NY Unemployment Account Locked Since COVID - Can't Reach Anyone at 800-833-3000 to Complete Required Authentication Process

Same exact problem here! Called that 800 number like 50 times, either get hung up on or waiting forever. This is ridiculous fr 🤮

Found a solution that actually works! Used this service called claimyr.com that calls and waits on hold for you then connects you when theres an agent. Costs $20 but totally worth it after weeks of trying. Check out their video here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Major tip: When you call don't press anything for language choice, just wait. Sometimes it puts you through to a different queue thats shorter.

Let me break this down for everyone dealing with locked accounts: 1. First, yes you can keep certifying by phone while locked out - important to keep doing this 2. The authentication issue usually happens because of suspicious IP activity or multiple login attempts 3. Best ways to get through: - Use claimyr.com to get past the hold times (costs $ but works) - Call exactly at 8:30 AM - Try the Spanish line then ask for English - Contact your state representative I work in IT and dealt with this myself. The system is overwhelmed but these methods actually work. Good luck everyone!

emailed my assemblyman last week about this, still waiting to hear back :/

pro tip: if u got twitter try messaging @NYSLabor sometimes they respond faster there

Been dealing with this exact same issue for over a year now! Finally got through last month using a combination of strategies. Here's what worked for me: 1. Called at exactly 8:30 AM on a Tuesday (seems like Mondays and Fridays are the worst) 2. When the automated system picks up, I pressed 0 repeatedly before selecting language - sometimes this bypasses the main menu 3. Had my SSN, PIN, and account details ready to go The agent was actually super helpful once I got through. Turns out my account was flagged because I moved during COVID and they needed to verify my new address. Whole process took like 10 minutes once connected. For anyone still stuck - don't give up! It's frustrating but you will eventually get through. Also make sure you're calling the right number (800-833-3000) and not the certification line by mistake. I wasted weeks calling the wrong number 🤦‍♂️ Hope this helps someone avoid the headache I went through!

Had this same nightmare for 8 months! What finally worked was calling the Spanish line first (even though I don't speak Spanish) - press 2 for Spanish when prompted, then when someone picks up just say "English please" and they transfer you to an English-speaking agent. The Spanish queue seems way shorter. Got through in 20 minutes vs never getting through on the English line. Worth a shot if you're desperate like I was!