Trying to reach NY unemployment for weeks - any alternative phone numbers?

Have you tried calling right at 8:00am when they open? Thats how i finally got through after trying for days. Make sure ur phone is fully charged and keep calling back if it hangs up. It took me like 27 attempts one morning but I finally got in the queue. Just keep at it

After spinning my wheels for weeks, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it honestly saved me so much grief. They called ny unemployment for me, waited on hold, then connected me with a live agent once someone picked up. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast after being stuck for weeks. Check out this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The whole ny unemployment phone system is designed to be impossible to reach. They don't have enough staff to handle calls so they make it nearly impossible to get through. It's by design not accident. I had to reach out to my state assemblyperson's office to finally get someone to look at my claim after 2 months of trying.

I know a lot of ppl hate twitter but try tweeting at @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include personal info). Sometimes they respond and will DM you for details. Worked for me back in november when i was in the same boat.

Here's what finally worked for me dealing with ny unemployment's broken phone system: First, don't waste time with the main number during peak hours. It's absolutely useless between 9am-3pm. Instead: - Try calling at 7:58am, two minutes before they open. The queue starts forming before 8am officially. - If that fails, try between 4:45-5pm when call volume drops but they're still open. - Use a landline if possible - seems to get priority somehow. - When the automated system asks why you're calling, say "speak to an agent" clearly - don't go through menu options. - If all else fails, I eventually used claimyr.com which basically automated the calling/holding process for me. It was the best money I've spent in months because I finally got through and had my claim fixed. - As a last resort, contact your state representative's office. Hope this helps someone! The system is broken but there are ways through it with persistence.

this is gonna sound weird but I had success using the spanish option and then just talking in english when the rep got on. the spanish queue is WAY shorter for some reason.

Have u tried the direct number for your specific issue? If ur claim is pending review: 888-209-8124 (then press 1, 2, then 5 when the prompts come up). If it's an existing claim issue: same number but press 1, then 4. DON'T press the buttons they suggest in the automated message cuz those routes go nowhere.

After months of struggling with ny unemployment I just gave up and drove to the local DOL office. They didnt let me in (cuz apparently u need an appointment) but the security guard took pity on me and gave me this direct number which actually worked: 888-783-1370. Some kinda special queue. Might be worth a try

Not an alternative number but I ended up using claimyr.com cuz I was completely desperate. They basically call on your behalf and sit through the hold times, then connect you when a human picks up. Talking to an agent got my benefits unstuck immediately after WEEKS of trying to get through.

sometimes if i call after 4pm I get better results. i think most people call in the morning.

Email your state senator AND your assembly person. I'm serious. I tried EVERYTHING to get through for 2 months. Called hundreds of times. Finally emailed my senator's office with my claim info and they had someone from DOL call me within 4 days.