What number do I call to file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?

The main NYS Department of Labor unemployment phone number is 1-888-209-8124, but honestly you're probably better off filing online at labor.ny.gov if you can get the website to work. The phone lines are usually swamped and you might wait hours just to get through to someone.

ugh the phone system is terrible, i've been trying to get through for days about my claim that's stuck in adjudication

I had the same problem with the website last month. If you're having trouble with the online system, you can also try calling early in the morning right when they open at 8 AM - that's when you have the best chance of getting through. Make sure you have all your employment information ready including your Social Security number, employer details, and dates of employment.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to NYS Department of Labor when I couldn't reach them directly. You go to claimyr.com and they basically call for you and connect you when an agent picks up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Another option if you're having trouble with both the website and phone lines is to visit one of the NYS Department of Labor career centers in person. They can help you file your claim there and answer any questions you have face-to-face. You can find locations near you on the DOL website. Sometimes it's worth the trip if you're really struggling with the online system and can't get through by phone.

I went through the same thing when I was laid off from my warehouse job a few months ago. The website was constantly crashing and the phone lines were impossible to get through. What finally worked for me was calling the number Isabella mentioned (1-888-209-8124) but I called on a Tuesday around 8:15 AM right after they opened. It took about 45 minutes on hold but I eventually got through to someone who was really helpful. They walked me through the whole process over the phone and my claim was processed within a week. Also make sure you have your last few pay stubs handy when you call - they'll ask for specific wage information.

I just went through this process last week after being laid off from my customer service job. The 1-888-209-8124 number that Isabella mentioned is correct, but here's a pro tip - if you keep getting busy signals or long hold times, try calling the Spanish language line at 1-877-358-5306 and ask to be transferred to an English-speaking agent. Sometimes that line has shorter wait times. Also, if you're still having website issues, try using a different browser or clearing your cache - that actually fixed the timeout problem for me. The online system works much faster once you get it running properly, and you can file your claim 24/7 instead of being limited to business hours.

I had a similar experience when I was laid off from my teaching position last year. The key things that helped me get through were: 1) Having all my documents ready beforehand (Social Security card, driver's license, W-2 forms, and separation notice from employer), 2) Calling exactly at 8:00 AM on a weekday - I set multiple alarms to make sure I called right when they opened, and 3) Being persistent but patient. It took me three days of trying but I finally got through on a Wednesday morning. The agent was very thorough and helped me understand the weekly certification process too. Don't give up - the benefits are worth the hassle of getting through their system!

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