Unable to reach anyone at 800-833-3000 to unlock NY.gov account since April - unemployment appeal deadline approaching

Been trying to get my NY.gov account unlocked since April. I received this message when trying to log in: "Account Update: Your NY.gov account security is our top priority. To ensure your security, your account has been selected for an additional authentication process. If you are logging in to certify for unemployment benefits, please take the following steps: 1. This week, you must certify over the phone by calling 888-581-5812 for UI benefits or 833-324-0366 for PUA benefits. You will need your social security number (SSN) and Personal Identification Number (PIN). As a reminder, you can certify for last week's benefits between Sunday and Saturday of this week. 2. To complete your NY.gov authorization process, please call our Contact Center at 800-833-3000 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After selecting your preferred language, select option 2 to be routed to an agent." I've been calling the 800-833-3000 number repeatedly since April but nobody ever answers. I've tried at different times - morning, midday, afternoon - still nothing. I can't file my unemployment appeal online because the system has completely locked me out. The message says I need to complete this "additional authentication process" but I can't get through to anyone. The deadline for my appeal is coming up fast and I'm getting desperate. The notice is dated May 16, 2024 according to the build timestamp, so it's been over a month of trying. Has anyone else dealt with this NY.gov authentication issue and found a way to actually reach a human being? Any tricks to getting past the phone menu or alternative numbers that might work? Running out of time and options here.