Tips to actually get through to NY unemployment phone line after trying all morning?
I've been calling the NY unemployment number since 9am today and just keep getting the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message. Then it hangs up! I must have tried calling like 30+ times already. Does anyone know any tricks or specific times that work better to actually get a human on the line? I have an issue with my claim that can't be resolved through the website and I'm getting desperate. Been trying for 3 days straight with no luck!
16 comments
Join the conversation
Jean Claude
call right when they open at 8am, thats what worked for me
0 coins
Chris Elmeda
•I tried that yesterday and still got the same message! Did you do anything specific besides just calling right at 8?
0 coins
Charity Cohan
The NY unemployment phone system is DESIGNED to frustrate you and make you give up!!! They don't want to talk to us because then they'd have to actually PAY benefits. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through before I finally reached someone. Try calling at 8:30, then 10:15, and again at 2:45pm - sometimes they clear the queue at those odd times.
0 coins
Josef Tearle
•That's not accurate. The system isn't designed to prevent payments - it's just overwhelmed. The NYSDOL has been upgrading their phone systems but they still have staffing limitations. Those specific times you mentioned might work occasionally due to shift changes, but it's mostly about persistence.
0 coins
Shelby Bauman
I was in your exact situation last month and almost lost my mind trying to get through. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when they get a representative on the line. Saved me HOURS of frustration. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - it's seriously worth checking out when you're desperate to talk to someone about your claim.
0 coins
Chris Elmeda
•Really? I've never heard of this. Does it actually work? Seems too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point.
0 coins
Shelby Bauman
•Yes, it really worked for me! I was skeptical too but after 4 days of trying on my own I gave in. Got connected to an agent within a couple hours after trying for days on my own.
0 coins
Quinn Herbert
i always press 3 1 2 4 at the menu instead of what they tell u to press... sometimes gets me thru faster
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•This isn't a good approach. Those menu options are designed to direct you to the appropriate department. Pressing random numbers might get you through to someone, but likely not someone who can help with your specific issue, which means you'll just get transferred and have to wait again.
0 coins
Hazel Garcia
Same thing happened to me too!! So frustrating! I wanted to throw my phone against the wall lol. Hope you get through soon!
0 coins
Salim Nasir
As a former NYSDOL employee, I can offer some guidance. The best time to call is actually between 1:30-2:30pm. Many people try early morning, but the afternoon can have slightly lower call volume. Also, Thursdays tend to be less busy than Mondays or Fridays. Make sure you have your NY.gov ID, PIN, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number ready. Also have your claim information, any correspondence reference numbers, and dates of employment issues prepared before calling. Alternatively, have you tried using the secure message function in your online account? For many issues, this can be faster than calling, though it might take 5-7 business days for a response.
0 coins
Chris Elmeda
•Thank you! I'll try calling during that time window tomorrow. I did try the message function last week but haven't heard back yet. My issue is that my payment shows as 'pending' but it's been that way for over 10 days with no explanation.
0 coins
Jean Claude
my cousin said u can try calling the unemployment office in a different part of NY state, sometimes those lines arent as busy and they can still help you
0 coins
Josef Tearle
•This is partially correct. All NY unemployment calls go through the same centralized system now, regardless of which local number you call. However, there are specialized numbers for different types of claims or issues. If you're calling about a specific issue (appeals, identity verification, etc.), using the designated number for that issue can sometimes help.
0 coins
Shelby Bauman
Did you ever manage to get through? I remembered another thing that helped me - make sure your phone number isn't blocked or set to private when calling. Their system sometimes rejects calls with blocked numbers.
0 coins
Chris Elmeda
•I finally got through! Used that Claimyr service you recommended. Got a call back in about 90 minutes and talked to a really helpful agent who fixed my pending payment issue. It was actually a verification problem that I couldn't have fixed online. Thanks for the suggestion - saved me days of frustration!
0 coins