NYDOL: Need help getting proof of past employment and switching to electronic communications

Ugh, dealing with the unemployment office is such a pain! I've been trying to get through to them for weeks. Have you tried setting up an online account? That might help with the electronic communications part.

I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Pro tip: If you can't get through on the phone, try reaching out to your local state representative's office. They often have direct lines to unemployment offices and can help expedite your case.

Have you tried faxing your request? I know it sounds old school, but sometimes it works when nothing else does. Just make sure to follow up with phone calls.

Here's what I did to get my proof of past employment and switch to electronic communications: 1. Log into your online account and look for a 'Contact Preferences' or 'Communication Settings' option. If you can't find it, note it down to ask about when you call. 2. Prepare all your information beforehand: SSN, dates of employment, any claim numbers, etc. 3. Call right when they open. I mean, set an alarm and be ready to dial at 7:59 AM. 4. If you can't get through, keep trying every 15 minutes. It's annoying, but persistence pays off. 5. When you do get through, be super polite but firm. Ask specifically for proof of past employment and to switch all future communications to electronic. 6. Get the name and ID number of the person you speak with, and ask for a confirmation number for your requests. 7. Follow up with an email summarizing your call and requests. Hope this helps! It's a process, but you'll get there.

Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic info from a government agency? The system is broken, man.

Have you tried reaching out to them on social media? Sometimes tweeting at them or messaging on Facebook can get a faster response.

If all else fails, you might want to consider hiring an unemployment advocate. They cost money, but they know the system inside and out and can often get results faster.