on pending for a month+ - can't reach anyone! Help!
Hey everyone, I'm in a really frustrating situation with my unemployment benefits. My account has been stuck on pending status for over a month now. I've been certifying every week like clockwork, but still no payments. The automated message just keeps saying it's pending, with no explanation why. I've tried calling at 8am sharp every single day for weeks, but I can't get through to a human. Anyone else dealing with this? Any advice on how to actually reach someone or figure out what's going on?
24 comments


Amina Diallo
Ugh, I feel your pain. I was in the same boat for like 6 weeks. It's ridiculous how hard it is to get any real info. Have you tried reaching out on social media? Sometimes they respond faster there.
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CosmicCowboy
•Thanks for the tip! I haven't tried social media yet. Which platform worked best for you?
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Amina Diallo
•Twitter was surprisingly helpful. Try tweeting @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include any personal info tho). They usually respond within a day or two.
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Oliver Schulz
•I second the Twitter suggestion. It's like they care more about their public image than actually helping ppl through normal channels 🙄
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Natasha Orlova
Have you received any letters in the mail? Sometimes they send important info that way and don't update the online system.
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Javier Cruz
omg i found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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Emma Wilson
•Sounds sketchy af. You sure this isn't a scam?
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Javier Cruz
•Nah, it's legit. I was skeptical too but I was desperate. It actually worked and I finally got my issue resolved.
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Malik Thomas
•Wait, we gotta PAY to talk to unemployment now? This system is so broken 😤
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Javier Cruz
•I know, it sucks we have to pay. But after weeks of trying, it was worth it to me. Cheaper than missing another rent payment 🤷♂️
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NeonNebula
Here's what I've learned from my hellish experience with NYDOL: 1. Keep certifying every week, even if you're not getting paid. 2. Check your spam folder religiously. Sometimes important emails end up there. 3. If you can, try to visit a local unemployment office in person. It's a pain, but sometimes it's the only way to get answers. 4. Document EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every email. You might need it later. 5. If it's been more than 3 weeks, consider contacting your local state representative. They can sometimes expedite things. 6. Double-check that all your info is correct in the system. One typo can hold everything up. 7. If you suspect identity verification is the issue, proactively upload your documents (ID, SSN card, etc.) to your account. Hang in there. The system is overwhelmed and it sucks, but persistence usually pays off eventually.
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CosmicCowboy
•Wow, thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely try contacting my rep if this goes on much longer.
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Isabella Costa
•This should be pinned at the top of the sub. Super helpful info! 💯
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Ravi Malhotra
have u tried calling right at 7:59? sometimes u can get in b4 the rush
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CosmicCowboy
•I'll give that a shot! Do you just wait on the line until 8 or keep redialing?
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Ravi Malhotra
•i usually start dialing at like 7:58 and just keep hittin redial till i get through. good luck!
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Freya Christensen
Not to be that guy, but are you sure you're eligible? I thought my claim was stuck too, but turns out I didn't qualify for some obscure reason. Might be worth double-checking all the requirements.
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CosmicCowboy
•I'm pretty sure I am, but you're right, it's worth checking again. This whole process is so confusing.
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Omar Farouk
Ive been waiting 3 months now. This is rediculous. How are we supposed to survive????
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Chloe Davis
•3 months?! That's insane. Have you tried reaching out to local news? Sometimes public pressure helps.
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Omar Farouk
•Thats actually a good idea. Might give it a shot if this keeps up. Thanks!
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AstroAlpha
Pro tip: if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling the employer line instead. Sometimes they're less busy and can still help or transfer you.
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Diego Chavez
Anyone else notice that the system always seems to "crash" right when you finally get through? I swear they do it on purpose 🤬
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Anastasia Smirnova
•Omg yes! Happened to me twice last week. I was ready to throw my phone out the window 😤
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