Connecticut Unemployment Offices Customer Service Issues

As a self-employed individual in CT, I submitted my unemployment claim weeks ago based on Covid-19 provisions. Despite clearly stating my self-employment status and income reported with [redacted]-MISC forms, not W-2s, I recently received a letter from the State of CT Dept of Labor stating they have no record of "Covered Employment or Wages in the Base Period" and denied my benefits. I have been unsuccessfully trying to reach a live person to resolve this issue since the website does not offer a solution. The phone system seems designed to prevent speaking to anyone. Any guidance on how to access a live representative would be appreciated. Thank you. - D

I have an outstanding monetary penalty from my previous claim in [redacted]. I attempted to submit a new claim on May 22, [redacted], but encountered a code [redacted] stating it's held until the penalty is settled. Despite multiple attempts to reach a representative via phone and email, I have not received a response. I recently borrowed money to clear the penalty in the hopes of reactivating my benefits to repay my friend and sort out my finances. Unfortunately, the DOL office is currently closed to the public, leaving my benefits on hold for seven weeks now.

Subject: Difficulty Accessing Weekly Claim Filing I am encountering problems with submitting my weekly claim on FileCTui.com as my username and password are not being accepted. I have been unable to find an option to update these credentials. It seems the website may need fixing to allow for successful login processes. Last week, I faced issues trying to access the system, receiving conflicting messages about the status of my login information. After persisting, I managed to log in and submit my claim for the week of June 21-27, [redacted]. This week, I have tried for two days to log in without success, being told my username and password are invalid. I inadvertently began filling out another benefits application but realized my mistake. However, I couldn't proceed due to the login problem. It appears there may be a malfunction that requires attention to enable users to log in smoothly. Additionally, the website is flagged as insecure, which is concerning during claim submissions. I urgently need to file my current weekly unemployment claim for June 28-July 4, [redacted], but I am still locked out of the system. Thank you for your help during this challenging time. Sincerely, Ginger M. Girard 58 Sadler Street Windsor Locks, CT [redacted]

I recently received a notification regarding my unemployment benefits for the week ending June 13th. It shows a status of "H" with Message 34 indicating that records reflect my return to work. While my employer did call me back, my hours have been significantly reduced. I believe that I am still eligible for benefits when my working hours fall below what I am typically scheduled for. Previously, I used to work 20-25 hours a week as a SR Specialist at Talbots. However, for the past four weeks, my hours have been substantially lower: Week ending June 13th = 8.82 hours, June 20th = 12.68 hours, June 27th = 13.42 hours, and July 4th = 4.43 hours. These hours are below my usual work week hours. I respectfully request that my unemployment benefits be reinstated as I believe I meet the requirements. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, E.T.

About three weeks ago, during the week of 6/16-6/20, I had a stressful week due to the possibility of eviction, which caused me to miss filing for a week of benefits. I submitted the missed weekly benefit form promptly afterward, but I have not received a response for three weeks. Each week, I continue to submit the form, but my account still shows an error message prompting me to visit www.filectui.com to resume filing. I am confused about the correct way to fill out the missed form regarding the hours worked in the past four weeks. I am unsure if they are asking for the most recent week or the week from four weeks ago. Additionally, my job's hours fluctuated from full time to part-time, which has led to further uncertainty about what steps to take next. I am considering filing a new claim, but I am unsure of the best course of action. I hope to have my claim reopened so I can accurately report my earnings and receive the benefits I am entitled to. The uncertainty of the situation is challenging, especially as a single mother relying on this income. I appreciate any guidance or clarification you can provide.

My name is Maria Palmer. I applied for unemployment benefits in March [redacted] under the PUA program instead of the regular benefits program. I was informed through a letter dated 7/6/[redacted] that this was the reason I haven't received any weekly benefits. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to correct this mistake and have been without benefits from March [redacted] onwards. I have tried to reach out for assistance but due to COVID-19, I haven't been able to get through to anyone. My telephone number is [redacted], and my email is [redacted] I would greatly appreciate it if someone could contact me to help me resolve this issue. Thank you.

I recently filed and noticed an error on my claim. I was confused about the continued claims section, specifically question #6 regarding working between 7/5/20 and 7/11/20. Even though I worked on 7/7, 7/8, and 7/11 (which was a regular shift where we didn't work due to company closure), I mistakenly answered NO. I was informed by a coworker that there should have been a drop-down box that I didn't see. I need help correcting this error as I only want to claim for one day of not working on 7/11/20 (an 11-hour shift). I want to avoid it showing that I'm claiming for the entire week. Thank you for addressing this issue. My name is Chita Taylor.

Hello, I have two questions. Question #1: I need assistance regarding my unemployment benefits for the weeks ending on 7/4 and 7/11. My employment concluded on 6/19/20 and the following week (w/e 6/27), I received vacation pay which resulted in a "deduction for partial earnings" of $[redacted], reflecting accurately. However, for the weeks ending on 7/4 and 7/11, I do not see any deductions for partial earnings, and I believe I should be eligible for unemployment benefits for those weeks. Question #2: I am being offered severance pay by my employer, contingent on signing a release waiving my rights to file charges for discrimination, a confidentiality agreement, and a non-compete agreement. I seek confirmation that I can still receive unemployment benefits while accepting severance pay tied to signing these agreements. Thank you - W.

I am facing some challenges assisting my mother, who has been struggling to receive her unemployment benefits for the past 8-10 weeks. Despite filing her claim weekly, she was informed she would receive a "key bank" card in the mail, which has not arrived. Attempts to contact someone for help have been futile, as she has been unable to speak with a live person. I am seeking guidance on how to transfer the funds to a different account or obtain a replacement card urgently since she was not provided with the card details before it was sent. She has login credentials for the official unemployment website, but the situation remains unresolved. Your prompt assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated during these difficult times. Thank you for your attention to this issue. - A. L.

Hello, my name is Wendy G. My email is [redacted] I am inquiring about a 108H hold on my unemployment claim for the past 9 weeks. After briefly working for the US Census, I was laid off due to insufficient work in the phase. Subsequently, I filed for unemployment as I had minimal work that week, resulting in a [redacted] hold on my claim. Despite not working or hearing back for five weeks, I continued to file. I am still waiting for a response from the CT DOL. When can I expect an update? Thank you.

I have been employed at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut for 7 years since around [redacted] or [redacted]. Due to the COVID epidemic and the closure of the Arena in March, I applied for Unemployment benefits in CT. However, I have not received any benefit checks yet. I was informed that because I also work in NYC and have been furloughed from that job, I am collecting UI Benefits from NYC, which is preventing me from receiving benefits from CT. I'm confused why I can't receive benefits from both jobs I lost due to the pandemic. Can anyone clarify if I will eventually receive benefits from my job in Connecticut that I lost because of the virus?

I had to resign from my job to take care of my mother, who has a broken foot and kidney failure. I accompany her to treatments and numerous doctors' appointments weekly. I left my job due to my declining mental health. The stress and harassment at work had led me to become suicidal, requiring me to start taking antidepressants. I informed my job of my resignation to focus on my mental well-being and my mother's care. I am seeking unemployment benefits, but I received a letter summoning me to a hearing. It feels like the company is still bullying me even though I no longer work there. All I want is to be able to support my mother and provide for us during this challenging time. I had hoped The Hartford, a company supposedly caring for the elderly, would be understanding, but apparently not.

My last unemployment benefit arrived on June 15, [redacted]. The system indicated I missed claiming a week of benefits. Following the instructions provided, I resubmitted my claim, but experienced a system crash. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in reaching a live representative for assistance. When attempting to claim my weekly unemployment benefits online, I encounter an error message preventing me from proceeding. I have been out of work for 8 weeks due to the impacts of COVID-19, and I am uncertain about the next steps to address this issue. -Dana W. [redacted]

Hello, I appreciate your assistance. Last week, I exceeded 40 hours of work at a school where I am retired from but currently work on a per diem basis for about 7 months now. I have been transparent about my earnings with the Department of Labor since May when I began receiving unemployment benefits. Throughout August, I put in extra hours to support the school in preparing for Hybrid and Distance Learning. I reported these additional hours worked during the last pay period to the DOL. I am unsure if I should have submitted a claim, given that I exceeded the 40-hour limit. I was aware that the project was concluding as students were returning to school and was informed by the school director that I might be needed again in the future. I am concerned that marking "yes" to the question about working full time may have influenced my responses. I would appreciate a discussion on this matter. Thank you in advance. Christine K. Listorti ([redacted])

Hello, my name is Amira G. I went to work at Amazon twice. The first time at the Cranbury Hub, I didn't start work because the lady in HR changed my position. I applied again and was sent to another position at Avenel by Amazon. I attended training but was not successful, which means I didn't complete my hiring process and wasn't able to start working. However, they still sent me a check. I am currently on unemployment and will continue my claim. I can't return to Amazon due to receiving messages about two confirmed cases of the coronavirus there. Being a single mother with two children, I am concerned about their safety as some co-workers at Amazon don't wear masks. If you need information about the coronavirus cases there, you can contact me at [redacted].

I applied for unemployment benefits over a year ago. The employer's appeal process took over a year, but it was resolved in my favor last month. However, the benefits I was granted have not been deposited into my account, even though it's been over a month. I received an email advising me to keep filing weekly claims, but I'm unable to access the system. When I tried to file a new claim, a message indicated there is already an existing claim. I'm facing difficulty reaching anyone over the phone, as the office is closed. Despite leaving messages on various extensions, I have not received any responses. I am unsure of the next steps to take in this situation.

I was terminated by my employer 15 months ago and started receiving benefits after filing. However, my employer appealed, and after over a year, the ruling was in my favor. I was awarded nearly $10,[redacted], but it only covers until last June, and I haven't received it in my account yet. I am struggling to find assistance since the job center office is closed, and there is no one available to speak to over the phone. Despite being informed that my case was assigned via email weeks ago, I never received a call. I also got reminded to file continued claims but cannot access the system, and when I tried to submit a new claim, I was informed I already have one. I am in urgent need of help! How can I talk to someone to resolve this issue? Vince C. [redacted]

As a landscaper transitioning to winter work, I faced a setback in [redacted] with a shoulder injury that required surgery. After my recovery and a 14% permanent partial disability rating assessed by my doctor in April, I resumed work this season. During our winter shutdown, I filed for unemployment as usual. Recently, I received a settlement from worker's compensation, leading me to mark "yes" regarding benefits on my unemployment claim. Unfortunately, this action has delayed my payment. Despite attempts to reach out via phone and chat, I have not received assistance. I realize now that the settlement differs from ongoing workman's comp payments. I am uncertain whom to contact for resolution. I am considering visiting the unemployment office but wonder about their current accessibility due to pandemic restrictions. The prompt receipt of my unemployment check is crucial at this time.

Hello, my name is Eric S. I have been attempting to reach unemployment services for nearly two months. Unfortunately, I lost my phone, which contained all my vital information such as my email address, username, and password for my unemployment account. Without this information, I have been unable to submit my claims. Each time I try to reach out by phone, I am met with a busy signal. I urgently need assistance in resetting my username and password and updating my email address to resume receiving my benefits. I would be extremely grateful if a representative could contact me to help with this matter. You can reach me at my cell phone [redacted] or my home phone [redacted]. Thank you.

I experienced a recent disruption in my usual process of filing weekly claims. Due to personal circumstances, I missed filing for 2 weeks. I promptly submitted the missed claims form once I realized the oversight and followed the specified processing time. Despite this, several months have passed without hearing any updates on my benefits. In an attempt to resolve this, I have continued filing subsequent claims, submitting an online inquiry, and even filing a new claim to no avail. I am seeking advice on potential next steps to receive the benefits owed to me.