I filed for Unemployment Benefits at the beginning of April

Q) I filed for Unemployment Benefits at the beginning of April 2020 like many others in GA. I have been approved because online it no longer says pending and list my weekly benefit amount. This is what it has been saying for months. I call my local career center daily and email them on them just as often and have yet to get a response. I have also contacted the state branch in Atlanta just as much. No response. I have 3 kids and we are struggling to say the least. Since my Augusta, GA, career center is closed due to Coronavirus I have no where else to turn. The fact that I have not received any response to my constant emails and phone calls is very disheartening. I am desperate to get answers, but I guess they no one in the GA DOL has time to respond to me.

A) I understand how frustrating it is to be unable to get through to the unemployment office. I have heard from many people who are in the same situation. The pandemic has put a strain on unemployment offices across the country, and it can be very difficult to get through to someone.

Here are a few things you can try to do to get your unemployment payments:

• Keep calling. I know it’s frustrating, but the more you call, the more likely you are to get through to someone. Try calling at different times of day, and on different days of the week.
• Email. You can also try emailing the unemployment office. This may not be as effective as calling, but it’s worth a try.
• Visit the unemployment office in person. If you can, try visiting the unemployment office in person. This is often the best way to get your issue resolved.
• Contact your state representative. Your state representative can help you get in touch with the unemployment office and expedite your claim.
• Hire an attorney. If you’ve been unsuccessful in getting your unemployment payments, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the unemployment office and get your payments.

I know this is a lot of information, but I hope it helps. I wish you the best of luck in getting your unemployment payments.

In addition to the above, you may also want to try the following:

• Contact your local news station. They may be able to help you get your story out there and put pressure on the unemployment office to resolve your issue.
• Start a petition. This can help to raise awareness of your issue and put pressure on the unemployment office to take action.
• Reach out to your local community for help. There may be organizations or individuals who can help you get through this difficult time.

I know it’s a lot to deal with, but I hope you don’t give up. You deserve to get the benefits you’re entitled to.