Montana Unemployment Insurance Customer Service Issues

I have been filing for unemployment for 5 weeks now, but my situation is a bit different. After being laid off in July [redacted], I exhausted my benefits by January. Despite unemployment rates being high (around 14%), I was only eligible for extensions if the rate was over 3%. I started a new job as a casino host/attendant in February, only to be laid off due to Covid-19 in mid-March when the company shut down. I filed for unemployment on March 29, [redacted], but have not received any benefits. Each week when I file on the Montana unemployment site, it shows week 1... It has been nearly 6 weeks of waiting. I have tried calling multiple times, emailed them, but have not received any updates. I believe my previous exhausted claim should be extended, and I should be receiving the amount of $[redacted]/week, plus the additional $[redacted]/week for Covid-19. I understand the high volume of claims, but I am struggling to make ends meet. I hope to speak with someone soon regarding my claim to avoid any long-term consequences. Thank you to all the hardworking individuals trying to assist with my situation.

I requested payment and have my confirmation numbers. I emailed UI and have been in contact with Melinda Clarke ([redacted]) from Job Service Cut Bank. She pointed out a couple of issues as to why I have not been paid for two weeks. I've been waiting for someone to contact me, as I am still in the queue, but no one has reached out yet. Melinda mentioned that while my weeks ending on 7/11 and 7/18 show as "Processed," there are no amounts entered in for payment. The system also indicates that I am attending school or have school employment, which needs clarification. Despite Melinda's limited training, she suggested that these issues need resolution. I disclosed 22 hours of training for the week ending on 7/11, for which I should be paid $8.50 per hour by First Student. However, I have not yet received this payment, as I had to undergo book training to take my CDL test. Even though I have passed the written test, I still need to complete the driving test and 16 hours of driving practice before being hired, which will coincide with the start of the school year. Currently, I am without a job and have not received unemployment benefits for two weeks.

Hello, I have been trying persistently to contact your team via phone for several weeks now, attempting at various times without success. I am currently receiving the minimum benefits of $[redacted].00. My urgent request is to file for 5 or 6 weeks of payments I did not receive between April and May. I am in critical need of these retroactive benefits to provide for myself and my 11-year-old son. Unfortunately, there is no online option to claim for past weeks, so I am seeking assistance from a representative to help me file and process these weeks promptly. I am hopeful to resolve this issue and receive my entitled benefits without further delay. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best, Melissa S.

My daughter fell ill after returning to school, requiring a visit to Billings Clinic ER, where she tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC then requested I quarantine for a month, but as an essential food worker, I couldn't comply due to financial responsibilities. Despite providing documentation from the doctor and CDC, stating my need for quarantine, I haven't received any support or financial assistance. I've been unable to reach anyone via phone or email for weeks and now face reduced work hours due to the pandemic. My employer mentioned partial unemployment, but I am struggling to make ends meet. I urgently need assistance to catch up on bills and support my family.