PA UC fraud investigation taking forever - 4 years after identity theft and still no payment

I went through something similar in 2022, though mine only took 8 months to resolve. Have you specifically requested a fraud investigation status update through the messaging portal? There's a special form they told me to use called the "Fraud Resolution Status Request" that seemed to finally get things moving. Also, when you contacted your state rep, did their office actually open a formal inquiry? Sometimes they just make a phone call that doesn't get tracked properly in the system.

omg 4 YEARS?!? thats insane!! the system is so broken i swear

I had my identity stolen for UC benefits too! It took me 14 months to finally get my legitimate claim processed. The trick that FINALLY worked for me was documenting EVERYTHING and then requesting an official appeal hearing specifically for 'failure to issue determination within reasonable time period.' The hearing examiner has more power than regular UC staff to push things through the system! Trust me, an appeal might seem extreme but it's literally the only way to break through the bureaucratic wall sometimes.

This happend to my brother in law and he nevr got his money. Some rep told him after 2 years they just close the cases if they cant determine who did the fraud. PA UC is a joke!!!!

I know this sounds crazy but have you tried reaching an actual claims examiner? I was in UC limbo for months (not fraud, but still) and could NOT get through on the phones. I used this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a PA UC agent in like 15 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. Cost me a few bucks but totally worth it to finally talk to someone who could actually see my file and do something. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. I finally got someone who actually specialized in fraud cases and she found my documents that had been sitting in the system for months!

You need to be persistent but also strategic about this. Having worked adjacent to the UC system (not an employee but I dealt with them professionally), I can tell you that fraud cases from 2020-2021 are in a special category because of the massive fraud wave during COVID. Here's what you should do: 1. Request your claim file through a Right to Know request - this is different than just asking for status updates 2. File a complaint with the PA Inspector General's office specifically about the delay 3. Request a "Commissioner Review" of your case delay (this is above the regular appeals process) 4. Contact your STATE Senator (not just representative) as they often have more pull The system is definitely broken, but there are specific pathways designed for these situations. Don't give up!

I'm so sorry you're going through this! The fraud stuff is THE WORST because you're treated like you did something wrong when YOU'RE the victim!!! It's absolutely maddening. I had a similar issue (though not quite as long as yours) and what finally worked was having THREE separate things happen at once - my state rep inquiry, a formal appeal filing, AND getting through to a supervisor on the phone. It seemed like having multiple pressure points in the system at the same time finally forced someone to look at my case. Don't give up!!!

have you tried the pa treasury unclaimed funds website? sometimes money ends up there after uc issues

Update on my earlier comment - I just remembered something important. For fraud cases specifically from 2021, there's a special PA UC fraud resolution unit with a direct number: 717-772-4331. They ONLY handle backlogged identity theft cases. This number isn't published on their website for some reason, but an examiner gave it to me. Call early in the morning (right when they open) for best results.

UPDATE: You all are amazing! I called the fraud resolution unit number that @helpful_person suggested, and after three attempts, I got through to someone who actually knew what they were talking about! They found my case and said it had been marked for review but never assigned to an examiner. They've now assigned it and promised a determination within 15 business days. I also submitted the appeal for delay and scheduled a call with my state senator's office. I'll update again when I hear something. THANK YOU ALL!