NY unemployment site keeps saying I already have an 'active claim' but I never filed one

Sounds like identity theft. Someone probably filed a claim using your SSN. You need to call and report it asap! This happened to a friend of mine last summer and it was a huge mess to clean up. Try calling right when they open at 8am, that's usually the best time to get through.

I was in the EXACT same situation back in February! Kept getting that same error message. After trying to call for days with no luck, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically waits on hold for you then calls you when they get an agent on the line. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast, and they helped me file a fraud report too. Check out this video if you want more info: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

This is 100% identity theft. Unfortunately it's been happening A LOT with ny unemployment since covid started. Someone is probably collecting benefits using your info. You need to: 1) Keep calling until you get through. Try calling at 7:59am right before they open. Or right after lunch around 1pm. 2) While you're trying to reach them, go ahead and file a police report for identity theft. You'll need that documentation later. 3) Check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com to make sure the person hasn't also opened credit cards in your name. 4) Document everything. Take screenshots of all error messages, write down dates/times of your calls. When you finally get through to an agent, tell them you need to report fraud and have them connect you to their fraud department. They'll likely have you fill out an affidavit. The process can take weeks so prepare for that. Some people have had success going through their state representative's office too if you can't get through on the phone.

The hold times are IMPOSSIBLE rn. I had to call 47 times last week before getting through. When I finally did, I was on hold for 3.5 hours only to have the call drop. I literally cried. The whole system is a joke.

After dealing with the disaster that is NY unemployment for months, I've compiled some tips that might help you get this resolved faster: First, this is definitely identity theft, and unfortunately it's become extremely common with unemployment systems. Someone has likely filed a claim using your SSN and personal information. The most important thing is getting through to a live agent. Here are some strategies: - Call exactly at 7:59 AM when they first open - Try the alternate numbers (like the employer line) and then ask to be transferred - Email your state senator and assemblyperson - their offices can sometimes expedite these issues - Use a service like claimyr.com that will wait on hold for you and call you when they get an agent (this was a lifesaver for me) Once you get someone, explain you've never filed before and believe you're a victim of fraud. Ask to speak to their fraud department immediately. They'll likely send you forms to complete and may put a hold on the fraudulent claim. In the meantime, file a police report for identity theft, report it to the FTC at identitytheft.gov, and check your credit reports for any other suspicious activity. It might take several weeks to resolve, but documenting everything and being persistent is key. Don't give up - I finally got mine resolved after 6 weeks of fighting. Good luck, and hang in there! The system is overwhelmed but you'll get through this.

ugh it's SO RIDIULOUS how broken the system is. i've had the opposite problem where the website says i don't have a claim but i filed months ago and got approved! the site is a mess. 💯

this happened to my roomate and turns out his ex girlfriend filed using his info. check if anyone close to you might have your ssn?

I had this exact issue. Someone from Florida had used my SSN to file a claim even though I've lived in NY my whole life. I ended up having to go through the fraud department and it was a whole thing. Took almost 3 months to resolve, but I eventually got my benefits + backpay.

Check to see if you've gotten any mail from unemployment. When my identity was stolen for benefits, I started getting random UI paperwork even though I hadn't filed.

The ny unemployment website is litterally the worst thing ever created. i've never ben able to log in correctly in 2 years. have you tried calling the fraud hotline directly instead of the main number? sometimes its easier to get through.

Same thing happened to me in 2021 and I'm STILL sorting it out. When I finally got thru, they said my "claim" was actually in Ohio even tho I've been in Brooklyn my whole life. Make sure u mention possible interstate fraud when u call.

If you can't get through on the phone try reaching out to your local state assembly person. That's what finally worked for me after 3 weeks of calling. They have special contacts at unemployment and can escalate your case.

DONT BOTHER CALLING!!! thier just gonna put you on hold until you give up. trust me ive been trying for 3 weeks straight. the fastest way is using claimyr.com - it sounds like an ad but i swear it worked for me. they get someone on the line then call you. worth every penny when ur desperate.

make sure you also freeze your credit at all 3 credit bureaus ASAP! if they have enough info to file unemployment in your name, they might try opening credit cards too

Anyone dealt with this knows how many HOURS of our lives we waste trying to fix it. I ended up having my state senator's office help me. Email them explaining the situation and they can often get things moving faster than you can on your own.

This exact thing happened to me 6 months ago! Turns out someone had filed a claim using my SSN from a completely different state. What really helped me was documenting EVERYTHING - screenshots of error messages, dates/times of calls, etc. I finally got through by calling the fraud hotline at 888-598-2077 (mentioned above) at exactly 8am on a Tuesday. The agent was actually super helpful once I explained I was a fraud victim. They immediately flagged the fake claim and helped me file my legitimate one. The whole process took about 5 weeks total, but I did get all my backpay once it was resolved. Don't give up! Also definitely check your credit reports like others suggested - mine was clean but better safe than sorry. One tip: when you do get through to someone, ask them to email you a reference number for your fraud case. Having that number made follow-up calls WAY easier.