What number to call to file weekly unemployment claim - NYS Department of Labor phone system confusing
I've been trying to figure out what number to call to file my weekly unemployment claim and I'm getting different numbers everywhere I look. The NYS Department of Labor website has like 3 different phone numbers and I'm not sure which one is for weekly claims specifically. I tried calling the main customer service line but after waiting 45 minutes they told me I needed to call a different number for weekly claims. Has anyone successfully gotten through to file their weekly claim by phone recently? What's the actual number that works?
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Dmitri Volkov
The main number for filing weekly claims is 1-888-209-8124. That's the automated system that lets you file your weekly certification over the phone. You'll need your PIN and Social Security number ready. The system is usually available 24/7 but sometimes goes down for maintenance on Sunday nights.
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LilMama23
•Thank you! Do I need to have anything else ready besides my PIN and SSN? This is my first time filing by phone instead of online.
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Gabrielle Dubois
honestly just use the online system on my.ny.gov its way easier than calling and waiting forever
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LilMama23
•I tried online but my account keeps saying there's a technical error when I try to submit my weekly claim. That's why I need the phone number.
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Tyrone Johnson
If you're having trouble with both the online system and the phone system, you might want to try calling during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening. The NYS Department of Labor phone lines get overwhelmed during business hours. Also make sure you're calling on the right day - you can only file your weekly claim during your designated filing window based on your last name.
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LilMama23
•Good point about the filing window. I think mine is Tuesday through Thursday since my last name starts with M.
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Ingrid Larsson
I had the same problem with getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone. After weeks of trying I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually connects you to real agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was skeptical at first but it actually got me through to someone who could help with my weekly claim issues in like 10 minutes instead of hours on hold.
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Carlos Mendoza
•How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?
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Ingrid Larsson
•Yeah basically they handle the calling and waiting part then connect you when they get a real person on the line. Was definitely worth it for me since I was losing my mind trying to get through on my own.
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Zainab Mahmoud
The whole NYS Department of Labor phone system is a joke. I've been trying to get through for 2 weeks just to ask a simple question about my weekly claims and every number either hangs up on you or puts you on hold forever. It's like they don't want people to actually file their claims.
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Ava Williams
•I feel you on this. The system is definitely frustrating but at least the automated weekly claim line usually works better than trying to reach a live person.
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Dmitry Petrov
I feel your pain with the confusing phone system! Just wanted to add that if you do use the 1-888-209-8124 number that Dmitri mentioned, make sure you have your claim confirmation number from your last filing ready too - sometimes the system asks for it. Also, if you get an error message saying the system is busy, try calling back in like 15-20 minutes rather than immediately. The automated system seems to have limits on how many people can use it at once. Hope this helps and you get through soon!
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JaylinCharles
•Thanks for the additional tips! I didn't know about needing the claim confirmation number - that would have probably caused me issues. The 15-20 minute wait tip is really helpful too. I'll definitely try calling during off-peak hours with all this info ready. Really appreciate everyone's help navigating this confusing system!
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Angelina Farar
I went through the same exact frustration last month! The key is to call 1-888-209-8124 during your designated filing window (sounds like you figured out yours is Tuesday-Thursday). I found the best time is actually around 6-7 AM on Tuesday mornings - way less traffic on the system. Also pro tip: if the automated system tells you "your call cannot be completed" don't hang up right away, sometimes it still connects you after a few seconds. Make sure you have your SSN, PIN, and last week's confirmation number ready. The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes once you get through. Hang in there - the system is definitely poorly designed but it does work eventually!
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