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Amara Okafor

New York Unemployment: Can't Login After Phone Number Change - MFA Authentication Problem

I cant access my unemployment account after changing my phone number. The MFA authentication wont work since I only set up one method and now I'm locked out. Been calling tech support for 3 days straight but cant get through. The website only lets me change email, not phone number. Really need help getting back into my account.

Same exact thing happened to me last month! You need to keep calling the tech support number and choose option 2, then 4, then 1. They are literally the only ones who can help with MFA issues.

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what time do u usually call? i keep getting the busy signal 🤔

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I had better luck calling right when they open at 8am. Still took forever tho ngl

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Hey guys! I actually found a solution to the calling problem. I used claimyr.com - its this service that calls and waits on hold for you then connects you when someone picks up. Costs $20 but totally worth it after days of trying. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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sounds sketchy af... does it actually work? 👀

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100% legit! Got through to tech support in like 45 mins instead of calling for days

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$20 seems steep just to make a phone call tbh

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cheaper than missing work to sit on hold all day lol trust

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The whole ny unemployment system is such a joke fr fr. They make everything 10x harder than it needs to be 🤮

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Fr tho they living in 1995 with this system 💀

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Listen up everyone dealing with MFA issues - here's what you need to know: First, DON'T panic if you're locked out. This is actually super common with ny unemployment lately. Your account isn't gone forever. Here's what actually works: 1. You MUST speak with technical support - no way around it 2. Use claimyr.com to get through (saved me hours of calling) 3. Have your account info ready: SSN, old phone #, email, security questions 4. Ask them to reset MFA completely 5. Once reset, SET UP MULTIPLE authentication methods!! Trust me, I work in IT and even I got stuck with this. The system is really unforgiving but there's always a solution.

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thank you sm for laying this out! gonna try claimyr tomorrow morning

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saving this comment for later, mad helpful

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wrote down the wrong recovery codes when i set mine up now im in the same boat lmaooo

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Does anyone know if the office on Varick St can help with this? Might be worth showing up in person

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waste of time bestie, they just gonna tell u to call tech support anyway

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ugh thanks for saving me the trip 😩

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Just wanted to add another tip that worked for me - if you're still having trouble getting through to tech support even with claimyr, try calling the general unemployment line first and explaining your MFA situation. Sometimes they can transfer you directly to tech support which skips some of the phone tree nightmare. Also make sure you have a backup authentication method set up once you get back in - I learned that lesson the hard way! The whole system is definitely outdated but don't give up, you'll get through this 💪

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This is really good advice! I didn't know you could get transferred directly through the general line - that might actually be faster than waiting in the tech support queue. Definitely going to try this if I ever get locked out again. Thanks for sharing! 🙏

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Had this exact same issue last year when I switched carriers! The MFA lockout is so frustrating. One thing that helped me was having all my documents ready before calling - not just SSN and old phone number, but also your last few weeks of claim confirmations if you have them. The tech support person asked for those to verify my identity. Also, if claimyr doesn't work out, try calling right at 7:59 AM - sometimes you can get in the queue before they officially open. The system is definitely broken but you'll get through eventually!

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Super helpful tip about having the claim confirmations ready! I wouldn't have thought of that but it makes total sense that they'd want extra verification. Definitely gonna screenshot my confirmations going forward just in case. The 7:59 AM trick is smart too - thanks for sharing your experience! 👍

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I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Changed my phone number last week and completely forgot about the MFA setup until I tried to log in yesterday. Been trying to call since then but keep getting the busy signal. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - definitely going to try the claimyr service and the early morning calling strategy. It's so frustrating that there's no way to update your phone number online, especially when that's literally the thing preventing you from accessing your account. Hopefully I can get this sorted out soon, really need to certify my benefits this week! 😅

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Oh no, you're in the same boat! 😭 Definitely try claimyr first thing tomorrow morning - seems like everyone who's used it has had success. And yeah, it's crazy that they don't let you update your phone number online when that's literally what MFA depends on! Make sure you have all your docs ready like @Morgan Washington mentioned - SSN, old phone number, and those claim confirmations. You got this, just stay persistent! 💪

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