Need NY unemployment phone number shortcut - lost screenshot on how to reach a real person

I was in the same boat last month! After wasting hours on hold, I finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an NYSDOL agent in less than 30 minutes. They basically keep calling for you until they get through, then connect you. I was skeptical but it seriously worked - check out their demo at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE or just go to claimyr.com. Saved me from pulling my hair out after trying for 2 weeks on my own.

Thanks, but is there a free way? I'm already broke from waiting on these payments 😥

Here's the general sequence for NY unemployment: \n1. Call the main number 1-888-209-8124\n2. Press 1 for English (or appropriate language)\n3. Enter your PIN when prompted\n4. Press 2 for claim questions\n5. Press 1 for existing claim issues\n6. Press 2 for payment inquiries\n7. Stay on the line even if it says high call volume\n\nThe trick is to call precisely at 8:00am when they open or around 3:30pm when call volume tends to drop. Monday and Tuesday are their busiest days, so try Wednesday-Friday if possible.

Thank you so much!! I'll try this sequence tomorrow morning right at 8am. Really appreciate the detailed steps.

those steps dont always work. sometimes the system just hangs up on you anyway if too many ppl are calling. its ridiculous

TRUE THAT!!!! I've been calling for THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT and haven't gotten through ONCE!!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep us out!! 😡😡😡

I've been calling NY unemployment for 2 months about my claim issues and I think i've tried every possible combination of buttons. The only thing that's worked is calling exactly at 7:58am and waiting until the system opens at 8. Even then it took me 3 tries but I finally got through last Thursday.\n\nAlso make sure you have all your info ready before you call - claim ID, last 4 of SSN, your exact work history dates, and any determination numbers they sent you. They won't help without ALL of that information and then you've wasted your time getting through.

this is good advice. i finally got thru last week and then realized i didnt have my determination letter number and they couldnt help me lol. had to start all over again smh

Have you tried their online message system? Sometimes that works faster than calling. Go to your online account, click on Messages, then Compose New. Be super specific about your issue. It's not instant but I got a callback within 4 days which beat spending hours on the phone.

I've sent 2 messages already with no response. It's been 9 days since the first one. That's why I'm trying to call now - starting to get really worried about my rent.

The phone system changed last month. Here's what works now:\n\n1. Call 1-888-209-8124\n2. Language selection\n3. Enter SSN and PIN\n4. Press 1 for claimant services\n5. Press 3 for payment issues\n6. Press 9 to speak to a representative\n\nThey added that direct line to a rep after so many complaints. But you might still wait 2+ hours. Best time to call is Tuesday or Wednesday around 10:30am. Their morning rush ends then but before lunch shifts start. Good luck!

Omg thank you for the updated sequence! I bet I've been using outdated instructions. Will try this tomorrow at 10:30!

Just an update - I called using the method from @profile2 and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The agent was actually really helpful and fixed my payment issue while I was on the phone. Turns out there was a system flag on my account that needed manual clearance. My back payments should arrive within 3 business days!

Nice! Glad you got through. Don't be surprised if it takes 4-5 business days though. Their

One more tip if you're still struggling to get through - when the automated system asks why you're calling, clearly say

This NEVER works for me! The system just ignores what I say and goes back to the same stupid menu no matter what I try!! 🤬