When will NY unemployment staff return to in-person work? Tired of waiting months for benefits

According to the NYSDOL website, they're actually planning a phased return to in-person services starting in July 2025. They've been operating with a hybrid model where some staff work in-office and others remotely. The backlog isn't necessarily because they're working from home - it's more about the staffing shortages and the new verification system they implemented in February. Have you tried reaching out to your state representative? They can sometimes help expedite claims that have been stuck in processing.

Not sure about when they'll be back in person but tbh their in person service wasnt that great before the pandemic either lol. i waited 4 hrs last time i went in 2019 and the lady just told me to go home and apply online anyway. system has always been broken

I actually managed to get through to someone last week after dealing with a similar situation. Been waiting since January for my benefits to process. I tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. The unemployment rep told me that while some staff are returning to offices, the main processing center is still operating with reduced in-person capacity due to their new digital system rollout. If your claim has been pending for 3+ months, you should definitely try to speak with someone directly. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

my cousin works for DOL (not in NY) and she said most unemployment offices are still understaffed by like 40% compared to pre-pandemic. they lost a ton of experienced workers during the great resignation and the new hires take months to train. its not just work from home thats the problem

I understand your frustration, but I want to clarify something important - the NYSDOL has been operating with a hybrid workforce model since 2024, with about 60% of staff in-office on rotating schedules and 40% remote. The real issue isn't where they're working but the implementation of the Enhanced Identity Verification System (EIVS) that was rolled out in February 2025. This system is flagging many legitimate claims for additional verification due to identity theft concerns. If your claim has been pending for 3 months, it's almost certainly caught in this verification queue. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the special EIVS resolution line: 888-209-8124 (press option 2, then 1, then 3) 2. Have your NY.gov ID, claim information, and two forms of ID ready 3. Request an expedited review based on hardship if you're facing eviction The NYSDOL is required by law to process claims within 30 days, so a 3-month delay means something specific is wrong with your claim that needs human intervention.

THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT US!!! I've been saying this for YEARS!! The whole system is DESIGNED to be frustrating so people give up. I waited 5 MONTHS for my benefits last year and nobody could tell me why. By the time I got approved I had already maxed out my credit cards and had to move in with my sister. The in-person offices are basically just for show at this point. Even when they DO go back in July (IF they actually do), they'll probably just have the same useless kiosks where they tell you to go online anyway. The whole thing is a JOKE.

i had the same issue waiting forever and i finally just showed up at the Albany office in person even though they said appointment only. i refused to leave until someone looked at my claim. took 3 hours of waiting but the lady finally helped me and found out my employer had contested my claim but never submitted the required paperwork. got my money 2 days later. sometimes you gotta go old school and just show up!

I work with people navigating unemployment issues, and I've found the past few months especially challenging due to the new verification system. For anyone facing long delays, here are the most effective steps: 1. Use the NYSDOL Message Center through your online account to submit a written inquiry (creates a documented trail) 2. Contact your state assembly member or senator's office - they have dedicated staff for unemployment issues and direct channels to DOL 3. If you can get through by phone, ask specifically for a "claim specialist" not a general representative 4. Request a hardship expedite if you're facing eviction, utility shutoff, or inability to afford medications The Buffalo career center does have limited in-person staff, but they primarily handle career services not unemployment claims. However, they can sometimes help with basic document verification.

wait do they have any in person offices open at all right now? i thought they were all closed still

Update: I actually got through yesterday!! I tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got me to a real person in about 25 minutes. The agent said my claim had been flagged for "wage verification" because my last employer reported different quarterly wages than what I put on my application. Had to send in my last 3 pay stubs but she expedited it once she had them. Should be fixed within 5 business days! Still ridiculous it took this long but at least there's progress.