LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Two weeks after Gov. Andy Beshear promised relief for March filers, many Kentuckians are still dealing with problems receiving their unemployment insurance money.
Some worry about how they'll pay the bills or put food on the table as we approach the two month mark since many businesses had to temporarily close.
Lucia Leszczynski says business at the Courtyard Marriott in Hamburg where she worked was hit hard by the pandemic.
"It was just unreal not running into people, it looked deserted," said Leszczynski.
Leszczynski was laid off back on March 20. She says she applied for unemployment right away, but it's been an uphill battle. She says she's called the hotline over and over again, and waited for hours on hold, but her claim still says under investigation. Leszczynski tells us her bills just keep piling up, and it's led to a lot of sleepless nights.
"It's been so stressful, I feel overwhelmed at this point. It just kind of makes you wonder - I'm quarantining with my boyfriend and I have family, and I just wonder if it weren't for them where would I be? How would I get food when I'm without income," said Leszczynski.
Ian Blevins is in a similar boat. He was laid off from his manufacturing job in Danville back in late March.
"I don't really call every day anymore because it don't really get me anywhere. It's always a 'you gotta wait for a call back, It's a level 2 problem,' whatever that means," said Blevins.
He says he has yet to receive any unemployment insurance money. In the meantime, Blevins tells us he's been stretching out his stimulus check from the federal government to provide for his young son.
"We get by, but it's not how we could be getting by you know what I'm saying? So it's rough, it is, not gonna lie. We just make it work," said Blevins.
LEX 18 reached out to state officials to find out a status of both of their claims, and we're told an unemployment specialist would look into it.
