My unemployment claims keep getting denied. When I go into Frances it says declined for “failure to provide” but it is NOT being specific with regard to what I am failing to provide. Also when I call your unemployment insurance 1800 number it never goes through. Its as if the line was disconnected. It always has a busy signal. I WANT TO SEE A SPECIALIST IN PERSON. How can I make an appointment?

A) I understand the frustration of having your unemployment claims denied and the difficulty reaching customer service. Here are some ways you can try to get a hold of a specialist and get the issue resolved:

1. Check your online account (Frances):

• Look for additional details on the denial notice within Frances. Sometimes, there might be a section with a reason code or a downloadable document explaining the specific requirement you missed.

2. Try contacting them through alternative methods:

• Many state unemployment offices offer email communication options besides the phone number. Look for a “Contact Us” section on your state’s unemployment department website. You can explain the situation there and request clarification on the denial and how to schedule an appointment with a specialist.

3. Look for local unemployment department offices:

• Some states allow visits to local unemployment offices. Search online for “[Your State] Unemployment Department Offices” to find an office near you. They might have limited hours or require appointments, so check their website for details.

4. Seek help from your local workforce agency:

• Your local workforce agency can offer guidance on unemployment claims and might be able to connect you with someone who can help understand the denial and how to proceed.

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

• The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA): [NASWA unemployment ON National Association of State Workforce Agencies naswa.org]
• Your state’s unemployment department website: You can find the website by searching for “[Your State] Unemployment Department”.

If none of these options work, you might have to be persistent with calling the unemployment office. Try calling at different times of the day, and consider using a waiting time management app to help you stay on hold without missing other important tasks.