When does the unemployment office open - NYS Department of Labor hours?
I need to visit my local NYS Department of Labor office in person to sort out some issues with my claim but I can't find the current hours anywhere online. The website just shows general info but not specific office hours. Does anyone know when the unemployment office opens? I'm in the Syracuse area but any info about NYS Department of Labor office hours would help. I've been trying to call but keep getting the busy signal.
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MoonlightSonata
Most NYS Department of Labor offices open at 8:30 AM Monday through Friday. However, hours can vary by location and some offices have reduced walk-in hours since COVID. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning around 8:00 AM to confirm they're doing walk-ins that day. Some locations require appointments now.
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Zara Khan
•Thanks! Do you know if they close for lunch or anything like that? I don't want to drive all the way there and find out they're closed.
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Mateo Gonzalez
been there done that lol. showed up at my local office and they said walk ins only on tuesdays and thursdays now. wasted a whole morning
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Nia Williams
The Syracuse Career Center is typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM but I'd definitely call ahead. Each office has different policies now for in-person visits. You might also want to try resolving your issue through the my.ny.gov portal first - many claim issues can be handled online now without needing to visit in person.
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Zara Khan
•I've tried the online portal but my claim is stuck in adjudication and I can't get any details about what's holding it up. That's why I want to talk to someone face to face.
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Luca Ricci
If you're having trouble getting through by phone to check office hours, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month when I needed to reach a NYS Department of Labor agent. They have this system that gets you connected faster than trying to call directly. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth trying before making the drive to the office.
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Aisha Mohammed
•How much does that cost though? I'm already broke waiting for my unemployment to get sorted out.
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Luca Ricci
•It's worth it if you need to actually talk to someone. I was stuck in the same situation trying to figure out why my weekly claims weren't being processed.
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Ethan Campbell
The whole system is a mess honestly. Even when you do get to the office they just tell you to file online or call the 800 number. It's like they don't want to help anyone anymore.
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Ava Williams
I'm in a similar situation with my claim stuck in adjudication. For what it's worth, I called the Syracuse Career Center directly at (315) 479-3380 yesterday and got through after about 20 minutes on hold. They confirmed they're open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday, but walk-ins are limited and they strongly prefer appointments. The person I spoke with said most adjudication issues actually require review by their central office anyway, so visiting in person might not speed things up much. Still frustrating though - hope you get it sorted out soon!
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Daniela Rossi
•Thanks for sharing that phone number! I've been trying the main 1-888 number with no luck. Did they give you any timeline for adjudication reviews? Mine has been pending for almost 3 weeks now with no updates.
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Yara Nassar
•@ad2cf07795b8 That's really helpful info about the Syracuse office! I'm going to try calling that direct number tomorrow morning. Did they mention anything about what documents to bring if you do get an appointment? I want to be prepared in case they can actually help with the adjudication process.
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Mateo Perez
Just wanted to add that if you do decide to visit in person, bring multiple forms of ID and any documentation related to your claim (termination letter, pay stubs, etc.). I went to my local office last month and they turned me away the first time because I only brought my driver's license. They needed two forms of ID plus all my employment paperwork. Also, get there early - I've heard they sometimes stop taking walk-ins if they get too busy, even during posted hours.
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TillyCombatwarrior
•This is really good advice about bringing multiple forms of ID! I learned this the hard way at a different government office. For anyone reading this, acceptable second forms of ID usually include Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or sometimes even a utility bill with your current address. Also, if you have any correspondence from the Department of Labor about your claim (emails, letters, notices), bring those too - they often have reference numbers that can help the staff look up your case faster.
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