Mass Unemployment Is a Joke!

Mass Unemployment Is a Joke!

By Tim Ribadeneyra

Unfortunately I was laid off on 11/18/16 after 18 years at my company. I was told to file for unemployment asap and now I know why…the process is a total joke! Initially I was hopeful it would be a quick process as my former employer returned the monetary determination within a couple of days. However, today is 1/4/2017 and I have no idea where I stand. The process works as follows:

  1. On a weekly basis you must provide evidence that you have taken various steps to attain employment in order to qualify for benefits. I now have 6 weeks outstanding.
  2. After a couple of weeks I tried calling the contact number, Unfortunately it was a Tuesday and I found out my calling day was Thursday based on my ss#.
  3. Called back on Thursday. Without a doubt the worst calling center ever. I have now called at least half a dozen times and what happens is that you listen to a recorded voice asking for certain info leading you on and on until finally you get the message that no one is available to take your call, please call back, and they hang up. I have still not spoken to a live person.
  4. One time I somehow managed to get to a voice asking if I wanted to schedule a call back. I was excited…progress! It was around 10 in the morning so I requested a 2:30 call back…not available. The requested a 4:00 call back…not available. Went to Friday…no times available. Realized scheduling a call back would be an impossible task.

Website states this: Thank you for sending the information we requested. Due to current volume, additional time may be needed to determine if you qualify for benefits. We will let you know if we need more information.

Phone number starts with message that they are experiencing higher than normal call volume..every single time!

Funny thing is I know people who were laid off in 2008, when unemployment was much higher, and they said they were paid in two weeks. How is it with unemployment so much lower that the process is so much worse? How can people afford not to get benefits within 6 weeks? This is ridiculous. Governor Baker, are you saving money by reducing staff? Delaying cash payments to improve the states cash flow? Whoever runs this group needs to be fired as the process doesn’t work.

Everyone out there, let me know if you have had similar issues.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Timothy Ribadeneyra