Waiting since August for ny unemployment decision - need complaint number

Same boat as you. Been waiting since July 28th and every time I call its the same scripted nonsense. 'We see your claim is being processed' blah blah blah. Im about to lose my apartment because of this garbage system.

I finally got through to an actual human after trying for weeks! Used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls and waits on hold for you then connects you when a rep answers. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast after 3 months of waiting. Check out this video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Try contacting your local state assembly member or senator. Their offices have special contacts at the unemployment office and can often push claims through faster. I was waiting for 2 months, contacted my assembly woman, and had an answer within 10 days.

The complaint number is the same as the regular number unfortunately. But you need to specifically ask for a supervisor when you call. Don't accept their first answer - demand to speak to someone higher up. Be polite but firm. Keep saying "I understand but I need to speak with a supervisor about filing a formal complaint." Eventually they'll transfer you.

Look for the ombudsman office. Every state agency has one and they're specifically there to handle complaints when normal channels fail. Google "NY unemployment ombudsman" and you should find contact info. They helped me when I was stuck for 2+ months.

I know this sounds crazy but try reaching out on Twitter. Tag NYSDOL and your situation. Sometimes public pressure works when nothing else does. My cousin got her issue resolved in 2 days after tweeting about waiting for 3 months.

Have you submitted all your required documents? Sometimes they dont tell you that they're waiting for something. Login to your account and double check that everything is there and properly uploaded. I thought i was waiting for a decision but turns out they needed a clarification on one of my docs.

The whole system is designed to make people give up. They hope if they stall long enough, you'll just go away. DONT GIVE UP! Keep calling everyday. Be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. I called 16 days in a row until they finally processed my claim.

One thing that worked for me after 4 months of waiting was sending a paper letter with all my info and a timeline of my calls. I sent it certified mail so they had to sign for it. Had a decision within 10 days after that. Sometimes going old school gets results when technology fails.

I was in the EXACT same position last year. What finally worked for me was using claimyr.com to get through to an actual person instead of the call center zombies. Then I specifically asked for an "escalation supervisor" - those are the magic words. Regular supervisors can't do much, but escalation supervisors can actually see what's happening with your claim and push it through. It was the best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits paid quickly. The agent I spoke with actually told me my claim had been sitting in someone's queue who was on extended medical leave! 🤬

im dealing with the same bs right now. these ppl have ONE JOB and somehow take 90+ days to do it. meanwhile were all struggling to pay bills and feed our families. the whole system is a joke.

Call your local Legal Aid office. They have attorneys who specialize in unemployment issues and they're free. They helped me navigate the system when I was stuck for months. Google "legal aid" plus your county name.

You can file a complaint with the NY Department of Labor Inspector General. They oversee the unemployment system and investigate complaints about poor service or long delays. Here's their number: 1-800-367-4448. They helped my brother when his claim was stuck for months.

KEEP DETAILED RECORDS OF EVERYTHING! Every call, who you spoke to, what they said, the time and date. If you end up having to escalate to legal action or a complaint to the governor's office, having this documentation is super important. I learned this the hard way.