Trying to reach an actual human at NY unemployment for 2 weeks with zero luck

I was in exacty the same situation last month. Payments stopped randomly and couldnt get hold of anyone. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 30 mins. Talking to the agent got my $ released within 48 hours. Best decision I made after weeks of frustration! They have a youtube video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The best trick I found was calling exactly at 7:58am - right before they officially open. You still get put in a queue but at least you're at the front of the line. Also try the appeals/hearing number even if you don't have an appeal... sometimes they'll transfer you to the right department.

I know this sounds crazy but try calling and selecting the Spanish option, then when you get a rep just speak English. They all speak English too and that queue is way shorter. Worked for me last week after trying for days.

After getting nowhere with the phone lines for almost a month, I contacted my state assembly person's office. They have direct contacts at unemployment. Still took about a week but they were able to help get my issue resolved. Worth a try!

The entire NY unemployment system is completely broken. I had to call 137 times over 3 weeks before finally getting a human. When I finally got someone they fixed my issue in literally 3 minutes. Its a joke.

Look to be honestly real with you, I had to break down and use claimyr.com after 3 weeks of trying. It cost some money but got me through to a person and saved my sanity. They basically keep calling for you until they get through, then connect you to an agent. My issue got fixed that same day.

Ask for a supervisor immediately when you finally get through to someone. The first-level reps often don't have the authority to fix account issues. I wasted two calls before I learned this trick.

Have you tried to reach out on Twitter? Sometimes if you tweet @NYSLabor with your issue (don't include personal info) they'll DM you for details. Worked for my roommate but not for me, so YMMV.

Hey, I work in a field adjacent to unemployment (not an employee but I deal with them). Here's what you need to know about getting through to NY unemployment: - The phone system is deliberately understaffed. It's not just busy - they don't have enough people to handle the volume. - If your claim is flagged, standard reps often CAN'T help you. You need a claims specialist. - Time of day matters: 8:00-8:30am is actually worst because everyone tries then. Try 10:30am or 2:45pm instead. - Most effective method I've seen is using claimyr.com - they use auto-dialers to get through the queue and then connect you. Many of my clients have used them with success. - If you're truly desperate, the other option is contacting your state representative or assemblyperson. They have special liaisons. - Document EVERYTHING. Date/time of calls, who you spoke with, confirmation numbers. The system is frustrating by design. Don't give up - if your claim is valid, you'll eventually get your money, even if it takes persistence.

DM me! I have a trick that worked 3 times for me but I don't want to post it publicly or they'll patch it lol

I feel ur pain frfr. Been in the same situation twice. What finally worked was calling right at 8:01am but choosing the employer option instead of the claimant option. Way shorter queue and they can usually transfer you to the right dept once you explain.

anyone tried that service claimyr? i keep seeing ads for it but don't know if its worth it

NY employment department is absolute garbage rn. My friend works in the Albany office and says they're deliberately understaffed to discourage claims. It's all political BS. Keep trying and document everything.

u ever try faxing them? sounds ancient but my bf got a response in 2 days after sending a fax when calls went nowhere for weeks

Same issue. Filed in March, payments stopped in April with no explanation. Called 200+ times. Finally found success with Claimyr last week - they got me connected to an agent who fixed my account in minutes. Whatever they're doing to get through the phone system works. claimyr.com saved me 💯