New York Unemployment: Changed phone number, can't get authentication code, need help updating info

Same thing happened to me last month. You have to call them to verify your identity and update the phone number. No way around it unfortunately.

I found a way to get through to them! Used this site called claimyr.com that calls and stays on hold for you, then connects you when someone picks up. Costs $20 but worth it imo. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The authentication system is such a joke. They make everything 10x harder than it needs to be fr fr

Make sure you have your SSN, DOB, and old phone number ready when you call. They'll ask for all that to verify its really you

ProTip: call right when they open at 8am. The hold times are way shorter early in the morning

Detailed guide for fixing authentication issues: 1. First try calling 888-209-8124. Have your personal info ready (SSN, DOB, address, old phone) 2. If regular phone method isn't working, use claimyr.com to get through. It costs a bit but guarantees you'll talk to someone. 3. Once connected, ask specifically for the authentication team. Regular agents sometimes can't help with this. 4. They'll verify your identity then update your contact info in the system. 5. You'll need to set up 2FA again with your new number. The whole process takes about 30 mins once you get someone on the phone. Good luck!

Had this exact same issue a few weeks ago! The phone system is definitely the only way to fix it. Just wanted to add that you can also try calling 833-910-2469 which is their tech support line - sometimes has shorter wait times than the main number. Make sure to press 0 to get to a human agent instead of going through all the automated menus. They were able to update my phone number and reset my 2FA in about 15 minutes once I got through.

Just went through this nightmare last week! Another tip that worked for me - if you can't get through on the phone lines, try going to your local career center/one-stop office in person. They have a direct line to the DOL and can sometimes help with account issues like this. I went to mine in Albany and they got me connected to someone within 20 minutes. Way better than sitting on hold for hours! You'll still need all your ID info but at least you have someone helping advocate for you.

Been dealing with this same issue for weeks! Just want to add that if you're having trouble getting through to anyone, you can also try reaching out through their Twitter @NYSLabor - they actually respond pretty quickly there and can sometimes escalate your case or give you a direct number to call. I DMed them my situation and they got back to me within a few hours with specific instructions. Worth a shot if the phone lines aren't working out! Also make sure you have a backup email on your account if possible, sometimes they can send you a temporary reset link that way.

Just wanted to share another option that worked for me - if you have any paperwork from when you first filed (like your initial claim confirmation or benefit determination letter), those documents usually have a different customer service number that goes straight to account specialists. I found an old letter in my files with the number 518-457-2518 and they were able to help me update my phone number without the crazy wait times. Also, if you're really stuck, you can file a complaint with the NY State Department of Labor's complaint system online - they have to respond to formal complaints within a certain timeframe and it might get your case escalated faster. Hope this helps someone avoid the phone queue hell! 🙏

Ugh I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Changed my number last month and of course didn't think to update it in my unemployment account first 🤦‍♂️ Now I'm completely locked out. Thanks everyone for all these different options - gonna try that tech support line 833-910-2469 first since someone said it has shorter wait times, then maybe hit up Twitter if that doesn't work. Really appreciate all the detailed advice here, this thread is a lifesaver! Will report back if I find any other tricks that work.

Just dealt with this last month! Pro tip that saved me - if you're getting nowhere with the regular numbers, try calling during lunch hour (12-1pm). I know it sounds backwards but I think fewer people call then and I got through in like 30 minutes. Also bring a fully charged phone/power bank because even when they say "we'll call you back" they usually don't and you have to start over. The agent who helped me said to always ask for a case number when they update your info so you can reference it if something goes wrong again. Really wish they'd just let you update this stuff online like every other website in 2025 🙄

Just wanted to add another option that might help - if you have a local state senator or assembly member's office, they sometimes have constituent services that can help with DOL issues. I reached out to my assembly member's office when I was stuck in phone queue hell and they actually contacted the DOL directly on my behalf. Got my phone number updated within 48 hours! You can usually find your representatives on the NY State website by entering your address. It's worth a shot if you're not having luck with the other methods. They deal with this stuff all the time and know which strings to pull.