Note All Work And Earnings
When you claim your benefits, you will have to report any work you have done in the weeks being claimed as well as the gross earnings . Even if you have not received payment from the employer yet, the earnings must still be reported over the time worked. Failure to report work and earnings is a crime and can carry severe penalties.
Contact Your State Representative Or Senator
As a last ditch effort, Harris reached out to her state senators office, and says she was told they would send an inquiry on her behalf. About two weeks later, in late September, Harris received back pay totaling $10,000. Harris believes she is still owed additional benefits, and is unclear on how to ensure continued benefits.
Pagan has reason to agree that, for anyone who is having trouble getting their unemployment benefits, contacting a state senator or other state elected official is probably the best bet. She credits this approach with helping get her issue resolved.
Unemployment benefits are handled by the state, so contacting your state-level elected officials can help get the ball rolling. They can sometimes get an answer faster than the unemployment office itself, Stettner says. They are doing case work on behalf of their constituents, but theyre also overwhelmed, he says. He even recommends reaching out to your state governors office.
I Was Denied What Do I Do Now
You can file an appeal for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge if you disagree with the eligibility decision. Under state law, you must do so within 10 days from the sent date of the determination eligibility.
You can find instructions on how to file an appeal online or .
Contact IndyStar reporter Alexandria Burris at or call 317-617-2690. Follow her on Twitter: .
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State Unemployment Phone Numbers And Getting In Touch With A Live Agent For Help With Your Ui Claim
One thing many readers have been complaining about when it comes to getting help or information on their pending UI payment or current unemployment claim is finding a number to call so that they can get through to someone they can speak to. The challenge is that with the several enhanced unemployment programs now in place or being rolled out, ongoing staffing shortages at state UI agencies due to COVID work restrictions and ongoing system/IT issues with unemployment filing systems it is very hard to get through a live person that can help you.
This has been acutely felt with the 2021 unemployment extensions and for PUA claimants who had exhausted their benefits. With state agencies focusing resources on updating programs and IT systems to administer the UI program extensions, they have little time to take calls and actively help those desperately looking for help with their claims and wondering when they will start getting paid.
Thats why most agencies are directing people to their website or social media channels to get more information. But a lot of time that information is generic and not helpful for most people with issues specific to their claim. So with that in mind here state UI agency contact numbers and some tips and tricks to get through to a live person.
Stay In the Know:
Jump to your State
There are two options available to request benefit payments.
Option 1 Online
You can request payments online using the Unemployment Benefits Services at ui.texasworkforce.org.
Debit Card & Direct Deposit Information
- Debit Card FAQ – Find answers to questions about the TWCUI debit card.
- U.S. Bank – Get account information about your UI debit card at www.usbankreliacard.com or call 800-657-6343.
- Direct Deposit FAQ – Find out how direct deposit works and how to set up direct deposit for your benefits.
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Equal Opportunity Is The Law
It is against the law for this recipient of federal financial assistance to discriminate on the following basis:
- Against any individual in the United States, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex , national origin , age, disability, or political affiliation or belief and
- Against any beneficiary of, applicant to, or participant in programs financially assisted under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act , on the basis of the beneficiarys citizenship or participation in any WIOA Title Iâfinancially assisted program or activity.
The recipient must not discriminate in any of the following areas:
- Providing opportunities in, or treating any person with regard to, such a program or activity or
- Making employment decisions in the administration of, or in connection with, such a program or activity.
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How To File A Discrimination Complaint
Where to file. Every State and every Local Workforce Investment Area must have a process in place for handling complaints that allege one or more of the bases of discrimination listed above. In most cases, the complainant may choose to file either with CRC or at the State or local level. In cases in which a complaint is filed at the State or local level that should have been filed with CRC, the State or local level should refer the complaint to CRC.
Special filing requirements apply to the Job Corps program. For more information, contact CRC.
Requirements for all complaints. Regardless of where they are filed, all complaints must be filed in writing, and must include the following information:
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Unemployment Benefits Contact Information For Claimants
- Check claim status and payment history
- Request Your Waiting Week
What If The Person I Talk To Can’t Answer My Question
Even once you reach someone in the unemployment office, it’s possible they will not have the answers to the questions you are asking. Don’t give up.
If you can’t get the answer you want, Shahrzad Arasteh, the founder of Career Consulting Services, recommends asking to speak with a supervisor or someone who reviews cases. If the supervisor is not there, leave your number and ask that they call you back. If you don’t hear from them in a day or two, call the unemployment office again. It may also be a good idea to ask an employee there when the supervisor will be in next so you can wait or call back at a better time.
If you still can’t get the answers you’re looking for, Arasteh suggests getting in touch with someone at your state’s department of labor, explaining your issue, and asking for help.
The unemployment benefits claims process can be frustrating at a time when more frustration is the last thing you need in your life. But patience and persistence will pay offliterally.
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Should You Reach Out To An Unemployment Lawyer
In general, it doesnt make sense to hire a lawyer right out of the gate. If you receive a letter saying your claim has been denied or that you are not eligible for benefits that you think is wrong, thats when you should look into legal services, Stettner says.
Unfortunately, getting legal representation can be difficult or not worth the cost of hiring a lawyer. A lot of states limit the fees an attorney can charge for unemployment representation, Kalish says. That prevents attorneys from gouging clients who are desperate and in need, he says. But in states where such caps are extremely low, it can be hard to find legal representation for unemployment cases. On the other hand, legal representation may be too expensive in states with no restrictions.
You might be able to find public interest groups that provide pro bono unemployment legal counseling. For example, the Unemployment Law Project provides free legal advice and representation for unemployment cases in Washington state. But these organizations are so overwhelmed they are likely only able to help a small fraction of people in need. Its really tricky to provide a large number of people with good unemployment advice, Kalish says.
What If I Never Got My Unemployment Pin
An unemployment pin number is integral in the claim process, especially when it comes to requesting benefit payments. Typically, pins are sent out via the U.S. mail, but due to Colorados unemployment insurance divisions initial surge in claims, Fitzgerald admits the divisions system was overwhelmed and there were some subsequent issues with claimants getting mailed a pin. That process has since changed to allow pins to be sent out via email. If youre filing a claim, be sure to include your email in your form so you get your pin as quickly as possible, Fitzgerald said. If you still havent received a pin, you can request one by filling out this form.
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What Information Do I Need To Apply
When you apply for unemployment, youll need to provide information that identifies you and your last employer. Depending on how long you worked at your last position, you may also need to submit information about your previous employment.
State requirements vary, but typically, unemployment programs will ask for information like:
- Your Social Security number
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What You Need For Apply For Unemployment Benefits
To apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits, you need to provide personal information including your Social Security number, birth date, home address, email address , and phone number.
You also need information about your employment history from the last 15 months, including:
- Names of all employers, plus addresses and phone numbers
- Reasons for leaving those jobs
- Work start and end dates
- Recall date
You may need additional information in certain situations:
- If you are not a U.S. citizen your Alien Registration number
- If you have children their birth dates and Social Security numbers
- If youre in a union your union name and local number
- If you were in the military your DD-214 Member 4 form. If you dont have it, you can request your DD-214 online.
- If you worked for the federal government your SF8 form
To receive payments by direct deposit, youll also need your bank name, account number, and routing number. Otherwise, the Department of Unemployment Assistance will send you a debit card.
If youre a non-U.S. citizen applying for UI benefits, DUA must verify that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. Non-English speakers can apply for UI in their own languages on DUA’s foreign language application site.
If you’re not sure that UI is right for you, you can check your eligibility.
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Column: Complaints Over Unemployment Claims Process
- Kathleeen Vinehout
I called the hotline several hundred times. Each time I called I got a message about being busy at this time, a Pierce County man Ill call Ken told me.
Ken lost his job as a mechanic and needed to file an unemployment insurance compensation claim. After more than two weeks of trying to get through the states Department of Workforce Development application process, Ken heard of someone who received help from my office. He called.
Hundreds of complaints from people attempting to apply for unemployment compensation poured into legislative offices this winter. The complaints were consistent: The website dropped me, I got no answer from phone calls, no one ever called me back, I was on hold for hours.
The complaints led senators to write to the governor seeking answers. The complaints also led to a review by the Legislative Audit Bureau.
Recently the Legislatures Joint Committee on Audit approved an evaluation of the unemployment insurance claims process. During a public hearing we learned some reasons behind the dramatically inferior customer service.
When Ken first filed his unemployment claim, like half of all who file a claim, he went to the Department of Workforce Developments website. But part way through filling out the web-based forms, the system wouldnt allow him to complete his application. The website indicated he must call the state office.
Able And Available Requirements
To be eligible for Texas Unemployment benefits, you must be able, available, and actively seeking full-time work each week you request payment.
- have transportation and child care
- would accept the customary wages for your qualifications and experience
- lowered your wage request to 75 percent of your normal wage by the 8thweek of unemployment
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How The Edd Call Bot Works
Woodley declined to share specific details about how his bot finds and connects users to a human operator but he did lay out the basics.
Woodley said he determined the EDD phone line plays two distinct recordings when someone calls. One plays if all lines are busy, and the system isn’t going to take your call. A different recording plays, however, if a caller is going to get through.
“The bot handles the process of constantly calling the EDD,” Woodley said. “Essentially, it constantly dials the phone number. It listens to the voice message, and if its the ‘wrong’ message, it will hang up and do it again and do it again.
The bot calls repeatedly — as many as thousands of times — until it hears the right message. When it does, it calls your phone and adds you to the line.
“Once it gets an opening, we call via three-way, and then from there, we connect you to the call, and from there, youre now connected to the music section of the EDD, and youre on hold there for about 5 to 10 minutes, to speak to a rep,” Woodley said.
Woodley told NBC 7 Responds that he’s working to create a queue system that the EDD and other businesses can use. While similar systems may exist, he hopes his will be easier.
How Do I Apply
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
- You should contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
- Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
- When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
- It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.
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Social Media Facebook & twitter
Most state UI agencies are actually pretty active on social media in posting updates to share the latest information on unemployment payments and/or delays. You can see relevant social media handles on some of the individual state unemployment pages I have set up for specific contact information but most large unemployment agencies have Facebook, Reddit and Twitter accounts. I follow a number on and , so you can follow me to get curated updates. From the state UI agency social media pages you can even try sending direct/private messages to get answers to your questions and also see the hundreds of comments from people likely in a similar boat to you. Just dont share any confidential or personal information.
Surprisingly a lot of readers have said emailing your state unemployment department or agency has worked more effectively than trying to get a live agent. In fact under federal guidelines for these programs, states must provide claimants with alternate modes of contact, which may include email, and communicate with the claimantbased on his or her preferred method of contact. If the state contacts the claimant via email and the email is returned, the state must attempt to contact the claimant by U.S. mail.
Your Local, State or District representative
If you have found any effective ways of getting in touch with someone in your state, please leave a comment below.
Visit The Twcs Unemployment Benefits Estimator Site
The first step in the process is to visit the Texas Unemployment Benefits Estimator website.
Next, enter the information requested.
Note that the estimator will require you to enter wages for four different pay periods, as shown in the image below.
Also, when you visit the website, it will show you, based on the date you visit the wage period the website will be used to calculate your estimate .
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New York Unemployment Number
Here are the best contact numbers and tips to get in touch a live agent at the NY DOL. See the New York Department of Labor resource page for more information and reader comments.
- New Claim: 1-888-209-8124. This is the Telephone Claims Center . Open from Monday Friday 8:00 AM 7:30 PM & Saturday and Sunday 7:30 AM 8:00 PM
- Pending Claims: 1-800-833-3000
- Weekly Certification: 1-888-581-5812 or 1-833-324-0366 .. PLEASE NOTE: PUA recipients need to certify weekly. Regular UI should be certified online or when requested by the DOL
- For NY.gov assistance or other website issues call 800-833-3000.
You must call This number here -491-0632 As I did and only found out through friends that they were receiving their $300 in Lost Wages Assistance benefits and I wasnt. Nor did I ever receive an email from the Dept.of labor. Once you call this automated number and answer the question you will receive your money In a matter of days literally. Please be patient, and LISTEN to all of the Question/options BEFORE answering!! GOOD LUCK
Like all major state UI agencies the NY DOL is currently experiencing high call volumes, so if you can get through to an agent and their website is not useful consider contacting them via their social media sites which seem to have the new updates posted regularly. Or follow me on where I retweet pertinent updates.
