Can't file new NY unemployment claim - system wants old username from 10+ years ago

same thing happend to me last yr... u need to call them cuz the website sucks. good luck getting through tho lol

The NY Dept of Labor system keeps old accounts forever but doesn't make it easy to recover them after so many years. You have two options: 1. Keep trying the account recovery process - sometimes it works if you can remember ANY of your old info (old address, phone, etc) 2. Call the NYSDOL directly at 888-209-8124 (but be prepared for long wait times) Do NOT create a new NY.gov ID if you already have one in their system - it'll just create more problems and delay your claim processing even longer.

I faced this EXACT same issue in January when I got laid off. Hadn't filed since 2012! After 4 days of trying to call NYSDOL (and getting nowhere), I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They basically keep calling for you and then connect you when they get through. Saved me days of frustration. I watched their demo video first (https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE) to make sure it was legit. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

This is actually a common issue with the NY unemployment system. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, try using the NY.gov ID account recovery at https://my.ny.gov/ - sometimes this works even if you think you don't remember details 2. If that fails, you'll need to speak with a representative who can help reset your account 3. Call early in the morning (7:30 AM when they open) for the best chance of getting through 4. Have your SSN, old mailing addresses, and any email addresses you might have used ready The system won't let you create a new claim with the same SSN if there's an existing account, so you must recover or reset the old one. This is for security purposes, even though it's frustrating.

I had something sort of similar happen but it wasn't unemployment it was for paid family leave. Their whole website is terrible and doesn't work half the time. I ended up having to go to an actual office in person which was a NIGHTMARE but at least they fixed it that day.

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME CALLING!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through before I finally got help. The system is DESIGNED to keep people from getting benefits they DESERVE!!!! They never answer and when they do they transfer you and hang up!!! IM SO SICK OF THIS BROKEN SYSTEM!!!

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr thing that someone mentioned above and IT WORKED! Got connected to an agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending all day calling. The agent was able to help me recover my old account by verifying my identity. She said they get this problem all the time with people who filed years ago. My claim is now submitted and I should get confirmation in 2-3 days. Just wanted to share in case anyone else has this same problem.

Glad you got it sorted out! For anyone else facing this issue in 2025, here's what you need to know: 1. NY DOL does keep accounts active even after 10+ years of inactivity 2. Account recovery is possible through an agent even if you don't remember your credentials 3. For fastest service, either: - Use an automated calling service like the one mentioned - Visit a career center in person (bring ID) - Call right at 7:30 AM when lines open Don't create duplicate accounts as this will flag your claim for review and delay everything by weeks.

This thread is super helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation but mine is even older - I think I filed unemployment back in like 2008 or 2009. The system definitely recognizes my SSN but I have zero memory of what email I used back then (probably some old Yahoo account that doesn't exist anymore). Has anyone successfully recovered an account that old? I'm wondering if I should just bite the bullet and try the Claimyr service or if there are other options for really ancient accounts.

I went through this exact same nightmare in 2024! Had an old account from 2011 that I couldn't access. After weeks of frustration, here's what finally worked for me: The key is having ANY old information ready - even partial details help. When I finally got through to an agent, she was able to find my account using just my SSN and the fact that I remembered working at a specific company back then (even though I couldn't remember the exact dates). Pro tip: If you have any old tax returns from that time period, they might have your old address which can help with account recovery. Also, don't give up on the phone calls - I found that calling right at lunch time (around 12:30 PM) sometimes worked better than the early morning rush. The whole system is definitely outdated and frustrating, but the agents are actually pretty helpful once you get through to them. They deal with this old account recovery stuff all day long.