Alabama Department of Labor Customer Service Issues

Last week, I didn't receive payment for my unemployment claim filed on 3/25/20. While I received payments on 3/28, 4/04, and 4/21, there was an issue with the week of 4/14 where I wasn't paid. Despite trying to recertify by calling numerous times, I encountered an automated message stating my account was suspended. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to speak with a representative, I opted to reapply on either 4/16 or 4/17. I managed to recertify on 4/19, the earliest the system permitted. I've faced uncertainty due to my furlough as a local truck driver with two canceled return-to-work dates. I believe I shouldn't have lost benefits for the week ending 4/14. Concerned about the next week without payment, I'm unsure whether to reapply once more as work resumption dates have been inconsistent. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

I submitted my unemployment claim on 4/5/[redacted]. Currently, my claim appears active and in pay status, but my weekly earnings exceed my benefit amount. When I called the inquiry line, a recorded message indicated that there was no claim associated with my social security number. Unfortunately, my employer reduced my weekly hours by 50% due to Covid-19, bringing me down to 20 hours per week from the previous 40 hours. I believed that individuals affected by the pandemic were eligible for aid. Could someone clarify if I qualify for assistance under the PUA through the Cares Act? Should I reopen my claim online to complete my weekly certifications? If possible, kindly contact me at [redacted]. Claim ID # [redacted][redacted] / Claimant ID # [redacted]. Thank you, T. L. Mattox

Dear Support Team, I am currently seeking unemployment assistance due to the impact of Covid-19 on my working hours. I work for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, where my hours and pay are typically confirmed each Friday at midnight. Unfortunately, last Friday, I faced an unexpected incident when my already cracked phone was damaged further by a spilled drink, preventing me from making my weekly claim in time. This has caused me great concern as I do not want to lose out on benefits due to this accident. As a result of this situation, I urgently need your assistance to address both last week's and this week's claims before the upcoming Friday deadline. The current situation with the pandemic has made things incredibly challenging, and access to my unemployment benefits is crucial for me to navigate through these tough times. I appreciate your attention to this matter and sincerely hope that you can help me with this issue. Thank you for your understanding and support. Best regards, Rebekah B.

I am Rebekah Becraft, an employee at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, located at [redacted] Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville, AL [redacted]. On April 24th, I encountered an issue trying to file my weekly unemployment claim because of a liquid spill on my phone. Due to the timing of receiving necessary information from my workplace on Friday mornings, I had only one day to file, which was on April 24, [redacted]. I am seeking guidance on how to proceed with filing last week's claim or if there is a way to still submit it. I have attempted to contact the Alabama Department of Labor but have not been able to speak to a person regarding this issue. I am concerned about potential penalties for this missed filing and would appreciate any assistance in resolving this matter. My email is [redacted] and phone number is [redacted]. Email communication is preferred due to ongoing phone issues. I am awaiting a replacement phone. Your support in addressing this claim concern is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and help. Sincerely, Rebekah Becraft.

I had to leave my job on Feb 10, [redacted] due to my child's daycare causing tardiness points. I didn't apply for unemployment initially since I found a new job, but it got stalled due to COVID-19. I eventually had to file for unemployment, starting with regular UI when the PUA portal wasn't available. I've been waiting for over 6 weeks for my claim to be addressed, diligently filing my certification weekly. Recently, I discovered the PUA portal and submitted a COVID-19 claim. Despite indicating on my original claim that it was COVID-19 related, I haven't received any calls or responses to my numerous emails. The tracker suggests they're waiting for a response from my previous employer, although my claim is linked to my upcoming job. I've been unable to reach anyone on the congested phone lines and I'm struggling with bills as my two-year-old son depends on me. Assistance is crucial at this point, especially with businesses reopening in Alabama. Your help is greatly needed, and I'm in a desperate situation.

I applied for unemployment benefits on 4/12/[redacted], indicating I've been jobless since 3/12/[redacted]. A letter confirmed I was monetarily eligible with no listed employers, which aligns with the website information. Additionally, I was informed to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Insurance, but the website indicates I'm ineligible. I'm seeking to provide accurate wage and employer details to the department, possibly via mail. Despite filling out their online contact form and making daily calls, there's only a message stating they are overloaded. The website advises immediate calls for wage discrepancies, which proves challenging. Thank you, P. Terry.

I have received approval from the Alabama Department of Labor regarding my eligibility and the monetary amount, but my claim shows zero money even though I have not been paid at all. I have been completing my weekly certifications online as required, but the website is giving conflicting information. It tells me on one page that there is nothing more to do, and on another, it asks me to finish them today and reapply with a new account. However, the site won't allow me to reestablish my claim. Instead, it prompts me to call the Alabama labor office. I have tried multiple phone numbers provided, but all I reach are automated systems without any helpful options. My family is in a desperate situation with no gas or rent money, and we face eviction soon. I am unable to afford transportation to find work due to the government shutdown affecting my previous job. I urgently need assistance from someone in Alabama who can guide me on resolving my claim issues.

My name is Gary Erdman. I need assistance regarding my unemployment benefits. I was receiving benefits from 3/29/20 to 5/17/20, but then suddenly they were cut off without explanation. I have been trying to reach someone for days with no success, making 40 to 50 calls daily. On 6/9/20, I received a denial letter, which left me baffled. I have been diligently writing letters and calling to no avail. It has been 59 days now since I last received any income from unemployment. I am desperate to understand why this happened and how I can reinstate my benefits until I am able to return to work. I would appreciate any assistance with this matter. Thank you, Gary Erdman. Phone number: [redacted]. Social Security number: [redacted].

My name is Ronald Kevin Ward. Contact me at [redacted]. I was laid off from my job in September [redacted] and did not receive unemployment. I quickly found a new job driving a semi-truck locally. On June 12th, [redacted], I was let go due to COVID-19 slowdowns. Initially, I didn't sign up for unemployment, assuming I would find work easily. After some time, I applied, but as the company paid us in cash with a [redacted] form, we were considered self-employed. I recently provided requested information to address this issue. However, I received a disqualification notice without details. I have a family of 5 and desperately need support until I secure another job. I am actively job hunting and seek assistance to resolve this situation promptly. Thank you, Ronald Kevin Ward.

My name is Ronald Kevin Ward. I can be reached at [redacted], and my address is [redacted] 14th Ave, Haleyville, Alabama. I was laid off from my job in September [redacted] and did not receive any unemployment benefits. I quickly found another job driving a semi-truck locally. Unfortunately, on June 12th, [redacted], I was let go due to COVID-19 related slowdowns. I delayed signing up for unemployment benefits as I believed I would find work soon. After facing difficulties, I finally applied. The issue arises as my previous employer paid in cash, and we were considered self-employed with a [redacted] for tax purposes. Even after providing requested information, I was disqualified due to a self-employment problem that was not specified. I am struggling to support my family of five and urgently need assistance to resolve this issue while I actively search for a new job. Your help in resolving this matter promptly would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Ronald Kevin Ward.

You have a pending issue regarding your claim related to changes in academic terms due to COVID-19. Many schools adjusted their schedules, affecting work hours and earnings, making you eligible for Unemployment benefits or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Post the traditionally scheduled school year end, schools are assessed for employment assurance. If your school reopened post the 2[redacted] academic year, you might not qualify for benefits, and payments will pause for review. The Alabama Department of Labor will reassess your eligibility. Reviewing is ongoing for various school terms, and it might result in overpayment for claimed weeks beyond your school's revised end date. Expect a letter outlining your right to appeal.

I am wondering why my unemployment benefits have stopped and they are claiming I am on a leave of absence, which is incorrect. After a month, I had a phone interview where I truthfully answered their questions. Following that, I had a second phone interview where I was asked to email proof of why I shouldn't have been fired and provide communication with the company during my time off. I complied with their requests, but my funds have still not been reinstated. I was also instructed to write an appeal letter explaining why I should receive my unemployment benefits again. It has been over two weeks since this process started, both in person and online, totaling three months of waiting. This treatment feels unfair and unjust, especially during a pandemic.

I submitted my claim on July 6 and received approval. Recently, I was asked for more information through the claims tracker. I provided it promptly and was told it would expedite my claim, but there has been no progress. The tracker message remains unchanged since August, stating my claim is pending due to a possible eligibility issue for PUA. Despite completing 14 weeks of certifications, my claim remains unpaid. I am now homeless due to COVID-19, and I have no family support. I have tried contacting various departments via email and phone with no response. I am locked out of my Gmail due to a phone issue, which prevents me from doing 2-step verification. I am in dire need of assistance but feel helpless in this situation.

I am struggling to reach someone in the disclosure department. My son is at risk of being expelled from college because I paid for information to be faxed, but it arrived unreadable. The college is now threatening to kick him out if this matter isn't resolved. I have already tried contacting the disclosure department, but they are requesting another $10 and a form, even though this is an error on the unemployment office's part. I urgently need someone to address this issue. Please reach out to me for assistance. Thank you, Tracy Hamblen.

Someone had used my information to access my unemployment funds. I spoke to the unemployment office, and they altered my PIN and my mother's last name for security purposes. They have sent me a new card, but I had to verify my identity by providing my ID, social security card, various mail and bills with my name and address. My account was flagged until I verified my identity. How long will I have to wait before I can receive money on my new card?

I recently reopened a claim in January, but it hasn't been processed yet. Last year, towards the end of the year, I filed a claim where a payment was made for direct deposit, which I did not set up since I don't have a bank account. I haven't received any payments from that claim or any other claims. I want to ensure that no one else received the payments intended for me. I provided correct information during a previous conversation, except for my mother's maiden name, which is Dean. My name is Stormie Nichole Thornton, also known as Bobo. Last four digits of my social security number are [redacted], and my date of birth is 07/23/[redacted]. I would appreciate a prompt contact regarding this issue. Thank you.

I am self-employed and only learned about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) in July. I quickly filed my claim but have encountered major issues. I have been unemployed since March [redacted] due to the pandemic and stated this clearly, yet I have only been paid from August [redacted] onwards, missing out on payments for April to July, including the $[redacted] weekly supplement. Despite many attempts to reach out via calls and emails, I haven't been able to speak to a live person. I even involved the governor's office, which led to a promise of resolution that I haven't seen yet. Additionally, I received weekly benefits for August and September but did not receive the extra $[redacted] weekly from the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. It's frustrating that the system claims I haven't certified my unemployment is due to COVID-19, which is obvious given the nature of my self-employment. The issue of a blocked bank account and payment method changes have further complicated matters, leaving me without benefits since December [redacted]. I feel the state of Alabama is intentionally delaying my payments. I urgently need to speak to someone to resolve these issues and receive the benefits I am owed to support my family. Thank you for any assistance.Jennifer D.

I have not received payment from my unemployment claim in Alabama for the past 9 weeks. The reason given is "failure to do work search" because I initially answered "No" to the work search question on my certification 9 weeks ago, as I was not informed that I needed to do so. Since then, I have actively searched for work every week and provided the necessary details in my certifications. Despite trying to schedule a phone appointment daily, I have been unsuccessful as all slots are taken each day. This situation is causing my bills to pile up, and as a single mother of two, it's becoming increasingly difficult to manage. I urgently need assistance with this matter.

I am grateful for the opportunity to address the issue in my file dated 9/25/[redacted]. Each day brings new challenges, but I am determined to navigate through them and find solutions. It's been a tough time, but I'm committed to resolving any problems that arise. I am trying to ensure that my living situation improves and that my dealings with the company are transparent and fair. Despite feeling overwhelmed, I am striving to make progress and address any issues systematically.

I submitted my claim in early August and completed all the weekly certifications except for two when I did some odd jobs. I had to recertify in April, and although my April claim was denied due to a processing issue, my original claim from August to April was never processed. I'm perplexed about being denied unemployment benefits as I lost my job due to illness and an error in my FMLA paperwork, causing me to be terminated. I had been employed for approximately seven years prior to losing my job. I am now homeless, having lost everything I worked for, including my home and car. I am struggling to regain stability and find new employment. Understanding why I am not eligible for unemployment benefits is crucial as it was my only hope to get my life back on track and secure new job opportunities. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.