New York Unemployment: Should I file online or by phone? Need advice

100% file online. The phone system is a complete nightmare rn and youll be stuck listening to that stupid hold music forever. The website is pretty straightforward just make sure you have all your work history and documents ready before you start.

If you absolutely need to call them, use claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold for you and call when an agent picks up. Costs $20 but saved me hours of hold time. Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

File online at 7:30am when the system resets. Way less traffic and glitches then. Learned this the hard way after trying during peak hours for 3 days straight 🤦‍♀️

Bruh the phone line is straight up TRASH. Was on hold for 4 hours yesterday and then they hung up on me 🤮 do yourself a favor and file online

Online but heres the thing - make sure u document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of your confirmation numbers and save any emails they send you. Trust me on this one

I tried both ways and here's what I learned: Online is definitely faster BUT if you have any special circumstances (like working out of state or multiple employers) you might need to talk to someone eventually. Start with online filing and only call if you absolutely have to.

Thanks everyone! This is super helpful. I'll definitely go with online filing and try to do it early in the morning like @Amina suggested. Good to know about documenting everything too - I'll make sure to screenshot everything just in case. Really appreciate all the advice!