New York Unemployment Office Locations That Are Actually Open - Need In-Person Help

Tried the same office last week, total waste of time. Most offices are still closed to walk-ins since covid. They say to call but its impossible to get through 🤡

I actually found a way to get through on the phone! Used this service called claimyr.com that calls and waits on hold, then connects you when a real person picks up. Costs $20 but worth every penny tbh. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The Manhattan office on Varick Street is sometimes open but you need an appointment. Call your state assembly person, they can sometimes help get you one

Look, here's what you need to know about NY unemployment offices rn: - Most physical locations remain closed to walk-ins - Phone is your best bet but its overwhelmed - Use claimyr.com to get through on the phone (costs $ but works) - Contact your state assembly person for help - Try the virtual appointments on the website - Email them through the message portal AND your assembly person Dont waste time going to offices, they'll just turn you away. The system is backed up but there are ways through. Document everything and keep trying different channels.

bruh they got us running around like 🤡 when everything could be handled online smh

Anyone try the Queens location? Heard rumors its open

@Nia Thompson I feel your pain! Same situation here - been trying to get help for weeks. Based on what everyone's saying, here's what I'm gonna try: 1) Contact my assembly person first thing Monday (seems like the most reliable option), 2) Try that claimyr service if the assembly person route doesn't work quickly, and 3) Keep checking the online portal for virtual appointments. Thanks everyone for the real advice instead of the usual "just keep calling" BS 🙏

@Nia Thompson have you tried the online virtual queue system? I know it's not ideal but I managed to get a virtual appointment last month after checking every morning at 8am for about a week. They release new slots sporadically. Also seconding what everyone said about assembly reps - mine (district 52 in Brooklyn) actually responded within 24 hours and got me connected to a caseworker. Way faster than any other method I tried. Don't give up, the system is trash but there are ways through! 💪

@Nia Thompson I just went through this exact nightmare last month! Here's what actually worked for me: Called my assembly rep (you can find yours at nyassembly.gov by entering your address) and they had someone from DOL call me back within 3 days. Also try logging into the DOL website super early - like 6:30am - I've noticed way less traffic then and was able to submit messages that actually got responses. The Brooklyn Schermerhorn office has been closed since 2022 btw, they just never updated their website 🙄 Hang in there, it's frustrating but you'll get through eventually!

@Nia Thompson I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just wanted to add that I found out there's also a "callback" feature buried in the DOL website where you can request them to call you back within 48-72 hours. It's under "Contact Us" then "Request a Callback" - not super obvious but I got a call back in 2 days when I couldn't get through the regular line for weeks. Also if you're in Brooklyn, try reaching out to Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon's office (District 52) - her staff has been super helpful with DOL issues according to my neighbor. This whole system is beyond broken but at least we're all helping each other figure it out! 💪

@Nia Thompson I just went through this exact same frustration a few weeks ago! Here's what finally worked for me: I called my assembly member's office (you can find yours by putting your address into nyassembly.gov) and they got me a callback from DOL within 48 hours. Also try the online message center super early in the morning around 6-7am when there's less traffic - I actually got responses that way. The physical offices are basically useless right now except for scheduled appointments. Don't waste your time going in person, focus on the assembly rep route and early morning online attempts. The system is completely broken but these workarounds actually get results! Hang in there 🙏

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been lurking here dealing with the same nightmare! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. I've been trying the regular phone line for over a month with zero success. Definitely gonna try the assembly rep route first thing Monday - seems like that's the most consistent success story here. Also setting my alarm for 6:30am to try the online portal when traffic is low. Really appreciate everyone sharing actual solutions instead of just venting (though the venting is totally justified lol). This community has been more helpful than any official government resource. Will report back if any of these methods work for me! 🤞