this is what the call a longshot like the below?
New Yorkers laid off due to coronavirus can’t get through to file for relief
Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
New Yorkers laid off due to the virus crisis will see their weekly unemployment benefits more than double under the $2.2 trillion federal stimulus bill — but only if they somehow manage to file for the relief.
The state Department of Labor’s phone line for applications is so overloaded that it’s all but impossible to get through and complete a claim, frustrated users told The Post on Thursday.
“It feels like I’m doing a scratch-off and hoping I win it to get my unemployment benefits,” said Bronx electrician Nolan Abrams, 25.
Abrams, whose job site at Manhattan’s Pier 55 was shut down last week, said he has placed around 600 calls to the DOL to finish his application since filling out an online form on Monday.
Steamfitter Sean Nickerson, 30, said he has called as many as 200 times a day since being laid off in mid-March from a Westchester construction job.
“Things still cost money out here,” said Nickerson, who lives in Connecticut but is still eligible for New York benefits.
“That part of it didn’t change for people. What changed is their income.”
The DOL declined to comment on Thursday, but Commissioner Roberta Reardon pledged on Wednesday to address the problems.
No comments:
Post a Comment