Jobless center drowning in sea of benefit claims
By Ed Sealover, Rocky Mountain News
Published January 15, 2009 at 12:05 a.m.
The newly unemployed are having trouble getting help from the state government as the jobless ranks grow.
The state has set a record for unemployment claims in five of the past seven months. The result: as many as 330 people at any time are on hold to talk to call-center representatives, said Mike Cullen, director of Colorado's unemployment insurance program.
The average wait is one hour and 15 minutes, but some people have been on hold for three hours, he said.
Eighty employees work at the call center on an average day. The Department of Labor and Employment has transferred 23 people to call-center duties and is hiring another 30 people in the coming months, Cullen said. But even then, he fears that unemployment will continue to rise and the delays won't end.
"We turn our call center on at 7:30 (a.m.), and at 7:31 all our lines are full," he told the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee Wednesday. "My staff is extremely frustrated in their ability to get to these folks."
The state's unemployment rate hit 5.8 percent in November.
New applications for unemployment benefits reached a record 25,000 in December and even more are expected this month, Cullen said. Roughly 50,000 Coloradans are receiving or are in the process of filing for unemployment benefits, he said.
The crush is also delaying benefits to new applicants.
The process on average can take four to five weeks because of verifications that must be made with the most recent employer, Cullen said. But with the new surge of applications, the office missed the federal standard for timely payments last week for the first time since the recession began, he said.
Staffers have been generous in backdating claims and getting people started as soon as possible, he said.
Still, some committee members asked if there was any way the office could speed up delivery of the first check.
"When I've got a young woman who's providing a predominant income for her family and she's just trying to make something thread-bare . . . I'd like to speed that up," said Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument.
The good news, if any could be found, is that Colorado's unemployment trust fund is not on the verge of bankruptcy like those in many other states, Cullen said.
The fund now has about $660 million in it, enough to keep Colorado from having to borrow federal money to make unemployment benefits, as 11 other states are expected to have to do this year, he said.
Several bills this year are aimed at expanding unemployment benefits.
One filed by Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan, would allow the working spouse of a military member killed in the line of duty to file for Colorado unemployment benefits if they relocate to another state.
Faster benefits
Here's how to speed up the application process:
* File a new claim online. See instructions at cowork force.com/uiic/.
* Use the automated phone line to file a new or continued claim, change an address, or check benefit balance: 303-813-2800
* Read every piece of material you get on unemployment insurance. Many of the questions you may need answered do not require calls to the claims center.
* Check the frequently asked questions at cowork force.com/uib/FAQHome.asp
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January 15, 2009
3:49 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
God bless these people as they struggle; and truthfully speaking, it's going to be far worse than anyone can imagine. Regardless of your party affiliations, the politicians haven't a clue. Their actions are only a band-aid on a much bigger problem; that same band-aid is going to come back and bite them hard. Don't accept the political cover sheet without knowing the rest of the contract folks. All politicians know how to do is throw money at problems, and this time the people haven't a clue where it's going; but best they know who's paying the bill. All those wonderful socalist programs the people were promised this election by the party in power such as healthcare reform, and other socialist programs? Forget about it, government is too broke and the money presses aren't going to solve this one. Survival of the fittest is upon us. But go ahead and buy into the politician's and maybe one day you'll get smart about what they truly are and what they've done to America.
January 15, 2009
6:28 a.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
"All politicians know how to do is throw money at problems"
Funny, I thought politicians MADE money FROM problems. Either way, it comes out of our pockets anyhow :/
January 15, 2009
6:38 a.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
The conservative economic policy of offshoring every American job that isn't nailed down is entering the second stage.
Those whose jobs were stolen cannot afford the products and services of those who still have jobs. So, many who have jobs are now being thrown out of work.
Only a complete idiot would blame "socialism" for this. The USA has had decades of conservative economic control. We HAVE NO national health care system. Profiteering parasites drive businesses into early bankruptcy with the costs of their convoluted health denial plans. Sick workers are routinely denied the care that might help them to return to productive work. Meanwhile employers are paying hefty sums for paperwork in lieu of medicine. This makes American business much less competitive than their foreign counterparts who enjoy the benefits, simplicity, and consistency of their national health plans.
Growing unemployment is also a nature's way of telling us the true cost of all those cheap Chinese goods that have filled our store shelves. Conservatives decry "protectionism". If protectionism is what it takes to keep America working then that's what we need. Tariffs are necessary, especially when countries like China dump products on our markets to destroy US industries. Conservative executives who have been offshoring American jobs are guilty of high treason and need to be treated as such. US manufacturers whose labels have changed from "Made in USA" to "Made in China" no longer have the right to call themselves American. They are traitors to the American people to whom they have done a terrifying injury.
Merely throwing money at the problem is not the answer. Bankers who are now paying themselves millions from the tax payers bailout deserve to be completely impoverished before getting one last cigarette and a blindfold. That money needs to create jobs because jobs create value. That value is what gives the dollar meaning. Work is the true path to economic success.
January 15, 2009
6:53 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
MARCOPOLO, didn't you love how their nation was on it's knees; they pass a bailout and load it up with their own personal pork? I like how the first 350 billion disappeared without any accounting before the people. I willing to bet the bulk went to foreign banks, and other unpopular places. It's the people's money, and the politician knows how to spend it. It's hard, but it's time for a vast overhaul of our monetary system, trade agreements, tax structures, etc.; and it'll be tough drying the drunkards out after they have been drinking so long on the people's dime. Our forefathers did outline a document in desention that was once drafted against a King who claimed vast entitlements; give it a couple of years and the people might need to re-examine the document again as their condition worsens to grave levels of widespread poverty and destruction of America's middle class and poor. Bailouts, stimulus package may sound good, but it's nothing but a last call for alcohol to the politician. In two years, it might be time to put a number on the professional politrician's days in office as the country will be hurting bad enough, the anti-Christ will have no problem getting elected. LOL!~
January 15, 2009
6:58 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
HOLIERTHANTHOU, not blaming socialism, just saying it's implementation may be stalled awhile as the nation can't afford to pay out the money for all the grand dreams that socialism promises to the masses. Even Mr. Obama put his grand design on Healthcare and other social issues of reform on hold, he has much more pressing problems than starting a new social program; believe me, he's right!
January 15, 2009
7:02 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Oh and HOLIERTHANTHOU, who was sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroon under Mr.Clinton, who made those big cash donations to his election funds? You got it, China. Forget about party, both have long sold America out!
January 15, 2009
8:08 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
HolierThanThou, you're one of my favorite posters on this forum, and one of the wisest, to boot. But about this conservative policies thing...as a die-hard lefty, it pains me to admit that Dems and Repubs alike have been right on board the offshoring. This country is in trouble, and neither political party appears to be a trustworthy leader at this point.
These layoffs are happening all over the country, and rather than help the people the government is supposed to represent, they are throwing billions at Bank of America.
I am so outraged over this. Bank of America has already received $15 billion, and what did they do with it? They turned right around and bought up other banks to create an even bigger monopoly, and then doubled their stake in Communist China-owned China Construction Bank.
And get this - they just started beginning layoffs of American workers, a process expected to eliminate at least 35,000 jobs.
Now they want more bailout money. And probably are going to get it.
Meanwhile, an out-of-work dad or mom is freaking out right now over how he or she is going to make ends meet this month.
It is beyond criminal that our elected officials are enabling this travesty. I hope as citizens we can temporarily stop bickering with each other long enough to stop this thievery in it's tracks.
January 15, 2009
8:17 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
My husband and I were discussing what is taking place here now. It is disquieting to realize just how powerful the financial industry has become. I mean, they were always powerful, but they appear to completely run the show and own our politicians now.
And apparently, the exhorbitant fees and interest rates they charge us aren't enough. Now they just straight-out want all our tax money. You can't tell me that this industry doesn't own our politicians when they just got away with one of the most transparently obvious scams of all time.
It is so clear these bailout funds aren't for the purpose of bailing out anyone. It's for the purpose of consolidating the industry into an even more powerful monopoly. Excerpt from CBS article:
"Listen to what BB&T Bank's chief executive told analysts in a conference call shortly after the bailout passed. He's not talking about using bailout funds to help with mortgages or consumer credit - but to buy other banks.
"This is a relatively inexpensive way to raise capital for acquisition opportunities," said John Allison, CEO of BB&T.
A month later, they got $3 billion in bailout money."
Full article here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/0...
January 15, 2009
8:25 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Finally, some outlets in the MSM are doing their job: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/01/...
Read about the bait and switch. I predict this is going to blow up and heads are going to roll - if the public becomes rightfully incensed enough.
I honestly don't know if Bush and Congress were really duped. It's possible. But citizens seemed to know from the get-go that something didn't smell right. We deserve leaders with the fundamental common sense to realize this too, but it doesn't seem like we have them, except for a few brave holdouts who shouldn't be relegated to non-leadership status in the House and Senate.
January 15, 2009
9 a.m.
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rwmorrisonjr writes:
Why doesn't Ritter take some of those new union employees & transfer them to the CDLE unemployment call center to help with phone calls & benefits processing? 4-5 weeks for processing and initial payment is unacceptable in this day & age, especially for people who're relying on these benefits to make ends meet.
January 15, 2009
9 a.m.
Suggest removal
MBR693 writes:
HolierThanThou writes:
>>The conservative economic policy of offshoring every American job that isn't nailed down is entering the second stage.
Offshoring is neither a party policy nor a philosophy. It's about maximizing profits while minimizing costs, which is something every industry tries to do. But you're saying that all the companies that still employ workers in the US are all run by liberals?
>>Only a complete idiot would blame "socialism" for this. The USA has had decades of conservative economic control. We HAVE NO national health care system.
Thank God. Have you ever actually discussed socialized health care with a Canadian or Swede?
>>Profiteering parasites drive businesses into early bankruptcy with the costs of their convoluted health denial plans. Sick workers are routinely denied the care that might help them to return to productive work.
Right. In other words, the insurance companies are trying to maximize profits and control costs by rationing your health care, much in the same way a socialized government does that provides "free" health care in order to control its costs.
>>If protectionism is what it takes to keep America working then that's what we need.
Sure, if you're willing to pay higher costs for goods. You can't have it both ways.
>>Conservative executives who have been offshoring American jobs are guilty of high treason and need to be treated as such.
Ya Komrad, ve must put dem into camps where we execute zem.
>>Merely throwing money at the problem is not the answer. Bankers who are now paying themselves millions from the tax payers bailout deserve to be completely impoverished before getting one last cigarette and a blindfold. That money needs to create jobs because jobs create value. That value is what gives the dollar meaning. Work is the true path to economic success.
But you won't be part of the solution. You're too busy ranting about conservatives to see the big picture.
January 15, 2009
9:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
Willy writes:
Conservative executives who have been offshoring American jobs are guilty of high treason and need to be treated as such.
This is the most stupid statement I have ever read here, which is really saying something.
January 15, 2009
9:38 a.m.
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windbourne writes:
I am now on my 3rd week trying to get through to talk to a real person to resolve an issue so that I can get paid. I have literally called a 1000x's a day.
The first week, I kept getting that QWest "for only .95, we ...." garbage (die qwest, die) due to the busy signal. Took a while to figure out how to turn it off as qwest does not advertise it (use *02; it toggles that horrible thing). The only time that I could get in was at nights.
Last week, on thrs, the automated system changed and it allowed me in, but would get to the point of where I needed a person and then would drop me off because rep was unavailable.
I just now got through and heard again a new menuing system. THIS time, I was not dropped, but am waiting to talk to somebody (better than having to redial).
Things are bad, and getting worse. The state is responding slowly, but it appears that they are responding.
January 15, 2009
9:40 a.m.
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KatieFleming writes:
Common Cause is collecting stories from people who have been affected by the foreclosure crisis. As the House Financial Services holds hearings on the bailout featuring CEOs of big banks and insurance companies, we will be working to amplify the voices of real people and real communities who are struggling.
We are particularly interested to know if:
You have been turned down for a loan or mortgage refinancing by a bank that received federal bailout funds; Your community has cut back on funding for services like police, fire and rescue or public education because the foreclosure crisis has drained its financial resources; You have tried to take advantage of a mortgage foreclosure prevention program like HOPE NOW but not received help.
If you know of others who have stories to tell, please send this link to them: http://www.commoncause.org/Bailout/My....
January 15, 2009
10:04 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
MBR693, I haven't talked to a Swede about their healthcare system, but I have with a Canadian. He wouldn't trade his system for our's for anything in the world. He actually leans conservative in most of his political beliefs, too.
Yes, private health care seeks to maximize it's profits. The way to do that is to deny as many claims as possible, and it's common record these days that thousands of paying customers have died as a result. On the other hand, the profit factor would be removed from National healthcare. Additionally, it would be a single buyer. which would give it enormous bargaining power. Take the first factor into account to realize that national healthcare would be run at cost, take the second factor into account to understand at a much lower cost.
You can provide all the scary stories you want about national healthcare systems, but they've been up and running for decades in many countries. If they were so rotten, they wouldn't have survived this long with their majority citizen approval, nor would these countries' citizens have generally longer life spans and health as good as if not better than our own. I'm sure you have some statistics from a rightwing "think tank" that says otherwise, though, based on your familiar-sounding rhetoric.
January 15, 2009
11:58 a.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
Mytwosense
Good morning and hope you are well. The majority of my relatives on my father's side are Canadian. They would disagree with your friends views. But hey they have disagreements on politics up there too :-)
Yes there are scary stories about nationalized and privatized healthcare. I think both sides of the aisle have think tanks that would discuss these. Just because a person disagrees does not mean it is rhetoric. I disagree with you more than not, but respect and like your opposing posts enough not to consider it rhetoric but dialogue.
I will put a small wager out there that 1+ of the European countries that get held up as a positive view on nationalized HC may in fact use a US based model from which to administer HC coverages in a more "privatized" model.
Also to think that we in the US do not help (though our privatized system) other countries maintain the numbers that are posted, is a bit out of line in my opinion.
Each year our policies go up, we must also look at some of the items that make this cost go up. ie. MMA, SOX, PMI, HIPAA, and a multitude of other Govt mandated costs. While these are there to protect the citizens, they are redundant and run by different agencies that at times cause not only redundancy but worse, opposing requirements. Up to 33% of our HC costs can be attributed to these and other mandates.
January 15, 2009
12:03 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
windbourne,
Sorry for your frustration and anger at not being able to resolve the problems faced by multiple channels. I cant understand, but can see the horror of what you are going through.
I also understand the qwest frustrations. I have those also. But by you going through this, why would you want a company to die as they would have people go through the same issues you are experiencing? While the Corps can be cruel and we at times wish they would cease to exist, also means that the people would be out of a job. Some very good people. Some not so good. But out of a job all the same. I used to work in that industry and can agree at a high level at times :-)
January 15, 2009
12:22 p.m.
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ou8one2 writes:
HolierThanThou writes: Merely throwing money at the problem is not the answer.
Then why is it that liberals always demand more money as the solution to any problem? Especially when the teachers union, school system, and health care industry start crying?
January 15, 2009
12:26 p.m.
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paintsuze writes:
After browsing the several paragraph-long comments above, and viewing everyone's comments about who is to blame, and whose fault it is and what country/system is better BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...
Why can't something simple be done? Get the government to use the bailout money to hire the unemployed people to answer the phones and process their own claim forms?
Sounds weird, but at least it is trying to think of a solution...
January 15, 2009
12:58 p.m.
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1redwingsfan writes:
This is nothing compared to whats going on here in Michigan. Our unemployment is 9.6%. Most people including my husband has been waiting since November to rec his benefits but because of the back log in our state and the problems with our UIA he still has not rec his checks. Even our own government doesn't give a crap about us here. Its really sad. I know more people that have lost everything they ever had because they've lost their jobs and this has nothing to do with the Auto Industry. I'm lucky I have a full time job and can afford the bills so we don't loose the house and at least have some food on the table, but its sparse.
January 15, 2009
1:13 p.m.
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HankReardon writes:
Short-handed and swamped at the Unemployment Office? Is it just me?
January 15, 2009
1:17 p.m.
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1redwingsfan writes:
Hankreardon,
thats what they say here, short handed and won't hire anyone else to pick up the back log until Feb. Now that makes no sense to me at all.
January 15, 2009
1:56 p.m.
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paintsuze writes:
EXACTLY Hank!
If they'd hire me, I'd answer the phones and help fill out paperwork to get claims filed. Oh, then wait a minute, I won't need to file a claim because I'll have a job.
It's kind of one of those when you stand in front of a mirror and look into a mirror and see yourself in the mirror looking into the mirror...but in reverse.
January 16, 2009
4:47 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Hey Detroit, REDWINGSFAN huh? Lucky the Nuggets didn't have Melo in the other nught! Michigan is bad, everytims I go back to Detroit and drive up Gratoit and see the boards on the windows it reminds me just how bad things are there. Downtown Grand Rapids is the same. Now I hear the GM stamping plant in Wyoming, Michigan is closing down. Sad.
January 19, 2009
11:29 a.m.
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Jaybird writes:
My wife was a loyal employee for a National Bank for 5 years. Her position was eliminated on October 31 2008. She has applied for, and been approved for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. However, We have yet to see any money. We have almost depleted our savings. My wife did speak w/ her case manager, the week before Christmas. Her case manager said "I will process your claim after I get to the other 1,000 claims on my desk." We have been unable to get through to speak to anyone regarding payment of Benefits. Who can we complain to? How do we get paid?