New York State Department Of Labor, Special Programs Unit NYS Department Of Labor is playing games with me, and has mis-handeled my claim from the get go!RIPOFF Albany New York

My issue is with the NYSDOL Section 599 Special Programs Unit (P.O. Box 15129 Albany, NY 12212-5129).

Here is a briefing on the situation:

Dear NYSDOL,

This is the second time I have been asked to send the information that your department requested (and the second time that I have had to send it, because someone lost it), since last week.

It was a long, hard fight to obtain my benefits. Mark Titus (a complete incompetent clown best describes him) lost some very critical paperwork over three times; thus delaying the process further.

I thought all of that was behind me; yet here I am again.

The last time I talked to someone (Karl Tice, I believe was the person a very nice fellow, I might add) from your agency, I was assured that I was 'golden' up to 2006, or less (if I was done with my studies sooner). I asked if there was any re enrollment, etc. I was told no; all I had to do was submit my grades (when asked), and have the college fill out some of the forms that might be sent to me. To the best of my knowledge (all of this is new to me, and somewhat complicated), I have kept up my end of the bargain. I have been living off of nothing for 3+ weeks, am about to lose my car, and have no money for food thanks to the situation your agency has put me in.

About one month ago, when I tried to certify for my benefits online, I was turned down. After getting hung up on all week by that obnoxious tel service (I like to call it telless inservice) , that prompts you to press 50 touch tone combinations, just to possibly get the chance to talk to a human being, I called Elliot Spitzer's office. After explaining the whole situation, I was told to contact them if any further problems occur. I believe it was two weeks ago when I finally was able to get through to a human being that spoke English, and what I was told shocked me. The representative told me that the paperwork SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT out long before this time frame and had not been. I realize mistakes happen, yet 2-4 weeks without any money coming in due to an internal error on behalf of a state run agency is unacceptable in my opinion. If I had failed to submit any information that the NYS DOL requested, I would be thrown off of the program.

What I am asking for in this situation is:

For the NYS DOL to try and fix this problem ASAP
If any human error was at fault, I would like the parties involved to have their paychecks withheld for three weeks, so they can understand where I am coming from

If I ever screw up the paperwork, etc., I would like a 'get out of jail free card'

It would be nice (intelligent is more like it) if when a person files online, and gets denied for the same situation, that they be given either a person to email for help, or a direct phone number (like the one that took me over a week to obtain) of a English speaking person that could quickly rectify the issue(s). This last entry is just a 'process improvement' suggestion.

I thank you for your time:

Peter H.
DOB:

I have the paperwork that proves my claims (proof from the NYSDOL that states that I am approved till 5/14/2006). I would glady email you this important document, if you should need it.

I have no $ for food.

My care is about to be repossesed.

I need your help/advice.

Thank you

Pete
Spencerport, New York
U.S.A.