5 practices to resolve unemployment issues
For those Americans who have found themselves unemployed during the #coronavirus pandemic, trying to navigate the unemployment system while it’s under heavy strain, and with seemingly low job prospects, makes for a maddening experience.
With so many applying for #unemployment every day, there are bound to be issues, a lack of communication from busy unemployment representatives, and mixed advice about how to fix issues with your claim.
Do these unemployment issues sound familiar?
- You’re approved but still waiting on your funds
- An error on your unemployment form is affecting your eligibility
- A former employer disputed your claim
- Your unemployment office needs proof of identity
- Fraud or overpayment claims mean you have to repay unemployment
- You can’t get an unemployment rep on the line
Tips to help resolve unemployment issues
If you’re going through issues with unemployment right now, here are some methods that have worked for our members and could work for you, too.
Be persistent about contact
Remember the old adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease?” Often it’s those who are consistently speaking up about their unemployment issues who get the most attention to their case and information to help them solve their unemployment issues.
While it may be a hassle, spending more time and effort reaching out about the issues you’re having with your claim may help you in the end. If you’ve never called your unemployment office before check out our unemployment resource center that has all unemployment resources listed by state.
Document everything
Unemployment is a complex system, and it becomes even more complicated when there are issues. To make sure you don’t lose valuable information, make sure you document everything you can. Make note of things like:
- When you submit your weekly claims
- When changes occurred in your unemployment account
- Any advice or direction an unemployment representative gives you on the phone, etc. As you continue to troubleshoot problems with your unemployment payments or account on hand will make it easier for you to quickly and easily explain your full situation as you reach out for assistance.
Connect with your local representatives
If you’re running up against a wall when you try to get in contact with your local unemployment office or find that they’re not providing sufficient support, contact your local representatives. It’s their job to make sure their constituents, and that’s you, are being properly served by government services like unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). If you’re not getting what you need, it’s their office’s responsibility to try and help you out however they can.
Reaching out to a government official can feel a little uncomfortable for some people, but if it does remember that state representatives and government officials work for you and your health and safety should be their priority. By reaching out, you help them to do their job better.
File an appeal
If your unemployment benefits were denied and you think this decision was made in-error, you can file an appeal to try and get your benefits reinstated. If you’re curious what this process will look like, it goes a little something like this:
- Your unemployment is denied
- After a (state specific) waiting period, you request an appeal
- A hearing date is scheduled
- You and your employer bring evidence, witnesses and/or witness statements to support your case
- A ruling is made on your case after hearing both sides
This can be a long and difficult process, so it won’t be for everyone. However, if you think you have a chance to get your benefits back using this method you should file an appeal.
Consider transitioning back to work
With the unemployment system in disarray for so many, some have considered alternative forms of employment or gig work to help supplement income in a way that can be, in many cases, more reliable than waiting on unemployment funds.
While returning to the job or industry you once worked may be impossible right now, there are companies that are actively hiring right now looking for paid work in a different role or field can provide much-needed income when you need it most.
Know this: You’re not alone
Unemployment issues are affecting so many people right now. With this being a common experience it’s important to come together and support each other. Read what others are going through and consider reaching out.
...I just got two letters from the Virginia Employment Commission saying that they over payed me...and I haven't received anything from them since October cut me off no warning or anything...
Single mom here. Have been waiting since October 5th for PUA. It went into adjudication and approved exactly... still "pending" payment...
My employer told ui that i was 1st on disiplonary suspension, which was news to me. Then said after that I was on a employer approved medical leave of absence...now I've stopped getting any UI, and they want me to pay back 4200.00.
I am so frustrated about all of this stuff with the unemployment. When you call its no way to get to a call center rep. I know that they are working hard to help and get is all paid but they fail to realize is this is such a long and drawn out wait and for what...
Do you need unemployment support? Consider visiting our community to share your story so you can get support and advice, too.
Comments
I was let go in February due to a new company taking over. Started claiming in March, received a determination letter two weeks after applying which listed what my weekly amount would be
It's now into 60 days since I applied for unemployment and my UI status is still pending. I've called, left messages, and emailed . No response from GDOL.
What's should I do next?
Do you make money everyday
What congress person do i call or write pui las vegas clark county
I have been waiting since 2017 for my unemployment. I have been calling just about everyday. The last time I called they (unemployment agent) told me to give up and file disability. I did not want to fall for a comment like that. When the pandemic hit, it made my case the last thing on their list. I called during the pandemic and their comment was they had to take care of the people that lost their jobs due to the pandemic. So I am a understanding person. I waited with some kind of hope that they can resolve the pandemic issue and then I am assuming that my case is next on the list. I saw people that never had a job in their life get the pandemic help of $800 per week from the unemployment agency. I was a little concern about that and was thinking. How is it that they can get approve so quickly and I am still waiting? Then as time went on again, They somehow tell me that they could put my case to the hardship to push my case quickly to get resolved. I kept on with my weekly certifications and the only thing that was different was the amount that is owed to me. Well, that was all I have seen for a month. When the new president Joe Biden became president, I said to myself "this might be the opportunity that I need in order for my case to be heard, or paid more attention. I'm still waiting.........
The problems are from my observation the ff: 1.) two my co worker was asked to resign after working 9 years. This length of time is too long to lose a good reputation. It is discouraging, insulting and embarrassing not just upsetting. 2.) another was suspended for 2 months after a new boss was hired and eventually was made to be let go after working 12 years 3.) we are not happy to be let go like me after working total of 22 years work experience. I wanted to last longer. We got good benefits and yearly increases but if our boss did not like us maybe we are too pricey we want to be valued in terms of — educational caliber, — years of tenure and professional experience or longevity — reliability— the rate of our salary. As one of the most valuable employees there should been an incentive that protects our rights to live and our rights to earn a living base on the International Labor Code #78 that says no one should be denied for a life- including a livelihood, liberty including freedom of speech, and property including a home without due process of the law or be denied the equal protection of the law by reason of color— which I am Asian, race, religion or creed or cultural practices that will hinder a good income to provide for the basic human needs in regards to keeping a good job and a good income