FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Hundreds of Kentuckians from across the state are at the Capitol Thursday morning for in-person help on unemployment.
This is just a small sample of the people who started lining up outside the Unemployment Insurance Services office in #FrankfortKY. Some were here at 6 a.m. Office doesn't open til 9.
— Alex Valverde (@AlexValverdeTV) June 18, 2020
All are trying to get in-person help for unemployment claims. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/Ej21zmgYin
Many are frustrated after going months without any income or update on their unemployment insurance claims.
In-person unemployment services are happening at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Frankfort from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday. It will be open to everyone but there will be a priority line for anyone who filed in March and hasn't had their claim resolved.
There are different lines. One for people who filed in March. Another for those who filed in April, May, or June. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/IBDYbnVZmN
— Alex Valverde (@AlexValverdeTV) June 18, 2020
This is the third day the state set up this in-person help center after a protest was planned to take place at the Capitol earlier this week.
The line is hundreds, if not a thousand deep. Day 3 of in person “help” as Kentucky’s unemployment insurance claim disaster continues. Some March filers still waiting for their money. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/bUtkHgTfC7
— Michael Berk (@LEX18_Michael) June 18, 2020
Some people in line tell LEX 18 they have returned to work as the state has been reopening over the last month, but bills are still piling up. If they were given a 30 or 60 day grace period on rent or utilities, they now owe all of that money at the end of June or early July. Without backpay from the state, they say they won't be able to get by.
On Thursday, the office told LEX 18 they had to turn away nearly 600 people because they knew they wouldn't be able to get to them all.
WATCH⬇️: Someone standing inside the building where in-person unemployment help was happening, sent me this video that was taken after people were told they would not be seen today. Even though they had been promised they would be.
— Jacqueline Nie (@JacquelineMNie) June 18, 2020
*graphic language is used* @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/DhuLmMTzUP
The office blamed the computer system shutting down at 7 p.m., not allowing staff to input new information.
The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet released a statement that the capacity had been reached and everyone left would be reached by phone.
In-person unemployment services will also be available on Friday. It will be open to everyone but there will be a priority line for anyone who filed in March or April and hasn't had their claim resolved.
Click here for more information, including frequently asked questions, when it comes to unemployment assistance.
