Need a direct number to reach NY unemployment - tired of the endless 888-209 loop

I feel your pain. NY unemployment is a complete disaster. Was in the same position last year and couldnt get a human for weeks. It's crazy how they expect people to survive while they have us jumping through hoops.

After struggling for weeks trying to reach NY unemployment (and almost giving up), I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a live agent! They basically wait on hold for you and call when an agent picks up. Talking to an agent got my benefits unlocked in one day after being stuck for over a month! It was the only way I could talk to a live agent after trying for weeks on my own. Check out this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Try calling right when they open at 8am. That's the only time I've ever gotten through. And make sure it's early in the week - Mondays and Tuesdays seem better than later days.

No direct number exists that I know of. They deliberately make it hard to reach them. I tried emailing through the contact form on the website and surprisingly got a response after 2 weeks. Not fast but at least something. Maybe try that too?

I had the same issue for months!!! ny unemployment is the WORST. What finally worked for me was contacting my state representative. Their office has special contacts at NYSDOL and can escalate your case. Google your district rep and call their office - they helped me break through the wall of silence.

This is going to sound weird but try calling and selecting the Spanish language option. Then when you get a person just explain you hit the wrong button. I've gotten through faster this way several times. Not always but worth a shot.

OMG I LITERALLY JUST SOLVED THIS SAME PROBLEM YESTERDAY. Here's what you need to do to get through to NY unemployment: First, stop using the main number during peak hours. They're completely overwhelmed. Your best bet is to call at unusual times - I got through at 7:58am right before they officially open at 8am. Second, when you do call, have all your info ready - claim ID, last 4 of SSN, employment history dates. They'll ask for all this and if you're scrambling to find it, you might lose your spot. Third, if you still can't get through, use Claimyr.com - it's a service that waits on hold for you and calls when they get a human. I was skeptical but talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast after weeks of frustration. Fourth, while waiting for all this to work, also email your state assembly person AND state senator. They have special contacts at NYSDOL. Send them your claim number, contact info, and a brief explanation. Fifth, document EVERYTHING. Every call, every attempt, every email. If you end up needing to appeal anything, this documentation helps. Good luck! The system is broken but with persistence you'll get through!

I heard if you keep pressing 0 repeatedly it will eventually connect you to a rep. Haven't tried it myself though.

Same boat! Been trying for weeks. The system is designed to make us give up. Stay strong and keep trying, thats all I can say.

The trick is to call on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 1:30-2:30pm. For some reason that's when the wait times are lower. Avoid Mondays like the plague - everyone calls on Monday.

Have you tried reaching out on Twitter? Sometimes publicly calling them out gets attention. Tag @NYSLabor in a tweet describing your situation.

So frustrating! What fixed my issue was connecting with a live agent through claimyr.com after weeks of trying on my own. They call and wait on hold for you, then connect you when they get a human. It was the only thing that helped me finally get my account unlocked.