Need to talk to a real person at NY unemployment - what's the best number?

Good luck getting through 🙄 I've been trying for over 2 months and haven't spoken to a single real person. The system is completely broken.

I finally got through after weeks of trying! Used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that kept calling for me and then connected me with a live agent when they picked up. Best money I've spent in a while - got my issues fixed in one call and my payments started coming 2 days later. There's a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The trick is to call right when they open at 8AM. I finally got through that way after trying for weeks in the afternoon. Still had to wait on hold for 1.5 hours, but at least I eventually spoke to someone.

Try reaching out to your state representative or senator's office. That's what finally worked for me after 6 weeks of getting nowhere. Their staff can escalate your case with a direct contact at unemployment.

Here's what worked for me after 2 months of nothing: First, document everything. Dates you called, times, what the automated system said, screenshots of your claim status. Then, try these approaches (in order of effectiveness): 1. Use claimyr.com - it's a service that waits on hold for you and connects you when a real person picks up. Worked like a charm for me. 2. Contact your state assembly person or senator - they have special contacts at the DOL and can often get things moving. 3. Try calling the alternate line at 888-209-8124 but press options for employers or tax questions instead of benefits. Sometimes those departments have shorter hold times and can transfer you. 4. Email your documentation to the commissioner's office (found on the NYSDOL website) with a clear, polite explanation of your situation. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don't give up! Once I finally got through, they fixed my issues and released all my backpay in 24 hours.

The entire NY unemployment system is a disaster on purpose. They make it impossible to reach anyone hoping people will just give up. I'm convinced its by design to save money.

Try this trick: when you call the main number, instead of selecting options for claimant services, choose the fraud department or employer services options. Those queues are usually shorter and then ask to be transferred once you get someone.

I know people hate facebook but try messaging NYS DOL on their FB page. Surprisingly, I got a response within a day and they escalated my claim.

After trying everything else, I finally broke down and used that Claimyr service (claimyr.com) that ppl keep mentioning on here. Not gonna lie, was skeptical AF but it actually connected me to an agent in about 90 min. My claim had been stuck for 2 months and they fixed it during that one call. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human being to get things sorted.

Has anyone tried contacting them through Twitter? I've heard some people have gotten responses that way.

Pro tip: call the TTY/TDD number even if you don't need those services. The wait times are much shorter.

I work at a nonprofit that helps people with unemployment issues. The BEST method right now is definitely reaching out to your local representative. They can escalate your case directly. Find your NY state assembly person here: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

dude ive been callin for MONTHS. literal months. u think they care? nope. system is designed to make us give up. good luck tho fr

I got through last week after using Claimyr. My sister told me about it after seeing it on here. They kept calling for me and when someone finally answered, they connected me right away. Fixed all my issues in one call - payments started 2 days later. claimyr.com saved my sanity.

Anyone else notice if you call at weird hours like 4:30 PM you sometimes have better luck? Everyone calls first thing in the morning or at lunch but mid-afternoon seems to have shorter waits sometimes.

If you have a complex issue, I highly recommend documenting EVERYTHING and preparing exactly what you're going to say before you call. When I finally got through, I had about 3 minutes to explain my situation before they helped me.