Struggling to reach anyone at NY unemployment about promised backpay

same here, the NY unemployment phone system is a total joke. been calling for a month about my missing payments. either busy signal or put on hold for hours then disconnected. their 'improved' system is actually worse than before 🤡

After spinning my wheels for 3 weeks trying to reach someone about my missing payments, I finally found a solution! Used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that somehow got me connected to an actual human at unemployment. They basically call for you, wait on hold, then connect you when a rep answers. Best money I've spent - talking to an agent got my backpay released within 48 hours! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Try calling RIGHT when they open at 8am. I've had success getting through that way. Or right before they close. The midday hours are impossible.

I've noticed a weird pattern - their phone system seems to be less busy on Wednesdays for some reason. Maybe try focusing your calls then? Also try the alternate number: 888-209-8124 instead of the main one. Sometimes it has a different queue.

You should file a complaint with your state representative! That's what finally worked for me after 2 months of getting nowhere with NY unemployment. Find your rep online, call their office, explain the situation. They have special channels to escalate these issues. My backpay appeared 5 days after my rep's office got involved.

The most comprehensive guide for dealing with NY unemployment backpay issues (I've been through this nightmare twice): 1. Document EVERYTHING. Every call attempt, email, promise made - write it all down with dates. 2. Try these phone tricks: Call exactly at 8:00am, press options in this order: 1, then 9, then 2, then 1 again. This sometimes bypasses the main queue. 3. Email them at both dol.sm.unemploymentassistance@labor.ny.gov AND nysdol@labor.ny.gov with your claim ID in the subject line. 4. Contact your state assembly person AND state senator - both of them. Their offices can escalate. 5. If all else fails, use claimyr.com - it's a service that gets you through to an agent. Worked when nothing else did for me. 6. When you finally get through, be super polite but firm. Ask for a specific date when your backpay will arrive. Ask for a direct number to call back if it doesn't arrive. 7. If the agent says they've "released" your funds, ask them to check if there are any holds or pending issues that could delay payment. Stay persistent! The system is designed to wear you down, but your money is YOUR MONEY.

Have you tried reaching out on Twitter? Seriously. Sometimes tweeting @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include personal info!) can get attention. They have social media teams that monitor mentions.

the whole backpay system is messed up rn. they told me id get my money in February and i just got it YESTERDAY...four months later! and only after i got connected through claimyr.com and spoke to a supervisor who "released" it manually. the agent said theres a huge backlog with backpay specifically.

I work at a nonprofit that helps people with unemployment issues. Here's what I tell our clients: 1) Try calling between 1:30-2:30pm when lunch rush is over but before end of day rush. 2) If you don't get through, try the TTY/TDD line and use relay service - often less crowded. 3) Contact both your assemblymember AND state senator. 4) If urgent, some people have had success with claimyr.com to get through.

my roomate works for ny unemployment (not telling which office lol) and says theyre MASSIVELY understaffed right now. like 40% of normal staff levels. thats why nobody can get thru. not making excuses for them but thats the real situation.

Did you certify for those back weeks? Sometimes backpay issues are because you haven't actually claimed those specific weeks in the system, even if they verbally told you you'll get paid.

Guys the BEST time to call is Tuesday at 8:15am. Not right when they open because everyone tries that. Wait 15 mins after opening. I did that today and only waited 7 minutes!!! 💯

After weeks of frustration I finally broke down and used claimyr.com and it was worth every penny. Got through to an agent in 30 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. The agent said my backpay was actually approved but stuck in some kind of payment limbo and they fixed it while I was on the phone. Money showed up 2 days later.

try mailing a PHYSICAL LETTER to them. sounds crazy but my friend did this and got a call back within a week. something about paper mail triggers a different process in their system. make sure to include your claim ID and contact info obviously.

if u keep getting kicked off the phone, try using a landline if possible. cell service can drop for a split second and their system boots you. my success rate went wayyy up when i started using my parents landline.