New York Unemployment Okta verification not working - phones busy

I had this exact same problem last week. Try clearing your cache and cookies first, then use a different browser. Chrome worked best for me. Also make sure your phone number is entered exactly as it appears in your claim profile.

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. Used this service called claimyr.com - it calls and waits on hold then connects you to an agent when they pick up. Costs $20 but honestly worth it cause I was going crazy trying to get through. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

THE WHOLE VERIFICATION SYSTEM IS GARBAGE! Been trying for 2 weeks now. They need to fix this mess!!! 🤬

Here's what worked for me with Okta: 1) Use desktop not mobile 2) Make sure your phone is nearby for 2factor 3) If it fails, wait 24hrs before trying again - multiple attempts can lock you out 4) If still stuck, you gotta call. Use claimyr.com to get through the phones if desperate. Their auto-dialer works.

same boat here bestie. their tech is straight trash rn

Try calling right when they open at 8am. Thats how I got through eventually

I've been dealing with this Okta nightmare too! What finally worked for me was using incognito/private browsing mode and making sure I was on a stable wifi connection (not mobile data). Also double-check that your phone number in your profile matches exactly what you're using for verification - including area code format. The system is super picky about that stuff. If you're still stuck after trying the desktop browser trick, the claimyr service others mentioned actually does work - used it myself when I was desperate. Hang in there!

Same issue here! What worked for me after 3 days of frustration: 1) Use Firefox instead of Chrome (weird but it worked) 2) Disable any VPN if you're using one 3) Make sure your browser allows pop-ups from the NY DOL site 4) Try logging in during off-peak hours like 2-4pm. The Okta servers seem less overloaded then. If none of that works, you might need to call and have them reset your verification on their end. I know the phones are impossible but keep trying - early morning around 8:15am seems to be the sweet spot when you might actually get through.

Ugh I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now! Been locked out for almost a week. The Okta verification just keeps failing no matter what I try. I've called that 800 number probably 50 times and either get a busy signal or that annoying "call volume too high" message. It's like they don't want people to actually get their benefits. Has anyone found any other workarounds besides the browser tricks? This is seriously affecting my ability to certify for my weekly benefits and I'm getting really stressed about it.

I was stuck in this same Okta hell for almost 2 weeks! What finally saved me was a combination of things: cleared all cookies/cache, used Edge browser (I know, weird but it worked when Chrome and Firefox failed), made sure I was on strong wifi, and most importantly - I had to update my phone number format in my profile to match exactly how Okta expected it (with dashes like 555-123-4567 instead of just numbers). Also try logging in super early like 6:30am before the system gets overloaded. The verification texts come through faster in the morning too. If all else fails, that claimyr service people mentioned is legit - my cousin used it last month and got through to an agent same day. Hang in there, you'll get through this! 💪

Just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The Okta verification issue is so common right now. Here's what finally worked after days of trying: 1) Use Safari if you have a Mac (worked better than Chrome/Firefox for me) 2) Turn off any ad blockers or privacy extensions 3) Make sure your cookies are enabled for the NY DOL site 4) Try using your phone's hotspot instead of regular wifi - sometimes the IP routing makes a difference. The most important thing though is to make sure your phone number in your account profile is formatted EXACTLY like this: (555) 123-4567 with parentheses and dash. The system is super picky about that. If you're still stuck after all the browser tricks, honestly the claimyr service others mentioned is worth the $20 if you're desperate - I was skeptical too but it actually works. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 🤞

I'm going through the exact same Okta verification nightmare right now! Been trying for 3 days straight and getting nowhere. The phone lines are absolutely impossible - I've called probably 100 times and just get busy signals or that "high call volume" recording. Reading through everyone's solutions here and definitely going to try the Firefox/Safari browser switching and the phone number formatting tips. It's insane that we have to jump through all these hoops just to access our own benefits. Has anyone had luck with the early morning calling strategy? Thinking about setting an alarm for 6:30am to try before the system gets slammed. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with unemployment! 😤

Been struggling with this Okta issue for days too! After reading through all these suggestions, I tried using Microsoft Edge (never thought I'd be recommending Edge lol) with all extensions disabled and it actually worked! Also had to format my phone number as (xxx) xxx-xxxx in my profile - apparently the system is super picky about that format. The key things that seemed to work: 1) Different browser (Edge/Safari/Firefox) 2) Disable ALL extensions and ad blockers 3) Use incognito/private mode 4) Strong wifi or try mobile hotspot 5) Phone number formatted with parentheses and dash 6) Try during off-peak hours (early morning or mid-afternoon). If you're still stuck after trying all the browser tricks, that claimyr service people mentioned is legit - my neighbor used it and got connected to an agent in under an hour. Don't lose hope, the system is just terribly designed but you'll get through eventually! 💪