Stuck waiting for NY unemployment back pay since October - can't get through to ANY agents

Same boat here. Been trying for WEEKS to get someone on the damn phone. The system is completely broken. I finally got through using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they basically wait on hold for you and then call you when they get a real person. Talking to an agent got my payments unlocked the same day after months of nothing. Seriously was the only way I finally talked to a human at unemployment. Check out this video about it too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I'm literally in the exact same situation!!! Been waiting since November for back pay and I can NEVER get through. I even tried calling at 7:58am right when they open and still got the same stupid message. The system is rigged to keep us from talking to anyone!!!

Have u tried emailing them? Sometimes u can get a response that way, but it takes like a week or two. You can also try contacting ur local state rep - mine helped me get my benefits unfrozen last summer when I had a similar issue.

So here's what helped me after dealing with the same bs for months. I know it sounds crazy but I finally got through by hitting * then # repeatedly after that voice message starts. Not sure why but it pushed me into a different queue and I only waited 20 mins. Try it tomorrow morning right when they open. Worked for me twice now.

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR BACK PAY FROM NY UNEMPLOYMENT: I've been through this nightmare multiple times and have learned some tricks that actually work. Here's what you need to do: 1) Stop calling at peak hours (9-11am and 1-3pm). Try right at 8:00am or after 3:30pm. 2) The online messaging system is actually working better than calls for some issues. Log into your account, go to messages, and write a VERY specific request about your back pay. 3) If you absolutely need to talk to someone, use Claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and call you when they get a representative. It's honestly the most reliable way to get through these days. 4) Document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots, write down who you spoke with and what they told you. 5) As a last resort, contact your state assembly person. Google "NY state assembly [your zip code]" to find yours. Their staff can often cut through red tape. The system is intentionally difficult to navigate, but don't give up. Your back pay is legally yours and they have to release it eventually. Hope this helps! Feel free to ask questions if you need more specific advice.

not to be that person but have u checked ur spam folder? some of the notices go there and they expect u to respond within like 7 days. my friend almost lost her benefits cuz the email went to spam

ny unemployment is literally the worst. i had to wait 4 months for backpay last year and only got it after i filed a complaint with the state labor board AND emailed my state senator. try both of those routes.

There's a class action lawsuit being filed about these delayed payments. Look up 'NY unemployment delays lawsuit 2023' and you'll find the form to join as a plaintiff. Won't get your money faster but might get interest on it eventually.

Do u still have access to ur account online? Cuz for me I was waiting forever then realized my account was locked for "verification purposes" 🤡 had to upload my ID again even tho they already had it

If you have Twitter try tweeting at NYSDOL and the governor. Sounds stupid but they hate the public embarrassment and sometimes respond faster. Make sure to use their handles and be super specific about how long you've been waiting.

This is why I'm moving out of NY as soon as I can. The whole system is designed to make people give up. Try the automated callback system on their website - it sometimes works when the phone lines don't.

Pro tip: if u keep getting that message try calling the fraud department number instead. They sometimes transfer u to regular agents and the wait is way shorter.

Have u tried calling from a different phone number? They might be blocking ur number if u called too many times in one day (yes they actually do this 🙄

bruh they've had my back pay on hold for SIX MONTHS. everytime i call its 'we'll escalate your issue' and nothing happens. the whole system is a joke