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Alison Doyle
Alison's Job Searching Blog

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide to Job Searching

Unemployment Delays

Thursday December 11, 2008
Getting through to an unemployment office seems to be really difficult. One unemployed worker told me, "I had to call more than 20 times to get through to my state unemployment office! I just sat there in front of the TV and called over and over." Getting your unemployment claim processed is also a challenge, due to the heavy volume of unemployment claims. Many state unemployment offices are backlogged processing claims, with some states reporting a two or three week delay. However, new staff are being added and the delay should ease up in the near future.

If you have have a new claim for unemployment, the quickest way to apply is online. For updates on extended benefits, check on your unemployment office web site for details on the extension.

If you do need to call, expect long delays in getting through to a representive and be prepared to keep calling. Early or late in the day are the best times to call. Hitting redial until you get through is also a good strategy.

If you have a problem with your unemployment claim or are having difficulty navigating the unemployment system to get assistance, review these unemployment claim questions and answers for information on why you have hear anything about your claim, why you didn't get your unemployment check, how to get in touch with the unemployment office, and how to get help if you can't find answers to your questions.

More: Unemployment Benefits | File for Unemployment

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Comments

August 27, 2009 at 2:07 pm
(1) Ben says:

Two to three weeks. Ha. My wife got laid off 9 weeks ago and we are still waiting for a check. How does the government expect people to be able to live and pay bills when it has been over 2 months. This article was published in Dec. of 2008. Well it is August of 09 and it has become worse. Way to go Democrats (Obama) insteadt of helping people not lose their house, you have ensured that good outstanding people who have always made payments on time and paid taxes in full, are losing their homes and spending any and all of their savings and childrens college funds so that they continue to pay bills. My wife has applied for over 20 valid sales jobs with only one call back. She is doing her part, why cant the goverment do their part??? If there are 300 million people in the US and an increase from 4.5% to 10% in unemployment causes this much damage, imagine the increase from 75% of people with health care to 90%. How will you handle this?

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