NJ unemployment

catter70 · ‎10-11-2017

My sister lost her job last week and what a cluster to do unemployment. First computer issues on unemployment side. She went to a friends place to use as she doesn't have one. Next phones issues with dropped calls and if you don't call early enough, you're told to call back the next day. Finally got thru all that mess 2 days later, then had to go back to her friends house to scan her license and ss. card. She called today to get verification and was told to call back in 17 business days as it takes that long to verify due to scam claims during Covid.They also have closed the 2 local offices for people tp apply. Good thing she's not a young person with children to feed and get ready for back to school. I forgot to mention she worked all during Covid. There's got to be an easier way.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Sorry to hear about your sister but she doesn't have a computer??? I'm behind the times because I don't have a smartphone but could never be without a computer.

Good luck to her and her friend!

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

I guess it hasn't gotten any better.

NJ DMV, Unemployment, Disability and paid FML has been a you know what show for 3 years now.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

It's only complicated because she doesn't have her own computer. That's on her. 17 days only 2 and a half weeks, I really don't think that's a long time to wait to receive unemployment benefits. It sounds reasonable to me for processing the application. I was actually the victim of an attempted unemployment scam during COVID. Someone used my SSN to file a claim but the unemployed computers could tell that I was still working. They called my employer to verify that and then they called me. They helped me report it and file the complaint, my employer also had to do the same. Crazy times.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@chrystaltree Maybe that's true in some states, but as long ago as 2020, applying for unemployment benefits was a nightmare for many Florida applicants.

Most of those young and healthy enough to work here can find jobs although in many cases jobs that may pay far less than they were earning. Workers who were already retirement age but without retirement funds for various reasons or whose health diminshed without warning can find themselves living with no safety net beyond family and friends.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@catter70 I was sorry to hear about your sister's situation. My concern with access to a computer is access to internet. Does she have internet at her residence? These job interview requests come through at odd hours and any time of day. Then they will have first interviews on some sort of Zoom meeting.

If she has to pay for internet and get a computer, that is a lot of expense to add to someone unemployed. Other posters have suggested resources to get help with the computer. I think there is a program from some of the internet providers for internet access at a reduced fee. I wish her all the best.

quilter61 · ‎03-22-2010

PA unemployment is just as bad. I applied 6 weeks ago and still have not received any payment. You can't even call them as the number is always busy. I always get laid off for the summer, work in school cafeteria. Last year I finally had to contact my State rep to get it resolved. Finally, got my payment when it was time to return to work.

How are people to survive when it takes them so long to process claims. I thought since everything was online claims would be processed quicker.

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

Be thankful it's worse if one lived in FL (lowest rate in country).

You go to office : long lines and veterans get preference before they even help you, 2 antiquated computers & more...took my friend 5 months to just apply for max benefit ( $254/week I think she said).

She had new job before she got her first check!

Lakelife62 · ‎05-09-2023

Some states make it exceptionally difficult to collect. It's done on purpose. I was unemployed briefly at end if last year and I had my first direct deposit within a month. Thank goodness i live in a progressive state.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

My girl friend applied for unemployment during COVID, what an absolute mess. She ended up getting up early in the mornings to make her calls...most were working from home and the connections were horrible....kids crying in the background, TV's blaring. There was no excuse for such nonsense.

Today, when I call vendors for our business there are still people working from home..so I get dropped calls, as well as it sounding like people are in a barrel. Personally I think most people should be back in the office.