NYSDOL Unemployment: Impossible to reach anyone, system hangs up. Faxed info but no confirmation. Any success stories?

Ugh, I feel your pain. I've been trying to get through for weeks now. It's like they're purposely making it impossible to reach anyone. Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that might help, but no luck for me so far.

I found a method that actually works to 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 explaining it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Here's what I've learned after dealing with NYSDOL for months: 1. Document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of all your calls, faxes, and attempts to contact them. 2. If you fax something, follow up with an email to their general inbox. Include your claim ID in the subject. 3. Reach out to your local state representative. Sometimes they can help push things through. 4. Use their online message system in addition to calling. Sometimes you get lucky and get a response. 5. Be persistent but polite when you do get through. The person on the other end is probably overwhelmed too. Hope this helps someone. Stay strong, we're all in this together!

Anyone else think its CRAZY that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic help? Like, we pay taxes for this service and they cant even pick up the phone? smh

Pro tip: if you're faxing docs, use an online fax service that gives you a confirmation. That way you have proof they received it. Learned this the hard way when they 'lost' my paperwork twice 🙄

Have you tried reaching out on Twitter? Sometimes their social media team is more responsive than the actual phone lines. Worth a shot!

I've heard rumors they're updating their system soon. Anyone know if thats true or just wishful thinking?