Georgia Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Claims Customer Service Issues

On March 20, [redacted], indoor dining was halted due to Covid-19, impacting my server job. The government mandated that employers file partial unemployment claims for furloughed employees. On March 26, [redacted], the Georgia Department of Labor sent a benefits determination letter stating I could receive $[redacted] weekly for 11 weeks if eligible. I've checked my status online, seeing "pending a determination" and can only make inquiries about benefits. The delay appears to stem from how my work completed the "Reason of separation" section. Despite reaching out via phone and email, I haven't received a response in 20 days as instructed by the DOL handbook. I'm struggling financially and require these benefits. Contacting the overloaded DOL has been challenging. How can I expedite this process and access the aid I urgently need during this crisis?

Hello, my name is James Wilson. I am experiencing difficulties with my UI benefits. I received two weeks' payment on my Way2Go card in the last week of March. However, I was requested to verify my identity by submitting my social security card. I have sent this information via email five times and left numerous voice mails. I understand the challenging situation the DOL is facing, but there seems to be a disconnect. I did not receive any unemployment benefits throughout the entire month of April. My benefits for the week of 5/09-06/13 were posted in May. I still have remaining unemployment benefits, and my employer is filing on my behalf. I am missing four weeks of payments and all of April remains unpaid. My bills are piling up, and I urgently need assistance resolving this issue.

Since May 1, [redacted], I have been unemployed. I was compelled to resign under unique circumstances where the nurse (wellness director) threatened to quit if I wasn't let go. Due to Covid-19, the home office couldn't investigate, leading to my unexpected departure. Despite a spotless record and exceeding all expectations during my nearly 3-year tenure at the assisted living facility, my unemployment claim was denied. The CEO explained they had to comply to prevent the nurse from leaving amidst Covid-19 concerns. I recently spoke to a representative who mentioned my appeal is pending without a hearing date set. As a single mother of two kids who have tested positive for Covid-19, I am struggling to pay bills and risk losing my home and car. Job opportunities are scarce in my small town, making my situation even more challenging. I urge anyone who can offer assistance or guidance to reach out to me at [redacted]. Thank you for your support - LeeAnn Turner Austin.

I have been unemployed since May 1, [redacted] due to a situation at work where I was forced to resign following a threat from the wellness director. The circumstances surrounding my resignation were related to the nurse's ultimatum due to Covid-19 concerns without any prior issues in my performance. I have appealed my denied unemployment claim, which has been pending for 4 weeks, with no updates received despite contacting them. As a single mother of two kids, both of whom tested positive for Covid-19, I am struggling to make ends meet, facing financial difficulties with bills and providing food for my family. I am seeking assistance with my unemployment claim denial, as the reasoning given does not align with my performance at work and the situation leading to my resignation. I hope for a favorable outcome to ensure financial support during this challenging time.

Hello. I was receiving unemployment benefits until July 25th, [redacted], but they suddenly stopped despite being scheduled to continue until October of this year. It's puzzling as to why this has happened since all my information is current and unchanged. Although I can still certify each week and receive confirmation that it will be processed promptly, I haven't received any payments. I would like to understand the reason for the interruption and find a way to resolve it. Speaking with a live representative would be helpful. I receive payments via direct deposit. Any assistance you can provide would be highly appreciated. Thank you, James C.

I am Chelsea Cleland from Ware County, Waycross, GA, and I want to share my experience with PUA Unemployment. In June [redacted], my manager advised me to get tested for COVID-19 after potential exposure, which turned out positive. As a result, I lost my job, leading to financial difficulties for me and my family. Despite verifying my ID.ME as requested, I have been waiting for almost two weeks for my PUA unemployment hold to be lifted. I've been struggling to get by with the amount allotted, although it may seem small, it's crucial for our survival. I've reached out multiple times through calls and emails but haven't received a helpful response. The current situation has affected my mental health, and I am still recovering from COVID-19. I feel let down by the lack of assistance and support during this challenging time. I hope someone can provide the necessary help soon.

During the onset of the pandemic, I, as an essential worker, had my hours reduced significantly, which led to an employer-filed unemployment claim that ceased once I returned to full-time work. Unfortunately, I now find myself unable to work as I must care for my husband, whose health has severely declined due to Covid-19 complications affecting his heart and lungs. I attempted to switch my claim status from employer-filed to an individual claim by submitting a new claim through the portal. It seems that I am currently unable to certify due to the processing status. I anticipate this issue will resolve once the system recognizes my new claim. I seek guidance on any additional steps needed to ensure my claim status updates correctly for prompt payment. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, B. M. Hill

I am writing concerning missing payments that were not received due to being locked out of my account. The issue was successfully resolved after verifying necessary documents. Upon updating my new address on 09/15/[redacted], a Way2Go agent informed me that the system did not reflect the address change and my Way2Go debit card was sent to my old address. The agent deactivated the card, advising me to keep calling until the necessary changes were made. After continuous attempts to contact the Georgia Department of Labor, I have not been able to reach anyone. I am inquiring about the possibility of transferring my funds to my updated Wells Fargo account listed on my profile.

I lost my job due to Covid on March 31, [redacted]. After my employer paid me for my unused PTO, I filed for unemployment. I started receiving $[redacted] a week from Georgia Unemployment and an additional $[redacted] a week from the CARES Act. In June [redacted], the Georgia Department of Labor informed me that I would not be eligible for unemployment for 2 to 3 months due to the one-time payment from my employer. Even though I only received the PTO payment, not ongoing payments from my employer, they stated I was ineligible as per their guidelines. Despite appealing the decision and calling them multiple times over 3 to 4 months, I never received a response. From late August onwards, I have been getting only $[redacted] from Georgia Unemployment and have not heard back about the extended benefits from the federal government. I'm puzzled as to why I haven't received the enhanced federal unemployment or any back pay from the initial benefit revocation.

I was initially approved for 39 weeks of unemployment benefits, but after receiving 32 weeks, I received an email indicating that someone had altered my information without my knowledge. Following the instructions to report it to the fraud department, my payments were halted, and I was asked to reset my PIN. Despite resetting it five weeks ago, my attempts to reach them through phone calls have gone unanswered without any callbacks. Similarly, my emails have not been replied to. This situation has put me in a position where I am at risk of losing everything, and I am struggling to even afford to continue my job search. I am at a loss for what steps to take next, any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I was approved for 39 weeks of unemployment benefits. I have received 32 weeks already. However, I recently received an email from the Department of Labor stating that my information was altered. I contacted the fraud department as instructed, and they promptly halted my payments. After changing my PIN as requested, it has been 5 weeks and I still have not received any payments. I urgently need assistance in getting my benefits reinstated to avoid financial difficulties. Please advise on the necessary steps to resolve this issue promptly. Thank you for your help.

After being furloughed in March due to the pandemic, my employer handled my UI claims. However, when schools didn't reopen, I struggled to find childcare, driving my child across multiple states for care and schooling. When I couldn't secure coverage last minute, my employer didn't allow me enough time to address the issue, leading to a forced resignation. Transitioning to filing individual claims in Georgia took weeks of calls, emails, and texts. Despite not having full-time work since September, my UI claim process has been pending since October. Georgia DOL representatives have the necessary information, but my claim is awaiting acceptance. I can't speak to a representative or modify my claim, nor can I start a new one. Despite selling most of my assets, my family had to leave our apartment in December.

Hello, my name is Janine Ferguson. I received a letter from the Department of Labor accusing me of not submitting a form on time, even though I faxed it on 12/18/20 before the 12/28/20 deadline. I never worked at Chime and did not receive any payments from them. This situation is causing me stress, especially since I am unwell and have been teaching my son virtually due to the pandemic. I have attached my faxed documents as proof. I have tried contacting the DOL without success. Please provide me with a contact person to help resolve this issue. My phone number is [redacted], and my email is [redacted] Thank you, Janine Ferguson.

Hello, I'm Brian. In July [redacted], I was approved for PUA benefits as an independent contractor. I completed all the necessary steps, including receiving confirmation. I also received a determination from my claim examiner confirming my approval for PUA benefits. Despite certifying every Sunday, I haven't received any benefits. Additionally, my online portal is still showing regular unemployment status and doesn't display my PUA information as expected. I have been attempting to contact them via phone and email since July, but unfortunately, I have not received any assistance.

I am reaching out regarding my PUA claims determination. Due to the impact of COVID-19, I lost multiple jobs, had difficulties with tenants unable to pay rent due to pandemic laws, and had to part with my [redacted] F-[redacted]. I have been staying with family and friends in Albany and Warner Robins while seeking employment, currently residing in my dad's (Rex Lockman) rental property. Despite difficulties submitting the required income documentation to the DOL, I had applied for unemployment in early April. While I was awarded over $5,[redacted], I encountered delays and missed communication attempts from the authorities. I am now presented with job opportunities at Graphic Packaging and Cox Communications but face obstacles regarding pending charges and transportation issues due to losing my truck. This situation has left me without a stable home, making it challenging to reunite with my son who is with his father in Hawaii. If you need to contact me, please reach out via email at [redacted], or alternatively, contact my dad, Rex Lockman at [redacted]. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

In early March, I requested assistance after my job ended in mid-February. Despite moving [redacted] miles due to the lease expiration, the assistance start date was marked from my filing date, not when I lost the job. I diligently applied weekly for benefits but received no response or updates. Despite numerous attempts through online forms, emails, and over [redacted] phone calls, each call ended abruptly after selecting the purpose. Feeling desperate, I am unsure of the next steps as it's now May, and I am yet to receive any determination or benefits. I fear there may be an oversight, and I urgently need assistance to resolve this issue.

I was approved for pandemic unemployment assistance in December after losing my job in October. However, I was later switched to regular unemployment benefits, which I wasn't approved for originally. I have been trying to reach out to the Dublin Center labor office, but have not received any callbacks in the past five months. I have been approved for benefits since December, hoping to receive payments retroactively to when I lost my job in October due to a COVID outbreak at work. Unfortunately, despite being approved, I have not received any payments at all. This has been extremely difficult since I'm currently homeless and moving from place to place. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could provide an update on the situation, considering I have been approved but have yet to receive any payments.

My benefits were set to end on 5/22/[redacted], but I received no notification to refile. Despite numerous calls and emails to GA DOL, I couldn't get through. I decided to refile on 05/23/[redacted], but have only received one email confirming my submission. The status check mentions 48 hours, but since then, I have not heard back. Attempts to speak with someone or receive an email response have been unsuccessful. The system to make appointments online is always full, and even though my benefits page mentions an extension with the same amount, the claim is still pending beyond 48 hours. I'm unsure of the meaning of the notice and when my claim will be processed.

I am unable to access my account and have been unsuccessful in speaking to anyone from the Gdol. I received a letter from them near June 22, presumably indicating approval, but it never reached me. Despite trying to utilize online resources, my situation is intricate, requiring direct communication. My daughter, living 40 miles away, assisted in reapplying on my behalf, necessitating her use of my social security number and PIN. Initially opting for a debit card for benefits, I later chose direct bank deposits, prompting me to change my PIN. Subsequently, she attempted to access my account unsuccessfully, resulting in its locking. I am unable to reach the fraud department or access any online assistance, feeling completely locked out. My case is complex, with various unresolved issues. While I trust in a resolution eventually, direct communication is imperative. The provided contact number consistently gives a busy signal, leaving me in a standstill. Your assistance gives me hope. Thank you.

I have been receiving unemployment benefits for over a year due to circumstances beyond my control without any issues. Suddenly, my benefits were cut off without any prior notice because I am unable to obtain an ID at the moment. All my belongings, including important documents, are in storage that I can no longer access due to financial constraints. I have contacted ID.me, and they have informed me that they are returning all my information to the Department of Labor. I am reaching out for assistance with this situation. Thank you.