TULSA, Okla. — More than 300,000 Oklahomans are now unemployed because of COVID-19. And many are still having trouble getting access to their unemployment money.
“$39 left is all I have," said Jeff Brown.
Brown is used to working 50 to 60-hour weeks painting airplanes for Spirit Aero Systems in Tulsa. In March, he was off work for two weeks with pay. Then, he was laid off on April 7. That’s when the bills started coming.
“We got a cut-off notice on the electric when we didn’t think anybody was gonna get cut off notices and we’re never late," Brown said.
Brown filed for unemployment immediately. But, three weeks later, he still doesn’t have his debit card.
“I have over $3,900 sitting on it and I can’t get to it at all," he said.
Brown isn’t alone. Many viewers have reached out to 2 Works for You saying they too don’t have their cards. Last week, we reached out to the debit card company, Conduent, and it said its working to get cards into the hands of Oklahomans. But Brown’s wife Amanda said he’s meeting the mailman every day hoping for his card and is disappointed every time.
“And the devastation that I see on his face on a daily basis is very sad and not knowing what our future holds is very scary as well," she said.
While their future is unclear, Brown isn’t losing hope. He said a good samaritan recently gave him $150 while waiting in line at Walmart.
“There is hope and there are good people out there. I see them," he said.
We reached out to Conduent again, but we have not heard back yet.
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