Need direct number to talk to someone about ny unemployment benefits - all lines busy for weeks

Ugh I hate to say it but there is no magic number that will get you through. The ny unemployment system is completely overwhelmed rn. I spent 2 months trying every number I could find, calling at weird hours (5:58am, right before they open), using auto-redial apps, everything.

I was in the exact same boat last month - stuck in pending review hell with no way to contact anyone. After wasting 2 weeks trying to call, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a lifesaver. They basically call for you, wait on hold, then connect you to a live agent when they pick up. I was skeptical but talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast. They also have a helpful YouTube video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The entire ny unemployment phone system is garbage. I started calling at exactly 7:59 AM when they first open and would still get the "all agents are busy" message. It's rigged I swear.

Look I know this sucks but here's the most comprehensive way to approach this problem: First, document EVERYTHING. Every call attempt, every message sent, screenshots of your pending status. Write down dates and times. Second, try reaching out to your state representative. Many have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues. Sometimes they can escalate your case internally. Third, be very specific when you do get through - whether by phone or message. "My benefits were cut off on December X with no explanation, account shows pending review, no response to 5 messages sent on dates X, Y, Z." Fourth, try the technical support line instead of the regular unemployment line. Sometimes you can get through easier and they can transfer you. If all else fails, I've seen many people have success with claimyr.com - they stay on hold for you and then connect you when a real person answers. Worth it when you've exhausted other options. Finally, check if there are any upcoming virtual unemployment assistance events hosted by community organizations. Sometimes they have direct connections to help resolve cases. Don't give up. The system is designed to frustrate you into quitting, but persistence will pay off.

have u tried calling the fraud department and pretending u need to report fraud? Sometimes they transfer u to regular agents when they realize its not a fraud issue 👀

I tried EVERYTHING to get through on the phone. Spent hoursssss on hold every day. But what finally worked was sending a Twitter DM to the official NY unemployment account. They responded in 2 days and escalated my case. Worth a shot?

This happened to me too. the "pending review" is usually a code for "identity verification" but they dont tell u that 🙄 Check if u received a DocuSign email that might have gone to spam? I missed mine and that's why my payments got held up for 2 months.

Not to be that person, but after weeks of calling and getting nowhere with ny unemployment, I broke down and paid for claimyr.com and actually got connected to someone in about 40 minutes. The agent fixed my pending issue immediately. It was the best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits paid quickly.

check ur email filters!!!!! sometimes they send important notices that go straight to spam folder. they sent me FOUR requests for additional info that went to spam, then suspended my benefits for "not responding" 😡

You might try calling the TTY/TDD line (for hearing impaired). Sometimes that line has less traffic and you can get through faster. Tell them you dialed this number by accident but need help, they'll usually still assist you.

Honestly at this point I think the NY unemployment phone system is DESIGNED to keep people from getting help. it's not broken, it's working exactly as they want it to - making it so hard that people give up and they don't have to pay claims.

Whatever you do, DO NOT answer any phone calls claiming to be from unemployment asking for your personal info to "verify your identity" to release funds. Huge scam going around right now. Real NYSDOL won't call you asking for full SSN, bank info etc.

Try calling this number: 518-555-1295. It's supposedly a regional office that sometimes has lower call volume. My friend got through last week after trying the main number for days with no luck.

FWIW, I got through by using an old trick - call, wait for the automated system, press the option for Spanish, then request an English speaker when an agent answers. The Spanish line often has shorter wait times.

when I was trying to get through to ny unemployment, I literally set up an auto-dialer app on my phone to keep calling them every 30 seconds from 8am to 4pm for THREE DAYS before I finally got through. The system is beyond broken.