Why does NY unemployment system keep rejecting my new claim application?

Yep, same exact thing happened to me earlier this month. Tried like 5 times and kept getting error messages or just randomly kicked back to the start. Super frustrating. I finally just gave up trying online.

I was stuck in the same loop for almost a week trying to file online. What finally worked for me was using claimyr.com to get connected to an actual human. They called the unemployment office for me, waited on hold (which took like 90 mins), then connected me when a real person finally answered. Got my claim filed in one phone call after that. Talking to an agent got my benefits flowing so fast, worth every penny compared to the stress of trying to do it online or calling myself. Check out their process here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Try clearing your browser cache and cookies before attempting again. Sometimes the NYS website has issues with saved form data. Also try using Chrome in incognito mode - worked for me when I was having similar issues.

The NY unemployment site has been glitching since they did that "upgrade" last month 🙄 Typical government efficiency at work!

Had this EXACT same problem two weeks ago. What fixed it was filling out the application between 7-8am when the system traffic is lower. Apparently their servers get overloaded during peak hours and start rejecting submissions. So set an alarm and try early morning!

For anyone dealing with ny unemployment website issues, here's what you need to know (I used to work in their call center): The system is absolutely overwhelmed right now. They're running on outdated technology that wasn't built to handle the current volume. Your best options are: 1. Try early morning submissions (5-7am) when server load is lowest 2. Check that you're not using any special characters in text fields - the system often rejects these 3. Make sure you're answering the employment history questions EXACTLY as they appear on your W2 - any discrepancy will trigger rejection 4. If you keep getting kicked out, you NEED to talk to a rep. The online system has automatic flags that can only be overridden by staff 5. Getting through to someone is nearly impossible by calling directly, but services like claimyr.com can wait on hold for you and connect you with an agent The most common reasons for application rejection: identity verification issues, employer response conflicts, or previous claim problems. Only a real person can resolve these. Good luck - the system is frustrating but persistence pays off!

My sister had the same problem and she found out it was because her former employer contested the unemployment claim. The system glitches instead of telling you the actual problem. You gotta call them.

Check if you're answering the questions about 'available for work' correctly. I kept getting kicked back because I said I wasn't available one day for a medical appointment. Apparently you need to say you're 100% available even if you have like one appointment.

am I the only one who successfully filed online last week? Took me like 20 mins total. Maybe I just got lucky 🤔

The system probably thinks your commiting fraud. It happened to me and when I finally talked to someone they said my address didn't match my DMV records (I had moved recently). They have all these automatic fraud flags now because of all the scams during covid.

tbh I gave up on the website after 3 tries and used claimyr.com to get a callback from an agent. Done in 15 minutes once I got a human on the phone who could actually help.

Protip: If you keep getting errors, print out a paper application and mail it in. Old school but it works. You can download the PDF from the ny unemployment website. Takes longer to process but at least it won't glitch out on you.

the website ALWAYS crashes during peak unemployment filing periods. its like clockwork. every. single. time. they never learn

Call your state representative! I was having the same issue and getting nowhere. Called my assembly person's office and they have special contacts at unemployment who fixed my issue in 48hrs. Worth a try!

just to vent: why is EVERY government website so terrible?? like seriously how hard is it to build a website that actually works? we put people on the moon 50 years ago but cant make a functioning unemployment website in 2023. make it make sense 🤦‍♀️

I had this issue and it turned out someone had already filed a claim using my SSN!!! Call them ASAP and check if that's what's happening. Identity theft with unemployment is huge right now.