NY Unemployment website won't let me file new claim - stuck with 10+ year old account?

This happened to my sister too. The NY unemployment website is stuck in 2007 or something. You need to call them directly to reset your account. Yes, it's annoying and yes, you'll be on hold FOREVER. I think the number is on their contact page... good luck actually getting through to a human tho 🙄

After spending days trying to get through to NY unemployment, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually worked! They kept calling for me until they got through, then connected me with a real agent. Talking to a live person got my old account access restored in like 10 minutes. It was the only way I could finally get my claim started after hitting the same wall you're describing. They have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

i had the EXACT same issue but with an account from around 7 years ago. you have to call them. theres literally no way around it. the online system is completely useless for this specific problem.

Call them early in the morning like literally right when they open. Thats the only way I was able to get through without waiting 4+ hours. I think they open at 8am. Be ready to dial at 7:59 lol

Here's what I discovered after dealing with the exact same nightmare situation with ny unemployment: 1. The system ties everything to your SSN, which is why you can't create a new account 2. You have basically three options: - Call them directly (prepare to wait hours or get disconnected multiple times) - Use a paid service like claimyr.com that will wait on hold for you (this actually worked for me after trying for days) - Visit an in-person unemployment office if possible (this can sometimes be faster) 3. When you finally reach someone, ask them to: - First reset your NY.gov ID access - Then update your email address in the system - Then help you start a new claim 4. Important: Write down your new login info somewhere safe this time! The system is archaic but once you get through to a human, they can usually fix it pretty quickly. Good luck!

The ny unemployment system is stuck in 2010 I swear. Try logging in with your NY.gov ID if you have one - sometimes that works even if your old unemployment account is inaccessible.

I hear ya. just got thru this same bs last week. u gotta call the tech support line not the regular unemployment line. the number is different and usually less busy. they can reset ur whole account.

Their 'forgot password' feature is broken af. it'll send recovery emails to addresses that havnt existed since obama's first term 🤣

OMG DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED! I literally had to take a day off work just to deal with this. If you absolutely cannot reach them by phone (which is likely), try sending an email to their support address and specifically mention that you can't access your old account. Sometimes they respond within a few days.

Try the mobile app if you havent already. Sometimes it works better than the website for account issues. Not sure why the two systems are different but theyre built by the lowest bidder so go figure

Welcome to the nightmare that is ny unemployment. When I had this exact problem I ended up using claimyr.com to get ahold of someone after trying for literally weeks. It costs money but saved me from losing my mind.

this is a super common problem actually! the unemployment system never deletes old accounts. i had the same issue after not using it for 8 years. had to call like 20 times but eventually got someone who reset everything. hang in there!

Quick tip that worked for me: call your local state representative's office! I was shocked but when I explained my situation, their constituent services person made a call and got my account reset within 48 hours. Worth a try if you're desperate!