What phone number for NY unemployment questions before filing a claim?

The main number is 1-888-209-8124. But good luck getting through... I spent literally DAYS trying to reach someone. Their phone system is the worst.

After struggling with the phone system for weeks, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and connects when a real person picks up. Talking to an agent got my questions answered in like 20 minutes - best money I've spent to avoid the frustration. They have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

For your specific situation (working 2 jobs and only losing 1), you definitely need to talk to someone. That's a partial unemployment situation and those can get complicated. When you do call, select option 2, then 1, I think. Thats how I got through.

The NYSDOL has a website chat feature that sometimes works better than calling. It's not perfect but I've been able to get basic questions answered that way without the phone nightmare.

Consider not calling at all if your question is simple enough. The online orientation videos and FAQs actually answered most of my questions. But if you do call, avoid Monday mornings - absolute madhouse.

Honestly, I'd recommend just going ahead and filing the claim online. The system will guide you through all the questions including your multiple job situation. Then if there's an issue, they'll contact you. Better to get in line now than wait.

Look i'm gonna be real with you. The entire NY unemployment system is BROKEN AF. They are deliberately making it hard to reach them, hard to file claims, and hard to get answers. Its not just you - everyone struggles with this nightmare. If you absolutely must talk to someone, set aside an ENTIRE DAY just for that task.

For complex situations like yours with multiple jobs, here's what I learned after months dealing with ny unemployment: 1) Document EVERYTHING - hours worked at each job, reasons for separation 2) When you do call, write down who you speak with 3) File online first, THEN call with specific questions 4) If you can't reach them by phone, try their Twitter account @NYSLabor - sometimes they respond there 5) Remember that partial unemployment is calculated weekly based on hours worked 6) Be prepared for long wait times regardless of method If the phone situation is making you crazy, I eventually used claimyr.com to get through after wasting days trying myself. Their service waits on hold so you don't have to, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Was absolutely worth it to finally get straight answers. Good luck - the system is frustrating but once you get through it does work eventually!

i filed back in februrary, still havent received a penny. their whole system is a joke 🤡

When you call, make sure you have all your employment info ready - employer EINs, addresses, contact info, dates worked, etc. They'll ask for all that stuff and if you don't have it ready they might make you call back.

Dont bother calling general questions number, better off trying to reach claims specialist directly at 1-888-783-1370

Protip: if u call right at 7:55am and wait in the queue, you have better chance of getting thru when they open at 8. Also, thursday seems to be less busy than other days for some reason

Did anyone notice they updated the phone system recently? Now it disconnects you if the wait is too long instead of keeping you on hold forever... somehow that's even worse?

Their phone system gives me nightmares fr. I can still hear that hold music in my sleep 😭