Can't reach New York Unemployment? Claimyr connects you to a live NYDOL agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the NYDOL
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the NYDOL drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
@Dylan Cooper - Another tip that helped me when I was in the same boat: if you haven't already, make sure to check your email (including spam folder) for any communications from NYS DOL. Sometimes they send important updates there that don't show up in your online account right away. Also, when you do find your claim status, don't worry if it shows "pending" for a while - that's totally normal. The key thing is making sure you keep certifying for benefits each week like others mentioned. I was stressed about the same thing when I first filed, but it all worked out once the initial processing went through. Hang in there!
@Emma Johnson Thanks for the email tip! I actually just checked and found a message in my spam folder from NYS DOL that I completely missed. It was asking for some additional employment verification. I m'so glad I saw your comment because I probably would have never thought to look there. Going to submit those documents today and hopefully that gets things moving. Really appreciate everyone s'help in this thread - you ve'all been way more helpful than the actual NYS website!
@Dylan Cooper - I just went through this same process a few weeks ago! In addition to what others mentioned, try looking for a section called "Claim Summary" or "Benefit Year Summary" in your account - that's where I found the most detailed info about my claim status. It should show you whether your claim is "Active," "Pending," or if there are any outstanding issues. Also, if you see any flags or holds on your account, there's usually a brief explanation of what's needed. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but 10 days is still within the normal processing timeframe. Keep doing those weekly certifications even while you wait - that was key for me getting backpay once everything got approved.
@Issac Nightingale This is exactly what I needed to hear! I found the Claim "Summary section" you mentioned and it shows my claim as Pending "- Under Review which" at least tells me it s'in the system and being looked at. I was starting to worry that maybe my application got lost or something. Thanks for confirming that 10 days is still normal - all these horror stories about people waiting months had me pretty freaked out. I ll'keep doing the weekly certifications like you said. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to help out!
Join the conversation
I went through this same situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: Start with the online application at labor.ny.gov early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) when the system is less busy. Have your last employer's info ready including exact dates of employment and your final pay stub. If you get stuck on any questions, you can save your progress and come back to it later. The phone lines are brutal right now - I spent literally days trying to get through. Focus on getting your initial claim filed online first, then worry about calling if you run into specific issues later. The key is establishing your claim date so you don't lose any potential benefits while figuring out the details.
This is really helpful advice! I'm wondering about the exact employer info they need - do I need to have my W-2 from last year or just recent pay stubs? And when you say "exact dates of employment" do they want the specific start date from when I was first hired or just my most recent position dates? I've been with the same company for 3 years but changed roles twice. Want to make sure I have everything ready before I start the application at 6 AM tomorrow.
@Caden Nguyen You ll'mainly need your most recent pay stubs last (few weeks and) the exact start date of your current position with your employer. For the employment dates, use when you started in your most recent role - if you changed positions within the same company, that s'usually what they want to see. You don t'necessarily need your W-2 for the initial filing, but having it handy doesn t'hurt. The system will ask for your gross wages from your last few quarters of work, so recent pay stubs are more important. Also make sure you know the exact reason you lost your job layoff, (position eliminated, etc. -) they ll'ask for specifics. Good luck with the 6 AM filing!
I was in the exact same boat a couple months ago - lost my job suddenly and panicked about getting unemployment started. Here's what I learned: definitely go the online route first at labor.ny.gov. The phone system is absolutely brutal right now. I'd recommend trying to file between 6-8 AM when the servers aren't as overwhelmed. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates worked, and gross wages). Don't stress too much about getting every detail perfect - you can make corrections later if needed. The most important thing is getting your claim filed to establish your benefit year start date. Once that's done, you can deal with any issues that come up. The weekly certification can be done online or by phone, and that's usually much easier than the initial filing. Hang in there - it's overwhelming at first but once you get through the initial application it gets much more manageable!
This is exactly the kind of detailed guidance I was looking for! Quick question about the employment info for the last 18 months - I had a part-time job while working my main job for about 6 months last year. Do I need to include that too, or just focus on my primary employer? Also, when you mention gross wages, is that just what's on my pay stubs or do they need tax info too? Thanks for breaking this down so clearly - feeling much less overwhelmed about tackling this at 6 AM!
@Diego Vargas Yes, definitely include that part-time job! They want ALL employment from the last 18 months, even if it was just part-time or temporary. It actually might help your benefit calculation since they use your highest earning quarter. For gross wages, just use what s'on your pay stubs - that s'your gross pay before taxes and deductions. You don t'need to dig into tax documents for the initial filing. The system is pretty straightforward about this - it ll'ask for each employer separately and you just enter the gross wages you earned while working there. Having that part-time job info ready will save you time during the application. You ve'got this!
Join the conversation
I'm so sorry you had to experience that kind of treatment, Harold. It's absolutely unacceptable for any unemployment agent to speak to you in such a demeaning way, especially when you're already in a vulnerable situation. Reading through all the helpful advice people have shared here, it sounds like you took exactly the right steps by filing that formal complaint with the Advocate Office. I wanted to add that if you're still feeling shaken up from this experience, don't feel like you have to rush into any follow-up calls about your claim right away. Take the time you need to recover from this emotionally. When you do need to call back for claim-related issues, you can always start the conversation by saying something like "I'd like to make sure we have a productive conversation today" - this sometimes helps set a more professional tone from the beginning. Also, keep in mind that the recording of your original call will be key evidence in your complaint. The fact that they have that recording means there's no question about what actually happened - it's not just your word against the agent's. You showed real strength by standing up for yourself and following through with reporting this behavior. Hopefully your case will help prevent other people from having to go through the same awful experience.
Thank you so much, Ryder. You're absolutely right that I shouldn't rush into more calls until I'm feeling more emotionally ready. That's really good advice about setting the tone at the beginning of future calls too - I'll definitely try that approach. It's such a relief knowing that the call was recorded because you're right, there's no ambiguity about what happened. I was worried they might try to downplay it or say it was a misunderstanding, but the recording will speak for itself. This whole experience has really shown me the importance of advocating for myself, and honestly, the support from everyone here has been incredibly healing after such a traumatic interaction.
I'm so sorry you went through this Harold, but I'm really proud of you for following through with filing that complaint! As someone who works in state government (different agency), I can tell you that recorded calls are taken very seriously when complaints are filed, especially when there are specific details like you provided. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful for you or others - if you ever need to call back about your claim and you're feeling anxious about potentially getting another difficult agent, you can ask right at the beginning of the call to have the interaction documented as "sensitive" due to your previous negative experience. Most agencies have protocols for handling cases where someone has had prior issues with staff behavior. Also, don't feel bad about crying or getting emotional during that call. That agent was completely out of line, and your reaction was totally normal for someone being treated so poorly. The fact that you've turned this awful experience into action by filing a complaint shows real resilience. I hope you get a good resolution from your complaint, and please don't let one terrible agent discourage you from pursuing the benefits you're entitled to. Most public employees really do want to help, even if this one didn't represent that at all.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective as someone who works in state government - it's really reassuring to hear that recorded calls and complaints are taken seriously. I had no idea I could ask for an interaction to be documented as "sensitive" due to my previous experience. That's incredibly helpful information that I'll definitely use if I need to call back. You're also very kind about not making me feel bad for crying - I was honestly embarrassed about that, but you're right that it was a normal reaction to being treated so poorly. It means a lot to hear from someone on the inside that most public employees do want to help. This whole experience has been a real learning process about advocating for myself and knowing my rights, and I'm grateful for all the support and practical advice everyone has shared.
Join the conversation
I actually had my NYS DOL unemployment hearing last month where my employer was a no-show, so I can share what actually happened. The hearing officer started right on time and explained that they would proceed without the employer. They put me under oath over the phone (you just verbally affirm that you'll tell the truth) and then spent about 45 minutes asking very detailed questions about my termination. Even though my employer wasn't there, the judge had their written contest statement and asked me to respond to each specific allegation they had made. They wanted exact dates, times, witnesses present, what was said, etc. I had to walk through company policies, any prior warnings, and my understanding of why I was fired. The judge was professional and neutral - not hostile, but definitely thorough. I got my decision in writing about 10 days later and won my case. My advice: prepare like they're going to show up, bring/have ready any supporting documents, and be completely honest about what happened. The no-show actually worked in my favor because they couldn't present new evidence or challenge my testimony directly.
@d2bef0c1d010 This is incredibly helpful, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm especially glad to hear that the hearing officer was professional and neutral - I was worried they might be more skeptical with only one side present. Quick question about the documentation: did you submit your supporting documents to the hearing officer before the hearing, or did you reference them during the call and then email/fax them afterward? I have some emails and write-ups that I think will help my case, but I'm not sure about the best way to get them into the record during a phone hearing. Also, it's reassuring to know you got your decision in 10 days - the waiting has been the worst part of this whole process for me!
@d2bef0c1d010 This is such valuable insight from someone who actually went through this! I'm curious about the oath part - when they had you verbally affirm over the phone, did they use specific legal language or was it more informal? I've never been sworn in for anything before and I want to make sure I respond appropriately. Also, when you mention they had your employer's written contest statement, did they summarize what your employer claimed during the hearing, or did they expect you to already know what allegations you were responding to? I'm trying to decide if I should call the DOL ahead of time to get a copy of what my employer submitted, or if the hearing officer will fill me in during the actual hearing. Really appreciate you sharing such detailed information - it's helping me feel much more prepared!
I can add some perspective as someone who works in HR and has been involved in several unemployment hearings from the employer side. When we don't attend hearings, it's usually because we know our case is weak or we don't have sufficient documentation to prove misconduct. The administrative law judge will absolutely still conduct a thorough hearing with you - they're required to make a decision based on all available evidence, which includes whatever your employer submitted initially. Don't let your guard down though. Even without them present, you need to be prepared to address their allegations point by point with specific examples and dates. The judge may ask follow-up questions that challenge your version of events, not because they don't believe you, but because they need to ensure they have all the facts. Having been on both sides of this process, I'd say your chances improve significantly when the employer is a no-show, but preparation is still key to a successful outcome.
This perspective from the HR side is really valuable! It's actually reassuring to hear that employers often skip hearings when they know their case is weak. I'm wondering - from your experience, what are the most common types of documentation or evidence that help claimants in these situations? I have some text messages with my supervisor and a copy of our employee handbook, but I'm not sure if there are other types of evidence I should be looking for or preparing. Also, when you mention being prepared to address allegations "point by point," does that mean I should create a written outline of my responses, or is it better to just be familiar with the facts and respond naturally during the hearing?
@c03f0bc28571 This HR perspective is so helpful - thank you! Your point about employers skipping when they know their case is weak gives me some confidence. I'm actually the original poster and my hearing is next week. Based on your experience, should I be worried if I don't have a ton of documentation? I have some email exchanges with my manager and our employee handbook, but not much else. Also, you mentioned that judges may ask challenging follow-up questions even when the employer doesn't show - what kinds of questions should I be prepared for? I want to make sure I don't get caught off guard during the hearing.
Natasha Kuznetsova
Anybody know if theres a way to expedite the waiting week credit process? I'm really in a tight spot financially and every day counts 😰
0 coins
Chloe Martin
•I've been in the same boat! From what I've learned, there isn't really a way to expedite the waiting week credit specifically, but you might want to look into other emergency assistance programs while you wait. Some local food banks and utility assistance programs can help bridge the gap. Also, if you qualify for emergency SNAP benefits, that process is usually much faster than unemployment. Hang in there - I know how stressful it is! 💪
0 coins
Charlotte White
•@Chloe Martin gave great advice! I d'also add - check if your local 211 has any emergency cash assistance programs. Some counties have small grants for people waiting on unemployment. Also, don t'forget about the food pantries - even if you re'not usually someone who uses them, that s'exactly what they re'there for. Every bit helps when you re'waiting on these slow government systems. You got this! 🙏
0 coins
Camila Castillo
Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been dealing with NYDOL for a while now. A few things that might help: 1. **Document everything** - keep screenshots of every page, error message, confirmation number, etc. This saved me when they claimed I never submitted something. 2. **Try the online portal during off-peak hours** (like early morning or late evening) - it's way less glitchy then. 3. **For the waiting week credit specifically** - make sure you have your exact dates of unemployment ready. They're really picky about this stuff. 4. **Stay vigilant about scams** - I've gotten at least 5 fake texts claiming to be from NYDOL in the past month alone. The real NYDOL will never ask for your full SSN or banking info via text/email. The whole process is honestly a nightmare, but you'll get through it. Keep pushing and don't give up! Also seconding what others said about local assistance programs - 211 is a great resource while you're waiting. Good luck! 🤞
0 coins
Amara Nwosu
•This is such solid advice, thank you @Camila Castillo! I'm just starting this process and feeling pretty overwhelmed, so having a clear roadmap like this really helps. The documentation tip is especially good - I wouldn't have thought to screenshot everything but that makes total sense given how glitchy their system seems to be. Quick question though - when you say "off-peak hours," do you mean like 6am early or more like 10pm late? Trying to figure out the best time to tackle this without dealing with crashes every 5 minutes 😅
0 coins