Struggling to reach NY unemployment agent by phone - what number actually works?

The regular number is 1-888-209-8124 but good luck getting through. Ive been trying for 2 WEEKS!!! The system is designed to keep us out. Some people say to call right when they open at 8am but even that doesnt work anymore since everyone does it.

try pressing 0 repeatedly as soon as the automated message starts. sometimes that forces the system to connect you with a rep. but honestly the whole thing is a joke.

The most reliable method I've found is to call the alternate claims number: 1-877-280-4541. This sometimes has a shorter queue. Also, try calling on Wednesday afternoons - for some reason they seem less busy then. When calling the main number, here's a sequence that sometimes works better: 1. Call 1-888-209-8124 2. Press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish) 3. Enter your PIN 4. Press 2 for claim questions 5. Press 4 for payment issues This specific path seems to route to agents who can handle most questions. The key is persistence and timing.

I was in the EXACT same situation last month - calling over and over for DAYS and never getting through!!!! So infuriating. My benefits were on hold and I needed to verify something about my work search activities. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 25 minutes. They basically keep dialing for you and then call you when they get through to a representative. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE It wasn't free but was TOTALLY worth it for me since I was about to miss rent payment waiting for my claim to be processed. Saved me days of frustration.

One thing that helped me was calling exactly at 8:00:01 am. Not 8:00, not 8:01, but literally the second they open. I set a timer on my phone synchronized with the official time. Also, Mondays and Tuesdays are the worst days to call - everyone tries then. Thursdays tend to have the lowest call volume in my experience. The key is also what number you press in the menu. If you press options related to "existing claims" or "payment issues" you may get routed differently than if you select options for "filing a new claim." Be careful though - if you select the wrong department, they'll just transfer you and you'll end up at the back of another queue.

the whole system is BROKEN and they dont care about us!!! i filed 6 weeks ago and still havent gotten a single payment. cant reach anyone to fix it. they probably hope we'll just give up and go away. my friend said she had to contact her state senator's office to get any help

Update to my earlier comment: I just checked the NYSDOL website, and they've added new information about contact options. For 2025, they're now recommending using their secure message system through your NY.gov account for certain issues instead of calling. They've categorized which problems require a phone call versus which can be handled through messaging. For payment issues, identity verification, or claim disputes, you still need to call. For general questions, work search requirements, or address changes, they prefer you use the message system. This might help reduce your frustration if your issue falls into the second category.

I've had success reaching NYSDOL by calling the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-209-8124, but timing is everything. Their stated hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday, but the secret is to call between 8:30-9:15am or 4:15-5:00pm. During these specific windows, their call distribution system appears to handle overflow differently. The average wait time during these windows is typically 15-30 minutes versus 2+ hours (or never getting through) during peak times. For benefit rate review specifically, which is what you mentioned you need, press 2 for existing claims, then 3 for benefit rate questions when prompted. This routes you to the correct department.

i got thru last week by calling the fraud department number and then asking to be transferred lol. kinda sneaky but it worked

UPDATE: Finally got through! For anyone else struggling, here's what worked: I called the main number (1-888-209-8124) at exactly 4:20pm, followed the prompts that @PracticalAdviser suggested (press 2, then 3 for benefit rate questions), and got through after a 22-minute wait. The agent was actually really helpful once I finally reached someone. They fixed my benefit rate issue on the spot. Thank you everyone for your suggestions. The timing really does make a difference!