The wait for unemployment assistance is staggering

On Behalf of | Dec 28, 2020 | Unemployment Insurance

For many, the year 2020 has been fraught with worry, especially due to financial issues. While it may seem like many aspects of the world have stalled, many deadlines for making payments certainly haven’t. Unemployment claims climbed to historic highs and overloaded the establishment set up to handle them in a hopefully timely manner.

But, a recent article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shows that the handling has been anything but timely. The article features profiles of Wisconsin residents who are staring down the barrel of unpaid bills while waiting months for respective actions on their claims or appeals.

Just how far behind is the process?

Resident attorney Kelsey Kerr was a featured voice in the article, commenting on the typical process that you can expect after filing for an appeal, and why it’s taking so long for so many people.

Kerr states that an appeal is typically kickstarted after someone faces a denial of benefits. If you question this denial you are encouraged to file an appeal claim, which, under normal circumstances, is often heard by a judge in about a month’s time. A judge will decide whether or not to overturn the appeal.

However, given the historic number of claims, that timeline has shifted. Ms. Kerr is currently dealing with appeals from August, meaning that those expecting a speedy process might encounter anything but.

This is all to say that if you are experiencing financial pressure, you are not alone. In trying times like these, there is help available. Whether it be from a supportive family, or by acquiring the advocacy of someone who works with these claims for a living.

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