Connecticut Department of Labor Customer Service Issues

After having rotator cuff surgery on 6/6/18, my surgeon approved me to return to work on 7/10/18. However, Med Works, per hospital policy, refused to give me approval due to concerns about my gait because of my multiple sclerosis (M.S.). Even though I've been doing the same job for 10 years with my condition, Med Works placed me back on short term disability, citing safety issues. I requested to use a wheelchair for added safety, but they are still considering it. This situation has caused me financial hardship as I am now earning only half of my previous income. Despite expressing my need to return to work, my manager and Med Works have been unresponsive and unwilling to accommodate me. I feel discriminated against based on my gait, which has slowed due to using my left hand with a cane post-surgery. I need assistance in resolving this matter promptly. Thank you.

Hello! I have a letter stating that I am eligible for unemployment benefits until June [redacted]. However, my benefits stopped in December, so I reapplied. I was told to expect an email within seven days after submitting my application. Despite checking my inbox and spam folders, I haven't received anything. I am currently a full-time student pursuing a paralegal certificate to secure a job after graduation in May. With no unemployment income, I have no source of money to support my child. Below is the email I received: Thank you for submitting your application for unemployment benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor. You will not be able to file claims until your application is reviewed and processed. Look out for an email confirming the processing of your claim and containing important instructions. It may take up to seven days to process your application and an additional seven to ten days for your first payment if approved. Remember, you cannot file weekly claims until your application is processed. Watch for a confirmation email with next steps. Thank you, Abigail Gagne.

In [redacted], I was employed by Off Shore Construction in Manchester CT. I was let go after being injured on the job and received a termination letter restricting my access to the premises. When attempting to file my [redacted] taxes, I discovered that there was no employment record available. I need help to address this matter and secure a copy of my W2. Additionally, I have concerns about my termination, which I believe was wrongful, and the subsequent retaliation I faced for reporting Offshore Construction for not paying prevailing wages on appropriate job sites. The Department of Labor (DOL) intervened in this dispute, and I believe there should be documentation of any compensation received. Thank you for your attention to this issue.

When navigating the Department of Labor for Connecticut, the system directs you to a section where it requests your mailbox number or extension to leave a message if the line is busy. Unfortunately, this process makes it challenging to reach the desired department directly. Instead of speaking to a representative, you find yourself repeatedly asked for a mailbox or extension. In your frustration, you resorted to trying different department options just to connect with a live person. Your sole intention was to file a wage complaint, but the system's automated features made it difficult to do so.

Hello, I am seeking assistance regarding my unemployment situation. I was laid off on March 18, [redacted], as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and filed for unemployment on the same day. Following my layoff, my workplace temporarily shut down that Friday. When completing my questionnaire, I had to choose "temporary shutdown" as an option was not available, resulting in my situation being categorized as a "regular" shutdown. Consequently, I am only receiving 60% of my pay for the week I was laid off, rather than 60% of my usual weekly earnings due to my employer listing my last week as a partial week. I am uncertain if I should submit a new claim under the updated Covid-19 guidelines to reflect the reason for my unemployment accurately. The current support provided is insufficient for me to sustain myself, and I need the Department of Labor to recognize that my unemployment is due to the virus. As I am unable to contact the DOL directly, I am turning to this forum for advice as our company's reopening is uncertain. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

To Whom It May Concern, I would like to inquire about how to update my initial unemployment benefit application. Following recent information, I learned that my employer, due to COVID-19, terminated me on 3-15-20, even though my last actual working day was on 3-13-20. Additionally, my boss unexpectedly compensated me for the week of 3-15-20, even though I did not work during that time. I wish to correct my application to include this payment from my employer and adjust my last workday to 3-20-20 accordingly. I rely on these benefits to support myself and my children and do not wish for any disruptions in the assistance I receive. Kindly guide me on how to make these necessary amendments promptly. Thank you for your ongoing support during these challenging times. Best regards, L.

I applied for unemployment for two part-time jobs, one for 4 hours a week and the other for 14.25 hours a week. Recently, I realized that I was still receiving Covid payments for the 4-hour job, so I contacted the Department of Labor to rectify the situation and requested 10% withholding from now on. However, when they asked about updating my possible return date, I wasn't sure how to do it without refiling, so I went ahead and refiled. During the reapplication, I provided information about both my previous employers and the last days I worked for each, even though I was still receiving payments from the 4-hour job. Now, when I checked online, it showed that my payment was being withheld due to a potential issue. I was supposed to receive $[redacted] - $20 per week recovered from my bank account for 4 weeks and a payment of $[redacted] for one week of unemployment. I should still be entitled to $80 in unemployment benefits and the $[redacted] federal stimulus. Looking for guidance on this matter.

On March 13, my last day of work, my employer advised me to apply quickly. Despite receiving my Section F form on March 17, I faced challenges with submitting my unemployment claim due to changing employer information. After multiple attempts, I encountered error messages and found no assistance at the closed local unemployment office. Continuous looped calls provided no resolution. Although successful in setting up a new claim with updated credentials, persistent errors prevent me from completing the process. Even following advice to create a new claim resulted in a message indicating my SSN was already in use. I believe my claim exists in the system as my banking details are on file. Seeking guidance to rectify this issue, I am feeling extremely frustrated. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Marian F.

I had been working Per Diem at Saint Vincent's Medical Center for 20 hours weekly before elective surgeries were canceled. I applied for unemployment benefits, completed all the required information, and received my first payment on April 28, and the second payment on May 5. Despite working one hour on April 13 and covering a 12-hour call on April 23, I had my claim denied on May 12 with an indication of a possible issue with code [redacted]. I have tried contacting the Department of Labor through email and phone, but haven't had any luck reaching a representative. I continued to work 12 hours on May 12 and reported this in my filing, expecting a reduced payment for that week. However, once again, my payment was withheld citing the same "possible issue" and code [redacted]. I am frustrated by the lack of communication and need assistance to resolve this matter promptly. I believe I am entitled to these benefits as someone who contributed to unemployment insurance for over 40 years as a full-time employee before retiring in August [redacted]. I would appreciate it if someone could provide clarity on this issue. Thank you. - Cathy

I have been working per diem at Saint Vincent's Medical Center for 20 hours a week, but due to the shutdown of elective surgeries by the governor, I filed for unemployment. The Department of Labor (DOL) instructed me to file weekly claims, and I received payments on April 28 and May 5. However, when I filed for the payment for May 12 and today, May 19, I did not receive it. The DOL mentioned a possible issue with code [redacted] and is holding my payment. I have tried contacting them, but I cannot reach a person, and the website is not helpful. I would appreciate it if someone from the DOL could contact me at [redacted] or email me at [redacted] promptly as this has been ongoing for two weeks without resolution.

Due to my restaurant closing, I filed for unemployment and was approved for a payment of around $2,[redacted] along with the $[redacted] stimulus. However, the funds were deposited into an old account that is no longer active. I am unable to access the email and phone number associated with it, as they belonged to my ex-girlfriend. I have received only one week of unemployment and need to refile to receive the rest of the money. I am using my grandmother's email and phone to try to set up a new account as the system requires details from the old one that I can't access. Can someone please advise me on how to proceed?

I recently got an email confirming my benefits request was processed. However, when I tried to input information the next Sunday, a message popped up saying "You are not authorized to file." I then reached out to the Department of Labor's website chat line and submitted forms to inquire about my earnings from the past four weeks. It's been about a week, and I haven't received a response yet, and I'm still unable to access my account. I would appreciate some guidance on what steps to take next. Thank you for your help. Just a note, please avoid texting me as I don't own a smartphone. Best, C. Peck

Hello, I wanted to share my recent experience with the unemployment claim process. Unfortunately, I was let go from my job on 8-6-21, and I promptly applied for unemployment on 8-9-21. To my surprise, my claim was denied due to an existing claim in another state. I reside in Connecticut, but I had previously worked in Rhode Island. After reaching out to Rhode Island, I found out my claim there was closed. However, it seems there is now an open claim in Louisiana under my name, which is fraudulent. Until Louisiana confirms this, Connecticut has deemed me ineligible for benefits. I have been trying to contact the Louisiana Department of Labor without success, even after submitting required documents and identification. I am stuck in limbo, waiting for resolution and income. Thank you, Harry L.

I am trying to determine my eligibility for unemployment benefits in Connecticut. Unfortunately, I am facing issues accessing the updated website after changes were made overnight. The contact telephone number has been replaced with an online complaint form, with a response time of 2 weeks. I am unable to use the "send a new password" feature as my email address is not stored in their system correctly, resulting in a message stating it was sent to an "undefined" email address. I need assistance to navigate the process of claiming benefits while working in CT but residing in Massachusetts. Additionally, I require guidance in setting up my account. The provided telephone number only leads to complicated and endless voice mail menus, making it impossible to speak to a representative.