State Labor Department adds more employees to answer calls

WNYT Staff

[anvplayer video=”5091153″ station=”998132″]

Two viewers who reached out to 13 Investigates for help when they could not resolve issues with their claims say the money is on its way.

The state Labor Department says they have added more employees to their call centers.

Frustrated callers had reached out to 13 Investigates, saying they were directed through a series of prompts only to be disconnected.

The Labor Department tells 13 Investigates that since Gov. Hochul lifted the hiring freeze, they have added more employees to assist in call centers.

NewsChannel 13 asked about people who say they still can’t reach a person when they call. State Labor says they do not comment on that speculation.

They did say call volume is down, although they are seeing a bit of an uptick as people prepare their taxes.

Many are looking for 1099 forms. If you have questions on that, you may not need to call. A bot named Perkins may have answers for you.

You can find him in the lower right corner of the state Labor Department’s homepage.