Need that direct NY unemployment phone number that actually works - lost my saved contact
does anybody have the actual phone number that gets through right away to NY unemployment? I had it saved but now I can't find it. Not the 1-888 number but the New York number that actually connects you to someone. My claim is showing pending for 3 weeks now and I NEED to talk to someone asap before my rent is due next week. The main line just keeps hanging up on me after the automated message :
19 comments
Join the conversation
Mikayla Brown
Try 518-485-8589. That's the direct line for claims specialists in Albany. I saved it when I had issues with my benefits calculation in January. It usually has shorter wait times, but fair warning - it still took me about 40 minutes on hold before I got through to an actual human.
0 coins
Logan Stewart
•THANK YOU!! I'll try this right now and let you know if it works
0 coins
Sean Matthews
I think the number ur looking for is 1-888-209-8124 that's the one they always tell u to call
0 coins
Logan Stewart
•No that's the regular 888 number I mentioned that doesn't work. It just disconnects me after going through all the prompts.
0 coins
Sean Matthews
•oh sorry didnt read ur whole post lol
0 coins
Ali Anderson
The direct numbers change frequently to prevent overloading specific phone lines. That's why your saved number might not work anymore. As of March 2025, these are the current options: 1. Claims Processing: 518-485-8589 (Albany office) 2. Payment Issues: 518-457-9000 (Payment processing center) 3. ID Verification: 518-626-5673 (ID verification unit) Call early in the morning (7:30-8:00am) or late afternoon (3:30-4:00pm) for shortest wait times. And make sure you have your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and employment history for the last 18 months ready before calling.
0 coins
Logan Stewart
•This is incredibly helpful! I'll set my alarm for 7:30am tomorrow and try the claims processing number. Do you know what information I should have ready when I call?
0 coins
Ali Anderson
•Have your NY.gov ID, PIN, claim confirmation number, and last 4 digits of your SSN ready. Also keep handy the dates of your initial claim filing and the last 3-4 certification weeks. They'll probably ask about your job search efforts too, so have those records available.
0 coins
Zadie Patel
None of those numbers work anymore!!! I tried ALL of them last week and either got disconnected or was on hold for 2+ hours before giving up. NY unemployment system is BROKEN in 2025 just like it was in 2024, 2023, etc. They don't want to actually help anyone!!!
0 coins
A Man D Mortal
•I got through using the 518-485-8589 number just yesterday. Had to wait about 35 minutes but finally spoke with someone who fixed my pending payment issue. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw with which agent you get.
0 coins
Declan Ramirez
Instead of spending hours trying different numbers, I used Claimyr.com last month when my benefits suddenly stopped. It's a service that gets you connected to an actual NYSDOL agent, usually within 30 minutes. Cost me a bit but was worth every penny when the agent fixed my claim on the spot and I got my back payments within 48 hours. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
0 coins
Logan Stewart
•Omg thank you for sharing this! I literally need my benefits ASAP and can't afford to wait much longer. Going to check out that video right now.
0 coins
Zadie Patel
•Another service making money off a broken system. Why should we have to PAY to access our LEGAL benefits?? This is exactly what's wrong with everything.
0 coins
Declan Ramirez
•I get the frustration, but after spending 3 weeks trying to get through on my own with no success, I was desperate. Sometimes you have to weigh the cost against how badly you need your benefits. For me it was worth it to get my $1,200 in backpay released.
0 coins
Emma Morales
i had same problem last month. whats worked for me was calling exactly at 8:01 am (not 8:00, not 8:05) and press options 1, then 5, then 2, then 1 again when prompted. got thru to someone in like 15 mins this way. good luck!!
0 coins
Logan Stewart
•Thanks for the tip! I'll try this specific sequence tomorrow morning at 8:01 exactly. Fingers crossed it works 🤞
0 coins
Logan Stewart
UPDATE: I got through!!! Used the 518-485-8589 number at exactly 7:30am and only waited 22 minutes. The agent was actually super helpful and fixed my pending payments. They said there was a "verification flag" on my account that needed to be removed. Should get all my backpay within 3 business days! Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Ali Anderson
•That's great news! Glad you got it resolved. Make sure to save that number for future reference. And if you don't see the payment post within 3 business days, call back using the same number and reference the ticket number from today's call.
0 coins
Mikayla Brown
•Awesome!! So glad it worked out for you!
0 coins