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!

Wow, thanks for the update Miguel! This gives me hope. I've been stuck in the same situation for weeks now - my claim shows as "under review" and I can't get any information about what's holding it up. Going to try that exact timing and menu sequence tomorrow. It's crazy that we have to strategize like this just to reach our own state agency, but I'm grateful for everyone sharing what actually works. The system is definitely broken but at least we're helping each other navigate it.

I've been following this thread closely and wanted to share another strategy that worked for me last month. If you're still having trouble with the main lines, try calling the employer services number at 1-518-457-2635 and explain that you need to speak with someone about your claim status. Sometimes they can help directly or transfer you to the right department without going through the main queue. Also, I discovered that if you call and get the "all representatives are busy" message, don't hang up immediately. Stay on the line for at least 5-7 minutes - sometimes the system will suddenly connect you to a callback queue where they'll call you back within a few hours instead of making you wait on hold. Not guaranteed but has worked for me twice. For those still struggling: document every call attempt with date/time. If you end up having to contact your state representative's office (which several people mentioned), having this log shows you've made a good faith effort to resolve it through normal channels first.

I just wanted to add another tip that helped me get through last week - if you have a smartphone, try using a calling app like Google Voice or Skype instead of your regular phone line. For some reason, I had better luck getting connected when calling from a different number/service. Also, if you're calling from a landline, that sometimes works better than cell phones because the connection quality is more stable. One more thing - when you do get through to an agent, be super polite and patient even though you're frustrated. I've noticed they're more willing to spend extra time helping you resolve complex issues if you acknowledge how busy they are. Remember, they're dealing with hundreds of angry callers every day, so a little kindness goes a long way. Hang in there everyone - the system is definitely broken but these strategies do work if you're persistent!

I've been lurking on this thread for a while and finally got through today using a combination of everyone's advice! Called at 4:25pm using the main number, followed the menu sequence (2 then 3), and got connected after about 18 minutes. The agent was incredibly helpful and resolved my payment delay issue immediately. What I want to add is this: if you're calling about a payment that's late or missing, have your direct deposit information ready to verify. Apparently there's been issues with some bank routing numbers recently and they can fix it on the spot if that's the problem. Also, if your claim shows "pending" for more than 2 weeks, that usually means there's a verification issue that requires speaking to someone - the online system won't clear it automatically. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. This thread was more helpful than anything I found on the official website. The persistence really does pay off, and the timing strategies definitely work. Don't give up!

I just wanted to share my recent success story and add a few more tips that helped me! After reading through all these strategies, I finally got through yesterday at 4:18pm using the main number. The key was calling during that 4:15-5:00pm window that Paolo mentioned - it really does work! Here's what made the difference for me: I prepared everything beforehand (PIN, SSN, direct deposit info, specific questions written down) so I wouldn't waste time once connected. The agent helped me resolve a benefit calculation error that had been holding up my payments for 3 weeks. One thing I learned - if your issue involves missing wages from a previous employer, make sure you have your pay stubs or W-2 ready. They can update your wage information during the call which might increase your benefit amount. For anyone still struggling: don't lose hope! The system is absolutely broken and frustrating, but these community strategies actually work. The timing really is everything. Also, once you do get through, ask the agent if there are any other issues with your claim that might cause future delays - they can often spot and fix multiple problems in one call. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. This thread saved my sanity!

Just want to echo what everyone is saying about the timing being crucial! I had been calling randomly throughout the day for weeks with zero success. After reading this thread, I tried calling at exactly 4:22pm yesterday using the main number (1-888-209-8124) and followed the menu sequence: press 2 for existing claims, then 3 for benefit rate questions. Got through after only 12 minutes on hold! The agent was super helpful and cleared up a work search requirement issue that had been flagging my weekly certifications. She also confirmed that my direct deposit info was correct and explained why there had been a delay in my payments (apparently they're manually reviewing claims with certain employer types right now). One additional tip: when you're on hold, don't put your phone on speaker or use bluetooth headphones. The agent told me that sometimes the system drops calls when it detects audio quality issues. Use your regular phone connection and keep the volume at a normal level. For anyone still trying - this community's advice really works! The 4:15-5:00pm window seems to be the sweet spot, and having all your info ready beforehand makes a huge difference once you get connected. Don't give up!

I've been following this thread closely and just wanted to add my experience from this week. After trying the various strategies mentioned here, I finally got through on Wednesday at 4:28pm using the main number. The 4:15-5:00pm window really is the key! One thing I learned that might help others: if you've been unemployed for more than 26 weeks, there are additional federal extension programs that might apply to your case, but they require manual review. The agent told me many people don't realize they may be eligible for extended benefits and just assume their claim has expired. Also, if you're self-employed or worked as an independent contractor, make sure you have your 1099 forms ready when you call. There's been a lot of confusion about PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) eligibility that they can clarify during your call. The most important thing I learned: be very specific about your issue when you first speak to the agent. Don't just say "I haven't received payments" - say exactly how many weeks, what your claim status shows online, and when the problem started. This helps them route you to the right specialist if needed. Thanks to everyone who shared their tips here. This community support has been invaluable in navigating this frustrating system!

I've been reading through all these success stories and finally decided to try the strategies myself. Called today at 4:17pm using the main number (1-888-209-8124), pressed 2 then 3 as suggested, and incredibly got through after just 19 minutes on hold! The agent was fantastic and resolved my identity verification issue that had been holding up my claim for over a month. A few things I learned that might help others: Make sure your NY.gov account information matches EXACTLY what's on file with Social Security - even small discrepancies in how your name is entered can trigger verification holds. Also, if you moved recently, update your address through the secure messaging system BEFORE calling, as address mismatches are another common cause of delays. The agent also mentioned they've been seeing a lot of issues with people who worked multiple part-time jobs - apparently the system sometimes doesn't properly calculate benefits when you have wages from several employers. If that's your situation, have all your employer information and pay stubs ready when you call. This thread literally saved me weeks of frustration. The timing strategy absolutely works, and having everything organized beforehand made all the difference. Don't give up - persistence really does pay off with this broken system!

I've been lurking on this thread for weeks and finally had success today! Called at 4:23pm using the main number, pressed 2 then 3, and got through after 14 minutes. What made the difference was having EVERYTHING ready beforehand - my PIN, SSN, pay stubs from all three of my previous jobs, bank routing info, and a written list of specific questions. The agent was incredibly helpful and discovered that my claim had multiple issues: a name mismatch (I had been using "Alex" but my legal name is "Alexander" in their system), missing wages from one employer, and an old address that hadn't been updated. She fixed everything in one 25-minute call and said my payments should process within 3-5 business days. One tip the agent shared: if you've been waiting more than 4 weeks for any payment, there's definitely something in your file that needs manual review. The automated system won't fix these issues on its own, so calling is essential. To everyone still struggling - this community's strategies really work! The afternoon timing window (4:15-5:00pm) seems to be consistently effective, and having all your documentation organized beforehand is crucial. The system is absolutely broken, but persistence and preparation will get you through. Don't give up!

I've been following this thread religiously and finally tried the strategies today - SUCCESS! Called at 4:19pm using the main number, pressed 2 then 3, and got through after only 16 minutes on hold. The agent was amazing and fixed a wage base period issue that had been causing my weekly benefit amount to be calculated incorrectly for the past 2 months. Here's what I learned that might help others: If you're getting a benefit amount that seems too low compared to your previous salary, it's often because they're missing quarters of wages or using the wrong base period. The agent was able to pull up my employment history and immediately saw that one of my employers hadn't reported my wages correctly. She fixed it on the spot and my weekly benefit amount increased by $180! Also, she mentioned that if you quit a job for "good cause" (like unsafe working conditions or harassment), make sure you have documentation ready when you call. Many people don't realize they can still qualify for benefits if they quit for legitimate reasons, but you need to provide proof. The preparation advice from everyone here was spot on - I had all my pay stubs, employer info, and questions written down before calling. Made the whole process so much smoother. To anyone still struggling: the afternoon timing window (4:15-5:00pm) is absolutely the key, and don't give up after a few tries. This community has cracked the code on an impossible system. You've got this!