In a released report, it was announced that new unemployment claims for the state of California will not be processed for two weeks, according to ABC30.
After having thousands of cases backlogged and to tackle “fraud,” EED alleges this is the only way to get through their records.
“It’s overwhelming. People are hurting and living off their credit cards,” said Senator Scott Wiener. He also stated that even his office can’t get through the EDD phone lines. “They are saying that it’s going to take months and months for them to clear this backlog and that is unacceptable,” said Wiener.
This comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom released a task force report on the delay EDD’s having with delivering benefits for millions of Californians. It’s reported that the task force found that 600,000 workers who still have not received benefits they applied for at least three weeks ago, according to ABC 30. It’s also reported that another 1 million workers who were receiving benefits were suddenly cut off for various reasons.
The biggest issue is the scammers and the filing of false claims. It’s suspected that millions have been collected because of fraud, while legitimate workers are still waiting for benefits.
For now, those who file new claims between now and Oct. 5th will be directed to a temporary web portal to fill out the required information, which won’t be processed until the new automated ID verification system is put in place.
According to CNN, “Employers added 1.4 million jobs in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. Job growth at that level marks a slowdown from earlier this summer: Employers added a revised 1.7 million jobs in July and 4.8 million jobs in June.”
