Need alternative NY unemployment phone numbers - 888-209-8124 not answering for months

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8:00am? That used to work for me last year, but lately it's been impossible to get through on any number. I finally got desperate and used Claimyr.com after seeing someone mention it here. It's a service that basically calls for you and gets you in the queue for a callback from an actual agent. Worked for me after weeks of trying on my own. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You can try these alternative numbers that sometimes work: - 888-783-1370 (specialized claims) - 855-528-5618 (appeals department - sometimes they can transfer you) - 888-209-8124 but press different options than usual (try 2, then 1, then 2) Also, send a secure message through your NY.gov account and specifically request a callback. Include your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and best times to reach you. They're required to respond within 72 hours.

me too!! been calling for WEEKS!!! system is totally broken!

I had same problem tryin to get thru. The trick is to call exactly at 7:58am (not 8:00 when everyone else calls). Also try Wed or Thursday, less call volume than Monday/Tuesday.

I'm a former NYSDOL employee. Here's what's actually happening: The phone system can only handle a certain number of calls in queue, and it's reaching capacity almost immediately each day. The internal metric is to try to keep hold times under 2 hours, which means they limit how many calls can even enter the queue. Your best options are: 1. Call at 7:55am exactly and be in the first wave 2. Try Thursday afternoons around 3:15-4:00pm when call volume typically dips 3. Send a message through your online account AND email labor.sm.unemployment@labor.ny.gov with your claim number and callback request 4. Contact your state representative's office - they have dedicated channels to unemployment office If your claim has been pending for over 45 days, you can file a complaint with the NY Department of Labor Advocate's office at 855-528-5618.

Has anyone had any luck contacting them through social media? I've been messaging them on Twitter and Facebook with no response either. This is so frustrating!

Did you try that Claimyr service I mentioned? Just curious if it worked for you. It saved me a ton of frustration after weeks of trying to get through.

I HATE that stupid 888 number!!! Been trying since JANUARY!!! The whole system is designed to make us give up. Three months of MY MONEY sitting in their account while I can't pay rent. CRIMINAL!!!

Just to follow up - if you're having a true financial hardship (eviction notice, utility shutoff, etc.), mention this specifically in your messages and calls. There's an expedited hardship process, but you have to explicitly request it. Use the phrase "economic hardship expedite request" in your communications.

My cousin works for a different NY state agency and she says if u call the governors office and complain they sometimes fastrack ur case

Update on my earlier advice: The phone lines are experiencing higher than normal volume due to the new system implementation in 2025. The best approach currently is a combination strategy: 1. Start with the direct outreach methods I suggested 2. If no response within 3 business days, contact your local state representative 3. While waiting, ensure your NY.gov account is fully up to date with current contact information 4. Submit any pending documentation they might be waiting for Many pending claims from February are part of a specific processing backlog related to the system transition. They're working through them chronologically, which is why being proactive about getting your claim flagged is important.

did anyone actualy get thru using these other numbers??

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through!!! Used a combination of the advice here. Called the appeals number at 7:56am, mentioned the "economic hardship expedite request" specifically, and they transferred me to someone who could help! My claim was stuck because of a verification issue with my last employer. They're releasing the payments within 3-5 business days. THANK YOU all for the help - would still be stuck without these tips!