Which number to press for NY unemployment agent - fastest way to get a real person?

Try pressing 2 then 1 then 1 again as soon as the menu starts. Worked for me last week but still waited like 45 min.

The menu options changed recently. Now you need to press 1, then 9, wait for the next menu and press 2. But honestly, it still puts you in the same queue as everyone else. The real trick is WHEN you call - try right when they open at 8:00 AM or after 3:30 PM when call volume drops a bit.

NONE OF THESE WORK ANYMORE!!!! I've been trying for TWO WEEKS STRAIGHT. Press 1, press 2, press 9, press whatever - it ALL goes to the same stupid queue with 2+ hour wait times. And then half the time they HANG UP ON YOU when you finally get close!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep us from talking to anyone!!!

i just try different numbers every time depends on why ur calling. for payment issues press 1 then 2 then 3. for claim questions its different numbers.

I was struggling with this exact problem last month. After wasting days trying different number combinations, I found that none of the "tricks" consistently work anymore since they updated their phone system in January 2025. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr.com - it's a service that connects you directly to an unemployment agent. I was skeptical at first, but they got me through in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The button combinations aren't really the issue - NY unemployment has been severely understaffed since they reduced their call center personnel in December 2024. I worked in customer service for a government agency (not NYSDOL), and I can tell you the systems are designed to handle regular call volume, not peak periods. Your best bet is to call at these specific times: - Tuesday-Thursday (avoid Mondays and Fridays) - Either right at 8:00 AM when they open or between 3:30-4:00 PM - Mid-month (avoid the 1st-5th and 25th-31st when most people call) And when the automated system asks why you're calling, be very specific about your issue - don't just say "check claim status" as that routes you to the general queue.

have u tried the website? sometimes u dont even need to call

One more tip - when you do finally get through, ask the representative for their direct extension or if they have a callback number. Many of them do have direct lines but won't offer unless you specifically ask. This can save you tons of time if you need to follow up later.

my brother said if u press 0 three times it sometimes works but i dunno never worked for me lol

UPDATE: I finally got through!!! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked. Had to wait about 30 mins but that's way better than the 2+ hours I was waiting before (and then getting disconnected). The agent fixed my pending payment issue - turns out there was a "verification flag" on my account that needed to be removed. Payment should process in 2-3 business days! Thanks everyone for your help!