Need a working NY unemployment phone number - regular line not connecting
I've been trying to reach the NY unemployment office for THREE DAYS now about my claim issue. Every time I call 888-209-8124 it either disconnects me or puts me on hold forever until eventually hanging up. Does anyone know an alternative number that actually works? Or maybe a direct line to a specific department? I need to talk to someone ASAP about my payment that's been pending for almost 2 weeks!
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Charity Cohan
try calling RIGHT when they open at 8am. thats when i finally got through after trying for a week.
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Jean Claude
•I tried that yesterday and still got the automated system saying 'high call volume' and then it hung up on me... Did you use the same number or a different one?
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Josef Tearle
The 888-209-8124 is actually the only official customer service number for NY Unemployment claims. But here are some helpful alternatives depending on your specific issue: - Technical account issues: 800-833-3000 - Payment method questions: 855-284-0430 (Direct deposit/debit card issues) - Employer-related questions: 888-899-8810 Make sure you have your NY.gov ID and PIN ready when you call. Also, try calling Tuesday-Thursday as Mondays and Fridays tend to be the busiest days.
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Jean Claude
•Thank you!! I'll try the 855 number since my issue is about a pending payment. Really appreciate this!
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Shelby Bauman
•i've been using unemployment for 5 years on and off and these numbers actually change sometimes so just be careful... the main one is always right tho
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Quinn Herbert
I was in the same situation last month - literally couldn't get through for DAYS. I finally used Claimyr.com after someone on this forum recommended it. It basically calls for you and gets you in the queue before connecting you. Worked perfectly and I spoke to someone within 25 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE that shows how it works. Honestly, it was worth it to solve my missing payment issue instead of wasting more days trying to call myself.
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Jean Claude
•I've never heard of this before! Just watched the video - looks legit. Did they actually get you through to a real agent?
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Quinn Herbert
•Yes, definitely got connected to a real agent who fixed my issue. The system just does the calling and waiting part for you, then rings your phone when an agent is ready to talk. Saved me so much frustration.
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Salim Nasir
The DOL is USELESS when it comes to answering phones!!!! I spent 6 weeks trying to get through last year and ended up having to contact my state assemblymen's office for help. You might want to try that if your issue is serious enough.
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Jean Claude
•Oh wow, I didn't know you could do that. My issue is pretty urgent so that might be a good backup option. Thanks!
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Hazel Garcia
Another option is to use the message feature in your online account. Go to your NY.gov ID account, log in to unemployment services, and look for the secure message option. Sometimes they respond within 2-3 business days. Make sure your message includes: - Your full name as it appears on your claim - Last 4 of SSN - Phone number - Best time to call you - Detailed description of your issue I've had success with this approach when I couldn't get through by phone.
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Jean Claude
•I tried sending a message about 4 days ago and still nothing 😕 But maybe I should try again with the format you suggested. Thanks!
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Shelby Bauman
dont waste ur time with all that. just go down to the career center in person. they can help with most unemployment stuff and the lines are way shorter than over the phone
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Hazel Garcia
•This isn't entirely accurate. Career centers can help with job search assistance, but for specific claim issues, payment problems, or appeals, you still need to speak with a DOL unemployment insurance representative. Career centers don't have direct access to modify claims or resolve payment issues.
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Laila Fury
I work with unemployment claims regularly, and here's what I tell my clients: call the main number (888-209-8124) on Wednesday or Thursday between 1:30-3:30pm. Many people call first thing in the morning, but afternoon mid-week tends to have shorter wait times. Also, when you get the automated system: 1. Select your language 2. Enter your PIN when prompted 3. When given options, select "existing claim" 4. Then select "speak to an agent" Don't select the option about payment issues as that route often has longer queues. The general agent can transfer you to the right department once you're connected.
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Jean Claude
•This is super helpful! I've been selecting the payment issue option - maybe that's why I can't get through. I'll try your suggestion tomorrow afternoon.
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Charity Cohan
has anyone tried the callback feature? i heard they were testing it in some areas
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Salim Nasir
•That feature is NEVER offered to me!!! I think it's a myth or maybe only for certain types of claims because I've called hundreds of times and never once got the option for a callback!
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Quinn Herbert
Just checking back - did you manage to get through? I'm curious if any of these suggestions worked for you.
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Jean Claude
•I actually ended up using that Claimyr service you mentioned and got through within 30 minutes! My issue is now resolved - turns out there was a verification flag on my account that needed to be cleared. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
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