"UI Benefits Account Issue on NY DOL Website - Error Message Preventing Access Since Sept 11, 2021"

I just tried logging into my unemployment account on September 11th at 2:13 pm and got this weird error message on the New York State Department of Labor website. The exact error said: "There is an issue with your UI benefits account. Please call the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-209-8124 during regular business hours. Hearing impaired individuals, who have Telephone Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) equipment, may call a relay operator at 1-800-662-1220 and requesting the operator to call 1-888-783-1370. Service at this number will only be provided to callers with TDD equipment." I have no idea what's going on. My last payment came through fine like a week ago. Has anyone else seen this message? I've been trying to call that 1-888-209-8124 number for TWO DAYS STRAIGHT but it just keeps saying all agents are busy. I literally can't check my claim status, see my payment history, or certify for this week. The error appeared on the "Error Information" page after I logged into the NY DOL website at applications.labor.ny.gov. There was just the error message and a "Cancel and Return" button at the bottom, but nothing explaining what the actual issue is with my account. The website header had all the normal navigation options like "COVID-19 Vaccines," "Services," "News," "Government," etc., but I can't access any of my UI information. What am I supposed to do if I can't even talk to someone? Is the system just overloaded because of COVID-19 related claims? Has anyone else run into this specific error message recently and managed to resolve it?

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42 comments

Christopher Morgan

•1M

I found a solution after getting the same error! After trying for days to get through on the phone, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when an actual agent picks up. Talking to an agent got my benefits unlocked within minutes - they said it was just a random security check. Best decision ever especially when you're stressing about paying bills! Check out this video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

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Zane Hernandez

•1M

OK SO LISTEN UP EVERYONE WITH THIS ERROR 📣 I work with an advocacy group that helps people navigate unemployment issues in NY. Here's what this specific error means and what you need to do: This error typically appears for one of 4 reasons: 1) Identity verification flag 2) Potential fraud alert (sometimes triggered by logging in from a new device/location) 3) Missing documents or information they need from you 4) Payment processing issue The ONLY way to resolve it is speaking directly with an agent who can see what the specific flag is on your account. Yes, it's frustrating, but keep trying these strategies to get through: - Call exactly at 8:00am when they open - Try Wednesday afternoons which tend to be less busy - Use the claimyr.com service which will wait on hold for you (several people in our group have used this successfully) - Contact your state representative's office - they often have direct lines to DOL DO NOT create a new account or submit a new claim as this will only create more problems! Hope this helps someone. The system is deeply flawed but there are paths through it.

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