Miner had worked for a French Quarter art gallery. Everyone is doing the best they can.”. John Bel Edwards didn't want to speak just yet on whether fans will be in attendance for New Orleans Saints and college football games th…. Roy Logan, who was laid off from a lumberyard in Shreveport, said he, too, is owed the second $600 payment and didn’t receive it. You have permission to edit this article. “There’s no detailed messaging. In April, after governments shut down the economy, the unemployment rate reached 14.7%, the highest since the Great Depression. Lawmakers are also working to find a way to fix the budget crisis, but a solution will likely not come for at least another month. employment due to an abusive language situation, therefore an examiner must review your claim. “The representatives have been super nice. “I’m having to catch up on all my bills and pay for essentials,” Kelly said. Being unemployed is stressful, and sometimes the unemployment benefits process can add to that stress. “I’ve never filed for unemployment and as a time where I need to be drawing it, I can’t. KLFY.com | 4d (KLFY)- Three months, Cecelia Harris says no money, no answers, and no help. However, many people who were supposed to receive the state assistance have not received a single dime. Louisiana may begin distributing $375 million in federally enhanced unemployment benefits as early as next week, Gov. 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. 844 Government StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802(225) 383-9999. “I’m frustrated. The press release did not explain what the Workforce Commission has done to begin making the $600 weekly payments to the so-called gig workers. “It’s definitely going to be a burden lifted,” she said. brproud.com | 4d (KLFY)- Three months, Cecelia Harris says no money, no answers, and no help. A new unemployment report Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Louisiana went into the coronavirus pandemic with the highest unemployment rate in … “We’re left to wonder what’s going on,” Logan said. Earlier this week, lawmakers bought themselves some time (about a month) to help resolve the budget issue. The state civilian labor force decreased to 2,091,168 with a increase in total employment to 1,917,198. If you are trying to receive unemployment compensation, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak offered six tips recently to help Pennsylvanians more quickly receive their benefits.. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR ... Sam, same issues as Tara, my husband. The government check for Mr. Mudbug Inc. cleared on Wednesday, providing emergency funds for the Kenner-based food manufacturer that will allo…. Continue to file your weekly claims. Louisiana’s unemployment claims now sit at 338,000 new and continued claims. Ells received $847 on Tuesday – one $600 payment provided by the federal government and $247, the maximum, in state benefits. Jackson spoke with one of those people Thursday, Oct. 1. “The extra $600 would help tremendously to be able to pay bills I have,” said Ben Horne, who was laid off along with co-workers at Cravin Fired Fast Pizza in Denham Springs. “I know they’re swamped. She told me to have a blessed day and thanked me for being patient.”, Robin Barnes and Pat Casey have gone from busy New Orleans musicians to full-time application form-fillers, as they try to navigate the opaque…. There was a problem saving your notification. We are unable to reach a human by phone and emails are not responded to. 'It's becoming more frustrating each day': Issues persist with Louisiana unemployment agency BY TYLER BRIDGES | Staff writer. Every time I file my weekly certification, I get a message telling me my account is still under review and an agent will call me if they have any questions. Firing. By Josh Roberson | March 26, 2020 at 1:17 PM CDT - Updated March 26 at 1:19 PM . I thought most of the unpaid unemployment issues had been resolved by now, and states were doing a better job. But it’s something they promised to us. Unemployment in the state for November was 173,970. Mike Kelly, who sold cars in Port Allen before being laid off, received both $600 payments along with $247 from the state for a total of $1,447. [Louisiana]ID verification issues [Louisiana] Question I have been trying for a week and a half to get my identification to workforce via the link they sent me and continue to get the message that there is an issue with the administrator and they have been notified. There has been a historic surge in people seeking unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania because of fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The Louisiana Workforce Commission is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from residents and businesses in the following parishes until the deadline of November 19, 2020: Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermillion. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Louisiana lawmakers have called themselves into a special legislative session beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, to address dwindling unemployment … Posted: Jul 23, 2020 / 11:40 PM CDT / Updated: Jul 23, 2020 / … But that advice didn’t pay off for everyone. You may not have been paid for your work, for example. The Louisiana Workforce Commission offices will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. He said he hasn’t tried to contact the Workforce Commission to find out what has happened to the other $600 payment he is due. 2. Like millions of Americans, Taylor says he has been trying to find work, but job opportunities have been limited during the pandemic. Acadiana woman faces unemployment issues; Louisiana Workplace Commission says they are experiencing longer wait times (KLFY)- Three months, Cecelia Harris says no … He said Facebook posts show that some formerly employed salaried workers who filed W-2 tax forms received the second $600 payment while others didn’t – and the Facebook comments show the same disparity has also occurred with independent contractors who file 1099 tax forms. We also want to see if your reason for leaving that employer matches what … A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - © 2002-2021 Gray Television, Inc. As unemployment issues in La. Continued claims count workers who have filed for benefits for at least two consecutive weeks. The staffer had good news: She had resolved the issue that kept Evans from receiving $247 in benefits for one week. Louisiana Unemployment Phone Numbers . Louisiana (LA) Unemployment Office List Locate the nearest unemployment office to you and contact them for information about unemployment benefits in the state of Louisiana. The national unemployment rate for November 2020 was 6.7 percent, a decrease from its October rate of 6.9 percent. Unemployment for Caregivers “But since we took that action, the system has shown definite improvement,” he said. For example, if you were fired because you intentionally violated workplace rules, willfully disregarded your employers interests, or willfully disregarded the standards of behavior an employer has the right to expect from an employee, you may … “She said another department is working on that,” Evans said. WAFB’s Donovan Jackson spoke with Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) secretary, who says the budget right now is only at $22 million, and could potentially run out. Many laid-off workers said they received only one of the two promised $600 extra weekly payments that the federal government has begun providing this week to help keep them afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. Louisiana, like nearly half of the states in the country, have had to borrow money from the federal government to be able to continue paying unemployment. “I keep hearing horror stories about not being able to get through and the webpage being down at times,” he said. Donovan Jackson is a general assignments reporter for WAFB 9News. However, the Unemployment Insurance Call Center will continue operating, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. “We’ve done well, I mean, you know, thank the good Lord, but we can’t keep going like this,” said Taylor. “The lady was so nice. Louisiana Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to workers who earn enough wages during a designated base period, who are unemployed through no fault of their own, and meet all other eligibility requir continue, some people still haven't seen a single dollar, October 1, 2020 at 4:40 PM CDT - Updated October 1 at 8:27 PM, Complete paperwork online to help avoid mail delays, Be sure to submit all required documentation in a timely fashion, Be aware the agency will call from a number with no caller ID. Online group helps Louisiana jobless navigate unemployment issues during COVID-19 News. They have his payments “on hold” because it says we filed for benefits from outside of the country when actually it was our VPN. Horne and others are eligible for the second $600 payment if they have been unemployed for the past two weeks. Everyday, she explains, she is on the phone hoping to get someone … If an employer fails to honor the terms of an employment contract, even after the issue is brought to his or her attention, this can qualify as good cause. If you were fired because you lacked the skills to perform the job or simply weren't a good fit, you wont necessarily be barred from receiving benefits. seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for Louisiana decreased to 8.3 percent from the October rate of 9.4 percent. If your employer disputes the reason you are no longer employed, that can be an active issue. The staffer told Evans she couldn’t resolve her other issue – not receiving the second $600 payment. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Louisiana lawmakers are considering calling themselves into a special legislative session beginning Monday, Sept. 28, to address dwindling unemployment funds and adjust the state operating budget. Not being able to work, such as having a medical issue, is also an active issue because you are required to be able to work when receiving unemployment benefits. “With tens of thousands of residents receiving payments in such a short time frame, our system has experienced issues, but we are focused on resolving them and getting these funds out to all the residents of Louisiana.”. Jobless workers in Louisiana continued to complain Wednesday that they have yet to receive the full amount of federal unemployment benefits they are owed and that they desperately need the money. For unemployment benefits, we look at your employment history and wages over the last 18 months, not just your most recent employer. The surge in the number of cases has created major issues for those filing. ONE-STOP-SHOP: Stats, links related to COVID-19. Michelle Evans was lying on her sofa at home in Kenner Wednesday when she received a phone call from the commission. Louisiana unemployment startling growth, but help is coming. has been calling every single day for a week. For example, students filing for unemployment typically must show they had … The unemployment rate for March was 6.7 percent. John Bel Edwards has said laid-off workers will find it easiest to reach the Workforce Commission by going online between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The local unemployment offices can be contacted for help filing an unemployment claim, or to answer questions about your eligibility status for Louisiana unemployment benefits. A sign of the times is seen on the door of a business in the French Quarter during the coronavirus pandemic in New Orleans, La., Monday, April 13, 2020. It can be difficult to get through to the unemployment office to get help with your questions or resolve issues with your claims. I had cashed out all my vacation hrs for pay on April 4th and reported it to the unemployment office during my weekly certification when they asked. As for continued claims though, that number stood at 11.8 million on a seasonally adjusted basis. All rights reserved. (WAFB) - America’s job recovery is continuing, but at a snail’s pace. NOTE: Since Monday, Jan. 18, is a banking holiday, no unemployment benefits payments will be processed. Importance of Unresolved Unemployment Issues Unemployment benefits are normally paid out to you when you have lost your job through no fault of your own. I’ve worked my whole life. Tyler Bridges. Thursday Noon headlines - 3/26/20 . The Workforce Commission did not make anyone available Wednesday to discuss the continuing problems at the agency, which include an overloaded website and phone lines that have conspired to prevent many unemployed workers from filing for claims or getting answers to questions. I’ve worked my whole life. But she says people who qualify will continue to get their unemployment payments. Call, send a letter, or email to your unemployment counselor letting them know that you have found a new job. Louisiana, like nearly half of the states in the country, have had to borrow money from the federal government to be able to continue paying unemployment. Secretary Dejoie says there are a few things people can do to help get their claims processed quicker: For more information, read the LWC’s benefits rights booklet. However, many states allow you to collect benefits when you leave your job voluntarily for good cause. So they should keep their promise. Taylor says he applied for the assistance and got approved back in July after being let go from his job, but like so many others, he has not been able to get answers on the status of his payments. Just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, Rhea Miner was deeply frustrated after trying to call the Workforce Commission a total of 483 times that day alone as part of her continuing effort to find out why she hadn’t received any benefits since filing a claim March 23. When you find a new job you can no longer receive Louisiana unemployment benefits and may need to officially cancel your Louisiana unemployment. Then two days ago, I got this email from Joe, a … Gov. When Department staff reach out to you for information about this issue, please respond to the questions promptly to avoid delaying your benefits. Unemployment is one of the most critical economic issues facing the country as it balances re-opening with safety months into the pandemic. These so-called gig workers have become eligible for unemployment benefits thanks to the $2.2 trillion federal stimulus and relief package passed last month by Congress. 'It's becoming more frustrating each day': Issues persist with Louisiana unemployment agency, John Bel Edwards says if football returns this fall, fan experience won't look the same, Louisiana's small businesses see some relief, much frustration in chaotic SBA coronavirus loan program, The new New Orleans gig economy job: navigating bureaucracy for coronavirus relief, White House recommends phased reopening from coronavirus shutdown; governors to call 'own shots'. Another 837,000 Americans filed for unemployment the last week of September, which was down slightly from the prior week. I know I’m not the only person out there that feels the same way, but any hope at all right now would be greatly appreciated,” said Mark Taylor. Plenty of people had something good to say about the Workforce Commission Wednesday. Acadiana woman faces unemployment issues; Louisiana Workplace Commission says they are experiencing longer wait times. An active issue on your unemployment claim can be anything that affects your eligibility for unemployment benefits. The following unemployment assistance programs are available to assist if you have been unemployed due to COVID-19: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Individuals who do not qualify for state-funded unemployment benefits may qualify for PUA, which is available until week ending December 26, 2020, … John Bel Edwards said Tuesday. Author email; Published Apr … Another day and another set of issues for the beleaguered Louisiana Workforce Commission: Large numbers of jobless workers complained on social media Tuesday that … Stop filing your weekly certification. In a press release, the agency said it sent $45 million in state and federal dollars to unemployed workers on Wednesday, compared to $69 million on Tuesday and $89 million on Monday – for a total of $203 million. The Louisiana Governor’s executive order waives the usual one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect unemployment benefits for the first week you are out of work. However, if you were fired for misconduct relating to your job, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits. Ells, a New Orleans bartender. We check how much money you earned as an employee as well as the reason why you left. Generally, to qualify as leaving for good cause, you have to demonstrate that you tried to resolve the issue by other means before quitting. All I want to do is get answers and my unemployment,” Harris continues. The system was down between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Wednesday, Robert Wooley, the assistant secretary for unemployment insurance, said in an email. The amount of wages you earned determines how much in weekly unemployment benefits you can receive. by: Jenna Jordan. TOPICS OF INTEREST. You have a lot of conjecture without a lot of facts.”. “I’m just trying to be patient with this,” said J.T. … Horne was hardly the only laid off worker who expressed concern Wednesday about not receiving the second $600 payment this week. In order to cancel your unemployment claim, you can: 1. “I’m frustrated. All I want to do is get answers and my unemployment,” Harris continues. Three hours later, Miner was relieved when a Workforce Commission staffer called her and resolved the issues that prevented her from receiving any money. The maximum weekly unemployment benefit amount in Louisiana is $247 a week. If you are found to be eligible, the unemployment office processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving your claim. Woman faces unemployment issues; Louisiana Workplace Commission says they are experiencing longer wait times. However, many … Gov. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisiana had generally seen decreasing unemployment for several years. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie says they’re working to ensure funds do not run out. Why the amount has dropped each day this week is not clear. The Louisiana Workforce Commission, the overburdened agency that oversees the state’s unemployment program, released a statement Wednesday saying officials understand that laid-off workers “may experience a delay” in receiving the second $600 payment. It’s becoming more frustrating each day.”. The state is working on clearing some issues in bulk, which has already helped clear 14,000 claims. BATON ROUGE, La. Copyright 2020 WAFB. In the press release, the agency trumpeted the news that Louisiana is only one of two states that is making the $600 weekly payments to self-employed and independent contractors. All workers who were jobless during the week that ended April 4 would be eligible for that second payment, it added, “Please be aware that all individuals will receive the funds they are entitled to,” the agency statement said. 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