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
I'm going through the exact same thing! I've had 3 interviews so far and just got notice for a fourth one. Like you, I have irregular gig work (driving for rideshare apps) where my hours and income change week to week depending on demand and my availability. What's really getting to me is how these interviews always seem to be scheduled at the worst possible times - right when I could be out earning money during peak hours. I've already lost probably $300+ in potential earnings having to stay home for these calls. Based on all the responses here, it sounds like our variable income reporting is what's triggering the system to flag our accounts as "suspicious." It's incredibly frustrating that being honest about irregular work patterns results in more bureaucratic hassles. I'm definitely going to try the supervisor request approach during my next interview. Has anyone had luck explaining to the reps that these repeated interviews are actually preventing us from actively job searching and working the gig jobs that supplement our unemployment? Seems counterproductive to their stated goals. Thanks for posting this - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare!
Yes! The timing issue is SO frustrating - I've had to turn down gig work opportunities because I couldn't risk missing their call window. It's like they're actively sabotaging our ability to earn income while we're trying to get back on our feet. I hadn't thought about specifically mentioning to the reps how these interviews are interfering with job search activities and gig work - that's a really good point to bring up. Maybe framing it that way will help them understand the counterproductive nature of scheduling so many redundant interviews. Reading everyone's experiences here has been really helpful. It sounds like most people eventually break through this cycle, but man, the system really needs an overhaul to handle modern work patterns better. Hang in there - we'll get through this bureaucratic maze eventually!
I'm a recent college graduate who started collecting unemployment in February after my temp job ended, and this thread is honestly terrifying me! I haven't had ANY interviews yet, but reading about everyone's experiences with 3-6 interviews has me wondering if I'm about to get hit with this too. I've been doing some freelance tutoring work that I report honestly each week - usually just $100-200 here and there - so it sounds like I fit the profile of someone who might get flagged for these redundant interviews. For those of you who have been through multiple interviews, do they ask the same questions every time? And is there anything you wish you had done differently during your first interview that might have prevented the subsequent ones? I'm trying to prepare myself in case I get my first interview letter soon. Also, has anyone tried reaching out to their local assembly member or state senator's office about this issue? Sometimes elected officials can help cut through bureaucratic red tape, especially when it's affecting so many constituents.
Join the conversation
I'm dealing with this same issue right now - been waiting almost 2 weeks for my card and getting really worried about bills coming due. Reading through everyone's advice here is really helpful. I'm going to try calling KeyBank tomorrow morning at 8 AM like Luca suggested, and also double-check my address in the portal just to be safe. It's so frustrating that the phone system for NYS DOL is basically useless when you actually need help. At least it sounds like KeyBank is more responsive once you can get through to them. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes me feel less alone in this mess!
Hang in there James! I was in your exact position last month and the stress was unreal. The 8 AM KeyBank call strategy really does work - I got through in about 15 minutes versus the hours I wasted trying to reach NYS DOL. Make sure to have your social security number and claim confirmation number ready when you call. Also, if for some reason KeyBank gives you the runaround, you can also try visiting a local KeyBank branch with your unemployment approval letter - sometimes in-person visits get faster results. The waiting is the worst part but you'll get through this!
I went through this exact nightmare last year! Three weeks is way too long - you're absolutely right to be concerned. Here's what finally worked for me: I called KeyBank at 1-866-295-2955 right when they opened at 8 AM on a weekday. The wait time was much shorter in the morning. When I got through, I explained that I never received my initial unemployment card and needed it expedited since I had bills due. They were able to overnight a replacement card at no charge since the original was clearly lost in transit. The key is being persistent with KeyBank directly - don't let them bounce you back to NYS DOL since their phone system is basically broken. I had my replacement card in hand within 48 hours. Also, once you get the card, definitely set up direct deposit through the KeyBank online portal so you don't have to deal with this card replacement hassle again if it gets lost. I know the stress is overwhelming when rent is due, but you should have your money very soon if you call first thing tomorrow morning!
Join the conversation
I think you're overthinking this. Just focus on finding your next job and don't worry about stuff that won't matter anyway.
@Niko Ramsey I completely understand your concerns - I had the exact same worries when I first filed for unemployment after my company downsized last year. What really helped me was realizing that unemployment benefits are literally designed for situations like ours. You've been paying into this system through your paychecks, so you've already earned this benefit. As others mentioned, it won't show up on background checks or affect your credit. I actually found that being transparent about my job search during interviews (without necessarily mentioning unemployment) showed employers I was proactive. Focus your energy on your job search rather than worrying about non-existent consequences. You're doing everything right!
@James Martinez Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It really helps to hear from someone who went through the same thing. I keep reminding myself that this is exactly what unemployment is for, but sometimes the anxiety still creeps in. Your point about being transparent during interviews is interesting - I ve'been wondering how to handle that topic if it comes up. Did you find that employers were generally understanding about the downsizing situation?
@James Martinez @Amina Diop I ve been'following this thread and wanted to jump in with my perspective. Most employers I ve encountered'during my job search have been very understanding about layoffs, especially given how common they ve become'across industries. When the topic came up, I simply explained it as company restructuring "or position" elimination "which is" factual and professional. What I found was that employers were more interested in what I learned during my time between jobs and how I stayed current in my field. Some even appreciated that I was taking time to be thoughtful about my next career move rather than jumping into the first available position.
Join the conversation
I'm also navigating this for the first time and it's definitely overwhelming! From what I've gathered from everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the 2-3 week timeline is pretty standard if everything goes smoothly. One thing that's been helpful for me is keeping detailed records of everything - screenshots of when I filed, copies of all the forms, dates of weekly certifications, etc. That way if there are any issues or delays, I have documentation. Also, I've been treating the job search requirement seriously from day one even though the payments haven't started yet. Better to stay on top of it than scramble later. Hang in there - we're all figuring this out together!
That's really smart advice about keeping detailed records! I hadn't thought about documenting everything but that makes total sense in case there are issues later. Quick question - what exactly counts for the job search requirement? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs per week or is it more flexible than that? I want to make sure I'm doing everything right from the beginning.
Nia Harris
I went through something very similar a few months ago. NYS Department of Labor considers several factors for "suitable work" including the wage compared to your previous job, travel distance, and whether you have the skills/experience for the position. A 45-minute commute each way plus $3/hour less pay would likely be valid reasons to decline, especially if you're still early in your benefit period. When I declined a similar offer, I made sure to document everything - the job details, why it wasn't suitable, and continued my active job search. I didn't face any penalties. The key is being able to justify your decision if they ask during your certification calls.
0 coins
Diego Castillo
•This is really reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through it! Did you have to provide any formal documentation to NYS Department of Labor about why you declined, or was it enough to just explain verbally during your certification? I'm worried about having everything properly documented in case they question my decision later.
0 coins
Carmen Ortiz
•@Nia Harris That s'exactly the situation I m'in! Did they ask you about declined job offers during your weekly certification, or was it only if they specifically called you? I want to make sure I m'prepared with the right documentation if they do follow up. Also, how long into your benefit period were you when you declined - I m'only about 3 weeks in so hopefully that works in my favor.
0 coins
Andre Moreau
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor uses a "substantially less favorable" standard for wages, and many sources suggest that's typically around 20% less than your previous wage. A $3/hour reduction could definitely qualify depending on your previous hourly rate. The 45-minute commute is also significant - that's 1.5 hours of unpaid travel time daily which adds up to substantial costs and time. I'd recommend calling NYS Department of Labor directly to discuss your specific situation before declining, and definitely keep detailed records of the job offer including the wage, location, hours, and lack of benefits. Document your reasoning for declining and continue actively job searching to show good faith effort.
0 coins