What number do I call to file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my retail job yesterday and need to file for unemployment benefits. I know I can do it online but I'm having trouble with the website and would rather talk to someone on the phone. Does anyone know what number I should call to file my initial claim with NYS Department of Labor? I tried looking on their website but there are so many different numbers listed and I'm not sure which one is for new claims.
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Isabella Costa
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.
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NeonNebula
AuthorThanks! I tried the website again but it keeps timing out when I try to submit my application. I'll try calling that number tomorrow morning.
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Ravi Malhotra
ugh the phone system is terrible, i've been trying to get through for days about my claim that's stuck in adjudication
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Freya Christensen
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.
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Omar Farouk
What if you worked for multiple employers in the past year? Do you need all of their information when you call?
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Freya Christensen
Yes, you'll need information for all employers from the past 18 months including company names, addresses, dates worked, and reason for separation. NYS Department of Labor will use this to determine your benefit amount.
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Chloe Davis
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.
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AstroAlpha
Is that service legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.
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Chloe Davis
Yeah it's legitimate, they don't ask for any personal info or anything. They just automate the calling process so you don't have to sit there dialing over and over.
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Nick Kravitz
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.
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Mark Dixon
how can i update my unemployment application's tax information
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