Where's the closest NYS Department of Labor unemployment office near me?
I need to find the nearest NYS Department of Labor office because I'm having issues with my claim that I can't resolve online. The my.ny.gov website isn't showing me clear directions to physical locations and I really need to speak with someone in person. Does anyone know how to find the closest unemployment office? I'm in the Rochester area but willing to drive if needed.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Sean Doyle
Most NYS Department of Labor offices don't handle walk-in unemployment claims anymore. You'll need to call the UI helpline at 888-209-8124 or use the online system at my.ny.gov. Physical offices are mainly for career services now, not claim issues.
0 coins
Anastasia Fedorov
•But I've been trying to call for weeks and can never get through! There has to be somewhere I can go in person.
0 coins
Zara Rashid
Check the NYS Department of Labor website for Career Centers in your area. They might be able to help with basic questions but for actual claim problems you'll need to reach the unemployment division by phone. The Rochester One-Stop Career Center is on State Street but call first to see what they can actually help with.
0 coins
Anastasia Fedorov
•Thanks, I'll try calling them first before making the drive downtown.
0 coins
Luca Romano
I had the same problem getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone. Someone here recommended claimyr.com - it's a service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) and decided to try it. Actually got through to someone within a few hours instead of weeks of busy signals.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•How much does that cost though? Seems weird to pay someone to make a phone call for you.
0 coins
Luca Romano
•Worth it when you're dealing with claim issues that are costing you money every week you can't get through. Much cheaper than losing benefits while waiting.
0 coins
NebulaNova
honestly the whole system is broken, physical offices used to actually help people but now everything is online or phone only and good luck getting anyone on the phone
0 coins
Mateo Hernandez
•So frustrating! I miss when you could just walk into an office and talk to a real person about your claim.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate government services. While most unemployment claim issues do need to be handled through the phone system, there are still some local offices that can provide limited in-person assistance. For Rochester area, try contacting the Monroe County Department of Human Services - they sometimes have staff who can help you navigate the online system or provide guidance on claim issues. Also, many public libraries have staff trained to help with my.ny.gov access if you're having technical difficulties with the website. It's not ideal, but these local resources might be able to point you in the right direction even if they can't directly resolve your claim.
0 coins
NeonNomad
•This is really helpful advice! I didn't know that Monroe County Human Services might be able to help with unemployment claim navigation. And the library idea is smart too - sometimes the issue is just figuring out how to use the online system properly. @Saanvi Krishnaswami do you know if they need an appointment or can you just walk in?
0 coins