Michigan's unemployment system is swamped with a backlog of about 100,000 claims involving disputes or problems, as it copes with 450,000 people receiving benefits. "This is not a normal situation," said Norm Isotalo, Unemployment Insurance Agency spokesman.
Indeed.
Michigan's 15.2% unemployment rate leads the nation. Since December, nearly 600,000 new claims were filed for unemployment benefits, with 58,000 new cases in June. To handle the load, the state added 400 unemployment workers -- a 28% increase. It has helped, but the system is still overloaded.
Those who apply or receive benefits can handle their claims online. Those who try to call by phone face hours-long waits, though a new 24-hour phone line aims to reduce wait times.
"I tried for three hours, and I still couldn't get through. My cell phone battery died," said Jerry Glover, 37, who was laid off from his job in Holland making environmental testing equipment.
Added Lillie Yarborough, 62, of Detroit, who lost her job as a customer service representative at AAA Michigan: "I could never get through."
She tried Monday and Tuesday to call to extend her benefits before finally driving to a claims office in Livonia. "They're overwhelmed," Yarborough said. |