Been Unemployed since 30 June 2023, went online filled out all AL unemployment benefit documentation and get a letter back in the mail STATUS: Denied!!!! Call 1-800-361-4524, call that number and get the message call after 5pm Sunday thru Thursday,

so i call it every day and get the message all appointments have been filled for tomorrow, please try again after 5pm , Does anyone ever get an appointment ever, is there really a live person somewhere i can call. Why was i denied, i have worked steadily since 1979 except fora 3 month period in 2015. Why do you make this so hard to contact a live person… Frustrated….

A) I’m sorry to hear that you are frustrated with your unemployment benefit situation. I can try to provide you with some information that might help you.

According to the Alabama Department of Labor, you must meet the following three eligibility requirements in order to collect unemployment benefits in Alabama:

• You must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed.
• You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, as defined by Alabama law.
• You must be able and available to work, and you must be actively seeking work.

If you were denied benefits, it could be because you did not meet one or more of these requirements, or because there was an issue with your claim, such as a dispute from your employer, a missing or incorrect document, or a failure to report income or work search activities.

To find out the specific reason why you were denied benefits, you will need to contact the Alabama Department of Labor. You can do this by calling the toll-free number 1-800-361-4524 after 5 pm Sunday through Thursday to schedule a call back appointment for the following business day. You can also fax a request for an appeal to (334) 956-5891 if you disagree with the decision and want to have a hearing.

Again I understand your frustration with the unemployment benefit application process and the challenges you’ve faced in trying to get in touch with a live person to address your concerns. Dealing with bureaucracy and automated phone systems can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re in a vulnerable situation like unemployment.

Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:

1. Be Persistent: Keep trying to call the provided number after 5pm Sunday through Thursday as instructed. It’s possible that appointment slots open up periodically, so perseverance might pay off.
2. Visit Local Offices: If it’s feasible for you, consider visiting a local unemployment office in person. Sometimes, talking to someone face-to-face can be more effective than dealing with automated systems.
3. Contact Elected Officials: Reach out to your local representatives, such as your state senator or congressperson, and explain your situation. They might be able to help you navigate the system or put pressure on the relevant agency to assist you.
4. Check Online Resources: Many unemployment agencies have websites or online portals where you can check your application status, file appeals, or find additional contact information. Make sure to explore these resources as well.
5. Appeal the Decision: If your application was denied and you believe it was in error, there’s often an appeals process. Look for information on how to appeal the denial decision, and gather any necessary documentation to support your case.
6. Legal Aid or Advocacy Groups: Look for local legal aid organizations or advocacy groups that specialize in unemployment issues. They might be able to offer guidance or even help you navigate the situation.
7. Stay Calm and Polite: While it’s frustrating, try to remain calm and polite when dealing with the system. Getting angry or upset during your interactions might not lead to the desired outcome.

It’s important to remember that government agencies can sometimes be overwhelmed with a high volume of cases, especially during times of economic uncertainty. While this doesn’t excuse the difficulty in getting in touch with a live person, it might explain some of the challenges you’re facing.

Ultimately, I recommend continuing to try to get through to a live person, exploring the avenues mentioned above, and staying persistent in your efforts to resolve the issue.

I understand that it can be difficult and frustrating to reach a live person, especially during these challenging times. However, I encourage you to keep trying and be patient. The Alabama Department of Labor is working hard to process the claims and assist the claimants as quickly as possible.

I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me. I’m here to chat with you.