Need to speak with a real person at NY unemployment - is there a direct number that works?

Ugh I feel your pain!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up. I finally got through last month after calling 888-209-8124 at EXACTLY 8:01 am. not 8:00, not 8:02... literally 8:01. Then press 1, wait for the whole message, then 2, then 1 again. Still waited 37 mins but finally spoke to someone. Good luck!

After two weeks of getting nowhere with calling, I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that literally saved me. They call NY unemployment for you, wait on hold, and then call your phone when they get a live agent. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast I almost cried. Check out this video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Have you tried contacting your state representative? That's how I finally got through. I emailed my assemblyman with my claim info and they have special contacts at unemployment. Got a call back within 48 hours from someone who could actually help.

Here's what worked for me with NY unemployment - it's convoluted but it works: First, understand that the system is deliberately frustrating. They're counting on people giving up. DON'T. Trying to call them directly is usually a waste of time. Instead, I recommend a multi-pronged approach: 1) File an official complaint through the governor's office website 2) Contact your state senator AND assembly member (both, not just one) 3) If you're still not getting anywhere, use claimyr.com - they basically automate the hold process and get you connected to an actual human 4) Be ready with all your documentation when you finally reach someone 5) Ask for a supervisor if the first person can't help The first time I got through after using Claimyr, I had my issue resolved in literally 10 minutes after struggling for weeks. The agent told me it was just a simple flag on my account that needed to be removed. Don't give up, and document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, what they told you. This system is designed to exhaust you into giving up your rightful benefits.

idk if this works 4 everyone but u can try calling the fraud department at 888-598-2077 and once they answer just say u were trying to get general help with ur claim. they sometimes will transfer u to someone who can help insted of making u call the main number

The NY unemployment system is DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate. They count on people giving up so they don't have to pay benefits. It's not broken - it's working EXACTLY as they intended!!! 🤬

Am I the only one wondering how NY unemployment can be SO BAD at answering phones in 2023?? Like don't they have the technology?? My local pizza place has better customer service than a government agency responsible for helping people survive

I know this sounds weird but try reaching out on Twitter. I DMed the NYSDOL account and surprisingly got a response asking for my info to look into my claim. Someone called me the next day.

i literally had to call 73 times in one day before i got through. just kept hitting redial over and over. finally got someone around 3:30pm. the whole thing is a joke

Unpopular opinion maybe but check your spam folder in email before you go crazy calling. My account had an issue and they actually emailed me about it but it went to spam. Found it after 2 weeks of trying to reach them 🤦‍♀️

I finally got through after I sent a message through the Contact Us form on the website AND called the TTY line (even though I'm not hearing impaired). Got through in 15 minutes on the TTY line. I know it's not ideal to use resources meant for others but I was desperate after 3 weeks of trying.