Nearly 45,000 Oklahoman's have filed for unemployment assistance through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission this week.
That number is nearly double the claims just last week, causing frustration for both the unemployed and those trying to help them.
Kristen Kearney and her husband have never filed for unemployment before.
Kearney says her initial claim was filed when her husbands hours were cut, but just a few days later, he was laid-off.
"He was working 40 plus hours and they cut him to half where they would just come in on weekends. So, after that, they just laid everyone off and closed the hotel," Kearney said.
When Kearney went to update her claim online, she couldn't.
"When I tried to go in and change that for him, it just kept saying all available weeks have been filed at this time. You had a return date to go back to work but it wouldn’t let me change anything," Kearney said.
"We had been calling and put on hold for five hours yesterday, and even if they do answer the call, it will hang right up. So, I was just so frustrated," She said.
Kearney contacted the problem solvers at 2 Works for You and we found her answers.
The OESC tells us her issue can be fixed by emailing the OESC helps inbox with her husband's information.
A representative with the OESC tells us they understand peoples frustrations and are working on ways to improve their communications with so many people filing claims.
Kearney tells us she's grateful for the help, but with her husband's job situation unknown, she's worried about the future.
"We’re hopeful but at the same time, it’s still kind of scary," Kearney said.
If you need to email the OESC, they are asking you to only send one email. They will get back to you, however, it will take some time as staff is bogged down with emails and calls.
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission information:
- If you are having trouble with your claim, email your name, social and a good contact number to OESC.Helps@oesc.state.ok.us.
- People who have filed and been denied need to file an appeal by emailing uiappeals@oesc.state.ok.us and request an appeal.
- People who forgot their password should email ojlmail@oesc.state.ok.us.
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