I've Mastered The Unemployment Phone Service Menu

The first time I got hold of a human being from the N.Y. State Labor Department's tel-service, it was about as rewarding as solving the mazerunner in Myst, or finding my way out of the Mysterious Woods in Link's Awakening. That's how daunting the automated menu feels for new inductees to the world of government assisted living. It's a mess of Labyrinthine proportions. I had to call them again this morning in anticipation of renewing my claim for 2009. Back in December I took notes and established the most straightforward route to getting through to a person. It's very easy to get stuck going in circles with the options they give you. Follow the guide below:

Dial 1-888-209-8124
Then press these numbers on the keypad at the end of each prompt:
-1
-9
-4
-Enter Social Security-
-1
-Enter Predetermined PIN
-4
-2
-3

Now you can speak to a person! It will take up to 30 minutes of waiting on hold so I recommend using speakerphone. Once you get through, ask as many questions as you need to because this process is a pain in the ass. You'll notice right away the phone menu will do anything to convince you that using the online service is more convenient. The online service does not have any customer service and 9 times out of 10 will direct you to an FAQ that insists you have to call the number listed above for all questions on your claim. I'm certain it's a very deliberate design.